Implant retained dentures are dentures that are secured and supported by dental implants. Dental implants are fine titanium rods, which are fixed into pre-drilled sockets in the jaw bone to replace the root portion of the missing tooth. In some cases, dentures cannot be supported by the jaw bone alone and implants are required to secure the dentures.
If the lower jaw has suffered bone loss, it may not be able to support dentures and implants may be recommended. This is to give the dentures extra anchorage and support the bone tissue. In the upper jaw, implants may be recommended for patients who have a very sensitive gag reflex, as they enable dentists to use a smaller denture base rather than a base that occupies the whole of the palate. This in turn reduces the risk of the patient gagging.
If the patient does not have sufficient bone mass to support a traditional implant, a mini implant may be used instead. These types of implants are smaller than traditional implants and also provide a cheaper option in terms of costs.
What are the benefits of implant retained dentures?
Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular way of replacing lost teeth, because they look like and function in exactly the same way as natural teeth. Implant retained dentures have also grown in popularity, owing to the range of benefits they provide:
- The dentures are much more secure than traditional removable dentures because the implants provide better anchorage
- The dentures offer peace of mind because there is no chance of the dentures coming loose
- The dentures feel and look exactly like natural teeth
- Implant retained dentures do not negatively affect your ability to eat and they will not change your speech. In fact, wearing implant retained dentures will actually improve your ability to eat and make your speech clearer
- implants decrease bone loss, which usually occurs when the teeth are lost
- implants can improve the aesthetic of the face, as they provide support for the lips, which helps to prevent sagging and wrinkles
- Implants last longer than other restorative treatments, which ultimately leads to money being saved over the years
How much do implant retained dentures cost?
Implant retained dentures are much more expensive than traditional dentures. This is because implants provide much better support and anchorage than normal dentures and they also prevent bone loss and function in the same way as natural teeth. Implants also provide a better aesthetic than conventional dentures.
The cost of dentures varies according to the number of dentures you need, the type of dentures you choose and the clinic you visit; some clinics may charge higher fees than others. As a general guide, you can expect to pay between £6,000 and £10,000 for at least two dental implants and dentures.