Your brightest smile awaits with modern implant dentures …
FAQs about superior fit, stunning tooth replacement
Bright Dental – Brianna Rafetto D.M.D., P.A. encourages you to rethink your perception of dentures. Today’s patients have options, for starters. These varied options are made from the finest materials and with sophisticated planning and placement techniques and technologies. Altogether, these features contribute to patient satisfaction with their new teeth and are a far cry from your grandmother’s plastic-looking, ill-fitting “false teeth.”
So, what options are available?v
Of course, the most appropriate course of action depends on your needs and the situation. However, our office in Middletown, Delaware, generally provides both conventional dentures and dentures that are supported by implants (or “over-dentures”).
What are implants?
Implants are small cylindrical-shaped posts or parts of the new teeth. They are made from biocompatible (or tissue-compatible) materials, such as titanium or zirconium. They are designed to be positioned surgically in the jawbone. In the months after their placement, implants naturally fuse to the rest of the bone in the jaw. Once this process of osseointegration is complete, the prosthetic teeth are connected to the implants. In this manner, implants function like tooth roots. They hold the replacement teeth securely in the mouth. A single implant can secure and stabilize one tooth in the mouth. Alternatively, a few strategically placed implants can secure multiple or all replacement teeth in the upper or lower jaws.
How do implants support dentures?
The implant denture or overdenture typically features small attachments that snap onto the implants. In turn, the denture relies on the artificial “roots” or implants secured in the jawbone for support and stability—just like natural, healthy teeth!
How do these dentures compare to conventional dentures?
With conventional dentures, the denture base covers the entire roof or floor of the mouth. The base relies on natural suction or products such as adhesives for its support. These traditional dentures require ongoing relining, rebasing, replacement, and adjustment to conform to the changing shape of the mouth and tissues over time. Overdentures do not require such ongoing adjustments. They can last a long time, even a lifetime, with good home care and visits to our office in Middletown, Delaware. The “magic” is in their ability to strengthen the bone in the jaw. Since the force from chewing is transferred directly from the prosthetic teeth to the “roots” implanted in the jaw, the supportive bone stays strong and healthy! The structure of the face remains unchanged. Chewing and speech functions also remain intact.
What if I already have a denture and hate how it fits?
Bright Dental – Brianna Rafetto D.M.D., P.A., can help with that! As appropriate, we may discuss a new denture that is supported with implants. Or, as an alternative to the overdenture, Dr. Rafetto may find that you are a good candidate for a “hybrid” denture. This option generally retrofits existing dentures or conventional dentures with implants to bring their level of stability and comfort to new heights!
Now, a question for you … What are you waiting for when your new smile awaits at your trusted neighborhood dental care provider? Contact us at (302) 391-6222 without delay to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Rafetto.
