How Long Do Implant Retained Dentures Last?
Implant retained dentures, also referred to as snap-in dentures, are dentures that attach to dental implants that have been surgically placed in the jawbone of a patient who is missing multiple natural teeth. These dental restoration treatments are a popular choice, providing many of the benefits of dental implants with the affordability of dentures. Dental implants are known for their durability, as the implant posts fuse together with the jawbone after they are embedded within it. This creates a strong, stable support for a denture, and the implants also stimulate the bone tissue, helping keep the jawbone healthy and robust. Implant retained dentures snap on to the dental implants, using attachment fixtures that have been built into the base of the denture. These attachments hold the denture firmly in place, eliminating many of the drawbacks that tend to arise with conventional dentures while enhancing the structure of the jaw and helping to maintain its health.
Because implant supported dentures require surgery, in order to place the dental implants in the jawbone, they cost more than removable dental restorations like traditional dentures. In the long run, however, implant supported dentures are consistently the more cost-effective treatment. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with the proper care. The denture itself can be expected to last about 7 to 15 years before showing signs of daily wear and tear, and the rings that secure the attachment apparatus for snap-on dentures will need to be replaced every few years in a simple clinical procedure. While it may be possible in some cases to retrofit an existing denture for use as a snap-on denture, in all cases, it is preferable to have a custom-made denture that is intentionally designed to accommodate dental implants, and these custom dentures can be expected to last longer than other types.
There are several factors that will contribute to the longevity of your implant supported dentures. As the surgical sites heal following implant surgery, the bone fuses to the implant, creating a permanent bond. If healing is rushed or compromised and this fusion, called osseointegration, doesn’t occur, any implant that is placed can be expected to fail. This healing process takes a few months, and adherence to aftercare recommendations during healing is integral to its success. In most cases, implant failure can be linked with the habits or behaviors of the patient, like poor oral hygiene, smoking, or mismanaged health conditions that increase the likelihood of inflammation. If you have any medical conditions that interfere with your healing, or any known medical conditions at all, make sure to inform your dentist about these during your initial consultation so that they can be addressed before implant treatment. Properly cleaning your dentures and your oral cavity and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings can help prevent implant failure that could arise due to gum disease. While there may not be natural teeth present to collect bacteria and debris, the dental appliances themselves can harbor bacteria and cause infection in the oral cavity, and your attention to your oral health could keep this infection at bay and help your implant supported dentures last as long as possible.