If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, you might be wondering what options you have for restoring your smile. While traditional dentures can replace missing teeth, they don’t always provide the best fit or function. That’s where implant-supported full-arch prostheses come in. This treatment gives you a fixed set of replacement teeth that look, feel, and work like natural teeth.
What Are Implant-Supported Full-Arch Prostheses?
An implant-supported full-arch prosthesis is a permanent set of replacement teeth that are held in place by dental implants. Instead of resting on your gums like traditional dentures, this prosthesis is securely anchored to your jaw using several titanium implants. These implants act like artificial tooth roots, and provide a strong foundation for your new teeth.
Because the prosthesis is fixed in place, it offers better stability than regular dentures. You won’t have to deal with messy adhesives, and you won’t have to worry about your teeth slipping while you eat or speak. The result is a smile that not only looks natural but also functions just like real teeth.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an Implant-Supported Prosthesis?
This treatment is a great option for many people, but it’s not right for everyone. Here’s what makes someone a good candidate:
Missing Most or All of Your Teeth
An implant-supported prostheses could be life-changing if you’ve lost most or all of your teeth from decay, gum disease, or an injury. Instead of dealing with a removable denture, you’ll have a fixed set of teeth that stay in place.
Good Overall Health
Since getting dental implants involves a surgical procedure, you need to be generally healthy. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease could slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Your dentist will review your medical history to make sure you’re healthy enough for the procedure.
Healthy Gums
Gum disease can weaken the tissues and bone that support dental implants. The disease will make the gums so weak that they won’t be able to support the implant and cause a lot of pain. If your gums are diseased, they’ll need to be treated before getting implants. Healthy gums are essential for the long-term success of your new teeth.
Sufficient Jawbone Density
Your jawbone needs to be strong enough to hold the implants in place. You have likely lost bone in your jaw if you have been missing teeth for a while. Because of this loss, you might need a bone graft before getting implants. The bone graft procedure helps rebuild the bone so it can properly support the implants.
Non-Smoker (or Willing to Quit)
Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. If you’re a smoker, your dentist may recommend quitting, at least during the healing period. Quitting for a while can give your implants the best chance of success.
Commitment to Good Oral Hygiene
While implants are strong and durable, they still need proper care. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are essential to keep your implants and gums healthy. If you’re not committed to maintaining your oral hygiene, you could risk infections or implant failure.
Realistic Expectations
The process of getting implant-supported prostheses isn’t instant. It can take several months, including the time needed for healing after the implants are placed. While the wait is worth it, it’s important to understand that this is a long-term process with life-changing results.
Why Choose Implant-Supported Prostheses?
If you’re a good candidate for this treatment, the benefits go far beyond just having a complete smile again. Here’s what makes implant-supported prostheses a great choice:
Better Stability and Comfort
Unlike traditional dentures that can shift or slip, implant-supported prostheses stay firmly in place. You won’t have to worry about them moving when you eat or talk, giving you confidence in any situation.
Improved Chewing Ability
Since your new teeth are anchored securely to your jaw, you can eat a much wider variety of foods without discomfort. Hard or chewy foods that can be difficult with traditional dentures become much easier to handle. This means you can enjoy your favorite meals again and maintain better nutrition.
A Natural Look and Feel
Implant-supported prostheses are custom-designed to match the shape, size, and color of your original teeth. Because they are fixed in place, they also feel more like natural teeth than removable dentures.
Prevents Bone Loss
When teeth are missing, the jawbone naturally begins to shrink over time. Dental implants help prevent this bone loss by stimulating the bone just like natural tooth roots do. This keeps your jaw strong and helps maintain the shape of your face. You can prevent the sunken appearance that often comes with missing teeth.
Long-Lasting Solution
With proper care, implant-supported prostheses can last for many years or even decades. They are a more permanent solution compared to traditional dentures, which you might need to replace more frequently.
Is an Implant-Supported Prosthesis Right for You?
If you’re tired of dealing with missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures, implant-supported full-arch prostheses might be the perfect thing for you. They offer a stable, long-lasting, and natural-looking way to restore your smile and improve your overall quality of life.
The best way to find out if this treatment is right for you is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your options, and help you decide if dental implants are the best fit for your needs.
Ready to take the next step toward a confident, healthy smile? Contact Aesthetic Dentistry Centre today to learn more about implant-supported prostheses and how Dr. Sara Chen can transform your life.