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If you are tired of slipping dentures or missing teeth that make chewing difficult, there is a stable and long-lasting solution.
Implant-supported dentures combine the reliability of dental implants with the convenience of dentures.
This blog explains how implant-supported dentures work, who can benefit, and why they are one of the most trusted full-mouth restoration options available.
Table of Contents
- What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
- How Implant-Supported Dentures Work
- Key Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
- Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Why Choose Foley & Le Oral Surgery?
- Book a Dental Implant Consultation in Boulder, CO
- FAQs About Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures provide a stable, long-term solution for missing teeth. By anchoring to the jawbone, they improve chewing ability, protect against bone loss, and feel more like natural teeth. For many patients, they offer better comfort, function, and confidence than traditional dentures.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are full-arch custom dentures that connect securely to dental implants placed in your jawbone.
Unlike traditional dentures that rest on your gums and may shift throughout the day, these are anchored by 4–6 dental implants. Once placed, a custom-fitted bar-retained denture or fixed implant-supported denture attaches to the implants for a snug, removable or permanent fit.
How Implant-Supported Dentures Work
This treatment happens in several phases, each designed for long-term oral health and functionality.
1. Initial consultation and imaging
- Your surgeon will evaluate your bone structure and jawbone density using CBCT imaging.
- A custom plan is created, including implant placement and the type of denture recommended.
2. Implant placement surgery
- Four to six titanium posts are placed into the jawbone.
- These act like natural tooth roots and form the foundation for your restoration.
3. Healing period and temporary restoration
- Over a period of time (typically 3–6 months), the bone fuses with the implants in a process called osseointegration.
- Temporary dentures or a healing denture are provided while osseointegration occurs.
4. Final denture attachment
- Once healed, the custom denture is secured to the implants.
- Depending on your case, you may receive fixed implant-supported dentures or snap-in dentures.
Key Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Compared to regular dentures, implant-supported options offer:
- Superior stability: No slipping, clicking, or trapped food.
- Bone preservation: Implants act like a tooth root and stimulate the jaw bone, preventing bone resorption.
- Improved function: Eat a wider variety of foods with better chewing ability.
- Increased comfort: No pressure points or irritation to the gum tissue like traditional dentures.
- Natural appearance: Implant dentures look and feel like real teeth.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
If you are missing all or most of your teeth, you may be a strong candidate for this type of dental restoration. It is often a good option if:
- You wear removable dentures and want better stability.
- You still have some healthy teeth or wear a partial denture.
- You have enough jawbone or are willing to consider bone grafting.
- You are in good overall health and maintain good oral hygiene.
- You want a long-term solution that restores comfort and confidence
Even if you have worn traditional dentures for years or experienced bone loss, implant-supported dentures may still be possible with bone grafting or other preparatory treatments.
Cost Considerations for Implant-Supported Dentures
While implant-supported dentures cost more upfront than a conventional denture, they offer effective solutions for long-term health and function.
Factors that affect the cost of implant treatment include:
- Number of implants and type of implant used
- Additional procedures, ie. bone grafting
- Fixed vs removable denture choice
- Materials used and complexity of the dental arch
Why Choose Foley & Le Oral Surgery?
At Foley & Le Oral Surgery in Boulder, CO, we provide advanced, patient-centered care for those seeking lasting solutions to tooth loss. Our team focuses on restoring function, comfort, and confidence with precision and care.
What sets our practice apart:
- A conservative approach that preserves healthy bone and natural teeth whenever possible.
- Advanced technology including virtual surgical planning and guided implant surgery for accurate, efficient treatment.
- A focus on patient comfort, healing, and long-term success.
- Clear, honest recommendations tailored to your goals and needs.
- Extensive experience in full mouth dental implant solutions.
We don’t push procedures. We help you make confident, informed decisions about your health and smile.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation in Boulder, CO
Ready to explore implant-supported dentures? Schedule your initial consultation today!
Book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO. Call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.
FAQs About Implant-Supported Dentures
With proper oral hygiene practices and regular checkups, the implants can last a lifetime. The denture restoration may need replacement after 10–15 years due to wear, but this varies by individual.
While implant-supported dentures do involve a surgical procedure and a longer healing period, many patients find the long-term benefits well worth the investment. The stability, comfort, and natural feel they provide often outweigh the initial recovery time. Although the upfront cost is higher than traditional dentures, they typically require less maintenance over time.
Yes, in most cases, you can sleep with implant-supported dentures in place. Unlike removable dentures, they are designed to stay secure. However, your oral surgeon may recommend removing overdentures at night depending on the type and your hygiene needs.
Implant-retained dentures snap onto implants and are often removable. They rely on the implants for stability but still rest partly on the gums. Implant-supported dentures are more secure, often fixed in place, and receive full support from the implants rather than the gums, offering better function and comfort.
