Staying active as you age shouldn’t mean worrying about your teeth slipping or shifting during your favorite activities. Implant-supported dentures offer a permanent solution that lets you focus on what matters most, whether you’re playing golf, hiking, or simply enjoying meals with family and friends.
At Atlas Dental Specialists, we help active seniors restore both function and confidence with secure, natural-feeling tooth replacement options. Dr. Nicholas Mangini and Dr. Mara Mangini work with patients throughout Pittsburgh to design custom implant-supported dentures that fit seamlessly into your active lifestyle.
What Makes Implant-Supported Dentures Different
Traditional removable dentures rest on your gums and rely on adhesives or suction to stay in place. Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone, creating a stable foundation that mimics natural tooth roots.
This design offers several advantages. The implants fuse with your bone through a process called osseointegration, providing strength comparable to natural teeth. You can eat foods that might be difficult with traditional dentures, and you don’t need to remove your dentures for cleaning each night.
How the Treatment Works
The process typically occurs in stages. First, titanium implants are placed in strategic positions along your jaw. After a healing period of several months, custom dentures are attached to these implants using special connectors.
Some patients can receive their implants and temporary dentures on the same day, while others may benefit from a more gradual approach. Your treatment timeline depends on factors like bone density, overall health, and the number of implants needed.
Benefits for Active Lifestyles
Implant-supported dentures eliminate many concerns that limit seniors with traditional dentures. You can speak clearly without worrying about dentures slipping during conversation. Physical activities become easier when you’re not concerned about dentures shifting position.
The stability also supports better nutrition. You can bite into apples, enjoy steaks, and eat corn on the cob without hesitation. This improved diet can contribute to better overall health and energy levels.
Bone preservation is another vital benefit. Natural teeth and implants both stimulate your jawbone through chewing forces. The American Dental Association notes that implants help maintain bone structure in ways that traditional dentures cannot, potentially slowing the facial changes that sometimes occur after tooth loss.
Types of Implant-Supported Dentures
Two main options exist for implant-supported dentures. Fixed dentures attach permanently to your implants and can only be removed by your dentist during checkups. These function most like natural teeth and typically require four to six implants per arch.
Removable implant-supported dentures snap onto two to four implants but can be taken out for cleaning. This option costs less than fixed dentures while still providing more stability than traditional removable dentures.
Your choice depends on several factors:
- Lifestyle preferences: Fixed dentures eliminate the need for nightly removal but require professional cleaning. Removable options offer easier at-home maintenance.
- Bone density: Patients with significant bone loss may need bone grafting to support fixed dentures, while removable options sometimes work with fewer implants.
- Budget considerations: Removable implant dentures typically cost less upfront and may fit better with insurance coverage or payment plans.
- Maintenance comfort: Some patients prefer cleaning dentures outside their mouth, while others appreciate the convenience of permanent restoration.
Each option offers substantial improvements over traditional dentures in terms of stability and comfort.
Maintaining Your Implant-Supported Dentures
Daily care for implant-supported dentures resembles caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying attention to where the dentures meet your gums. Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria around the implant sites.
Regular dental visits remain important. Professional cleanings remove buildup from hard-to-reach areas and allow your dentist to check implant stability. Most patients need checkups every six months, though some may benefit from more frequent visits during the first year.
Avoid habits that could damage your restoration. Don’t chew on hard objects like ice or pen caps. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard designed for implant-supported dentures.
Restore Your Active Lifestyle With Atlas Dental Specialists
Implant-supported dentures can help you maintain the active, fulfilling lifestyle you’ve worked hard to build. The stability and functionality they provide may open doors to activities and foods you’ve avoided with traditional dentures. At Atlas Dental Specialists, we bring together the skills of both general and specialty dentistry to create tooth replacement solutions tailored to your needs.
Our team uses advanced imaging and planning techniques to design your treatment for optimal results. We also offer flexible financing options to make this investment in your quality of life more accessible. If you’re ready to explore implant-supported dentures, contact our team to schedule a consultation at our Shadyside or Downtown Pittsburgh location.
