How Long Do Implant Retained Dentures Last?
Often referred to as clip-on dentures or snap-on dentures, implant-retained dentures are full rows of prosthetic teeth that rely on surgically placed dental implants for stability and support. They differ significantly from traditional dentures in their stability and comfort, providing a welcome alternative for those who’ve used traditional removable dentures. Using a few strategically located dental implants, implant-retained dentures are secure and sturdy, unlike their removable counterparts. But how long can implant-retained dentures be expected to last? Are they truly considered a permanent solution? Read on to learn more about the details, including the lifespan, of implant-retained dentures.
Are Implant Retained Dentures a Permanent Solution?
Implant-retained dentures are removable, snapping onto and off of the attachment abutments on the dental implants. In many cases, dentists are able to use as few as two dental implants on the bottom jaw, or four implants on the top jaw, to support an entire row of teeth. While the row of teeth, or denture, is designed to be removable, the implants themselves are designed to be permanent. As the implant posts and jawbone heal, they fuse together in a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration takes time, but the outcome is worth the wait: once this process is complete, the implant post and surrounding bone are permanently fused, creating a reliably sturdy base for a dental restoration. If they don’t have sufficient time to heal or if they are not cared for properly, dental implants can fail and will need to be replaced. With proper care, however, implants placed by a reputable implant dentist can last 20 years or more. While the implants themselves are designed to be permanent, the snap-on denture will likely need to be replaced around every seven years, thanks to the visible aspects of normal wear and tear. The attachment components will also need to be replaced, usually every one or two years.
How Can I Get the Most from My Implant Retained Dentures?
Just as proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are important aspects of retaining and maintaining healthy teeth and gums, these things are also crucial to maintaining the stability of dental implants and the comfort of implant-retained dentures. Seeing your dentist every six months will help ensure that your dental implants are functioning as they should and that your oral tissues are thriving and free of bacterial buildup. Implant-retained dentures are removed for cleaning, and they should also be taken out and soaked in a hydrating cleaning solution while you’re sleeping. Following your dentist’s instructions for cleaning your denture will help it retain its lifelike appearance and function, and keeping the oral tissues clean will help ensure the longevity and stability of your dental implants. Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to gently remove bacteria from the oral tissues, keeping the oral cavity clean even when there are no natural teeth to brush. You can eat a normal diet with implant retained dentures, though you may have difficulty biting down on hard foods with the front teeth and could damage or dislodge your denture; to maintain your denture and its attachment pieces for as long as possible, consider cutting your food into manageable bites and chewing with the back teeth, which are better suited to support such forces. With these small steps, you can do your part to help your implant-retained dentures serve your needs for many years.