What Are Implant Supported Dentures and How Do They Work?

Key Takeaways

• Traditional removable dentures only provide around 10% of your natural biting and chewing strength. Implant supported dentures offer significantly more.
• Implant supported dentures are held in place by dental implants, so slipping and falling out aren't a concern.
• At National Dental, extractions, implant placement, and custom denture design all happen under one roof.
• Most people you interact with will never know you were ever missing teeth.
• Implant supported dentures also stimulate jawbone growth, which removable dentures don't do.

Many people with multiple missing teeth choose removable dentures to restore their smile and get back to normal life. And while they do the job to a degree, removable dentures come with real limitations. They only provide around 10% of your natural biting and chewing strength, they can slip at the worst moments, and they frequently need to be replaced or adjusted as your jawline changes over time. Implant supported dentures were designed to solve exactly those problems.

What This Blog Covers

• How the implant supported dentures process works
• The key benefits of implant supported dentures
• How they differ from traditional removable dentures
• Why the technology and specialists at National Dental make a difference
• FAQs

Most patients who switch from removable dentures to implant supported dentures say the same thing: they wish they'd done it sooner. Here's a clear look at why.

The Implant-Supported Dentures Process Explained

Implant supported dentures combine a denture prosthesis with permanent dental implants to replace all of your missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures that sit loosely on the gums, these are anchored securely into your jaw. Here's how the process works step by step:

• Extractions first:
  Any failing or remaining teeth that need to come out are removed. At National Dental, this can happen the same day as your implant placement.
• Implant placement:
  Between two and eight dental implants are placed strategically into the areas of your jaw with the most bone density.
• Healing phase:
  The implants fuse with your jawbone over time, a process called osseointegration. This is what gives them their stability.
• Denture attachment:
  Once healed, a custom-made denture that has been retrofitted to support the implants is securely attached.

You can still remove your implant supported dentures at night for cleaning, but during the day they stay firmly in place. No slipping, no adjusting, no worrying.

The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures Over Traditional Dentures

The difference goes beyond just fit and comfort. Here's what implant supported dentures offer that removable dentures simply can't:

1. Fit & Stability

Implant-Supported Dentures:
Securely anchored to the jawbone, so they don’t slip, click, or fall out unexpectedly.

Traditional Dentures:
Rely on suction or adhesive and may shift while speaking, laughing, or eating.

2. Bite Strength & Diet

Implant-Supported Dentures:
Provide near-natural biting force, allowing you to enjoy foods like steak, apples, and crunchy vegetables.

Traditional Dentures:
Offer reduced chewing power, meaning tougher or sticky foods often need to be avoided.

3. Comfort & Feel

Implant-Supported Dentures:
Rest on implants rather than directly on the gums, reducing friction and irritation.

Traditional Dentures:
Sit directly on the gum tissue, which can sometimes lead to sore spots or movement.

4. Long-Term Bone Health

Implant-Supported Dentures:
Act like natural tooth roots, helping maintain jawbone density over time.

Traditional Dentures:
Do not stimulate the bone, which may lead to gradual bone loss and changes in facial structure.

5. Maintenance & Lifestyle

Implant-Supported Dentures:
Often cleaned much like natural teeth, without the need for adhesives or soaking solutions.

Traditional Dentures:
Typically removed nightly and require special cleaning products and adhesives.

Implant Supported Dentures at National Dental

When you choose National Dental for implant supported dentures in New York, you get something most dental offices can't offer: every specialist you need under one roof. Extractions, implant placement, and custom denture design, milling, and fitting all happen in one location. That means less running around, fewer referrals, and a more seamless experience from start to finish.

Here's what your care at National Dental looks like:

• Detailed digital imaging using a cone beam CT scanner gives our doctors a precise picture of your oral structure.
• Computer-generated implant guides direct our doctors to the exact angle, depth, and position for each implant, so nothing is left to guesswork.
• Same-day extractions and implant placement mean you spend less time in the process and more time enjoying your results.
• IV sedation available for patients who need a calmer, more comfortable experience throughout their treatment.

Our team of highly trained implant specialists has helped patients throughout New York reclaim their smiles, their confidence, and their quality of life.

FAQs

Q. How many implants do I need for implant supported dentures?
A. It depends on your individual case. Our doctors typically place between two and eight implants, positioned in areas of your jaw with the strongest bone. Your consultation will give you a clear answer specific to your situation.

Q. Can I still remove implant supported dentures?
A. Yes. You can take them out at night for cleaning and sleeping. The difference from regular dentures is that during the day they're firmly secured to your implants, so removal is your choice, not an accident.

Q. How long does the whole process take?
A. Extractions and implant placement can happen the same day at National Dental. The healing and fusion phase takes a few months. Once the implants are fully integrated, your permanent denture is attached and you're done.

Q. Are implant supported dentures covered by insurance?
A. Coverage varies by plan. Our team can help you understand your options and work through the financial side during your consultation.

Q. What if I don't have enough bone for implants?
A. This is something we assess during your initial consultation using our cone beam CT scanner. In some cases, bone grafting can be done to build up the density needed for successful implant placement.

Q. How do I clean implant supported dentures?
A. Remove them at night and clean them thoroughly. During the day, a water flosser and antibacterial mouthwash help keep the gum tissue and implant sites clean and healthy.

Ready to Find Out If Implant Supported Dentures Are Right for You?

Book your consultation for implant supported dentures at National Dental in New York today and get a personalized plan built around your smile goals, your concerns, and your timeline. Call us at (516) 696-7900 or contact us online to get started.

Schedule a Consultation

Conclusion

Removable dentures have helped a lot of people, but they were never a perfect solution. Implant supported dentures change the equation entirely. A stronger bite, a secure fit, natural appearance, and long-term bone health are things removable dentures simply can't deliver. If you've been living with the limitations of traditional dentures or are weighing your options for the first time, implant supported dentures are worth a serious look. The team at National Dental is here to walk you through every step of the process, from your very first scan to your final fitting.