Dentures in Syracuse, NY

For the 36 million Americans who are without any remaining natural teeth—a condition known as edentulism—the solution for decades, even centuries, has been to get dentures. But these days, there are more denture options than ever. Those seeking tooth replacement have a wide range of solutions that include implant-retained dentures and roundhouse bridges.

Dr. Brent Bradford is well-versed in various denture types. At your free consultation, he will discuss the available options in detail, assisting you in making a decision that aligns with your budget and lifestyle preferences.

Different Types of Dentures

There are many varieties of dentures, but modern solutions use dental implants for added stability. These implant dentures are alternatives to traditional full dentures. The dentures that are best for you will depend on factors like desired stability, appearance, and budget. With your preferences in mind, Dr. Bradford will guide you in selecting the prosthesis that suits you best.

Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures, also known as complete or full dentures, are designed to replace all your teeth. These false teeth rest on top of your gums and depend on suction to stay in place. Upper dentures also cover the soft palate to help prevent slipping and sliding while eating or speaking.

Although a tried-and-true method for replacing an entire arch of teeth, traditional dentures are not as stable as modern approaches, and their fit declines over time. Their ability to be removed allows for convenience and cleaning but comes with the risk of loss or damage.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain in the arch. They connect to your existing teeth through metal or plastic clasps and can also be removed at night for cleaning and comfort.

Implant-Retained Overdentures

Sometimes referred to as “snap-on” dentures or just overdentures, this option uses 4-8 mini dental implants to serve as a stable base for a full set of new teeth. These are removable at home, and in certain cases, your existing pair of traditional dentures can be converted to snap onto the implants if there is enough room and quality material to work with. Dr. Bradford can evaluate your existing dentures at your complimentary consultation.

Semi-Removable Roundhouse Bridge

Dentures in Syracuse, NY - Implant Dentures in Syracuse, NYHave you ever heard of the All-on-4® or Fix-on-Six® systems? They are both examples of a semi-removable roundhouse bridge; one uses conventional dental implants while the other uses the smaller mini dental implant. For the more modern Fix-on-Six® system, between 6 and 10 mini dental implants are placed in the jawbone, providing a sturdier and more secure anchor point for the full arch bridge.

This type of implant denture is referred to as “semi-removable” because it cannot be removed at home—only an experienced implant dentist like Dr. Bradford can remove the restoration for professional cleaning and maintenance.

Non-Removable Roundhouse Bridge

Sometimes referred to as “permanent dentures,” this option provides the ultimate level of stability, security, and comfort. With 10-12 mini implants and dental cement holding the roundhouse bridge in place, this implant solution closely mimics the look, feel, and function of your original teeth.

Both the semi- and non-removable roundhouse bridges are made of zirconia, a remarkably strong and fracture-resistant dental material. Between the bridge and the sheer number of implants used to secure the apparatus, it doesn’t get any more stable or secure than this.

Issues With Traditional Dentures

While traditional dentures have been a reliable choice, mini dental implants offer solutions to several issues associated with them.

  • Slipping and sliding: Because they simply rest on the gum ridge, traditional dentures have a chance of sliding around or even popping out of your mouth at embarrassing or inopportune moments.
  • Adjusted diet: Not only do traditional dentures slip easily, but they are not as strong as your natural teeth. The diminished biting power of traditional options means that you might need to give up some of your favorite foods.
  • Loss or damage: The constant removal process that comes with traditional dentures means that they are at a higher risk for damage or even of being lost.
  • Constant adjustments or adhesives: Traditional dentures have to be adjusted, or “relined,” in order to maintain fit. Sometimes, wearers turn to messy and expensive adhesives to secure their teeth.
  • Jawbone deterioration: Because traditional dentures only replace teeth, not tooth roots, they do not prevent jawbone and tissue loss. This can lead to a sunken-looking face in the future.

While traditional dentures solve some issues stemming from tooth loss, they introduce new problems. The good news? These problems are solved by choosing an implant denture using mini dental implants.

Mini Implant Dentures: The Secure Choice

Are you tired of missing teeth holding you back from enjoying all that life has to offer? If you’re ready to change your life with the transformative power of mini implant dentures, we’re here to help. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Bradford today and start your journey toward a stable smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The length of the process depends on whether or not we’ll be creating new dentures for you or if we can stabilize your existing denture with mini dental implants.

Generally, the process of taking impressions, sending them to a dental laboratory, and waiting for the technicians to precisely fabricate your dentures can take about 6-9 weeks.

For implant dentures, once we have the prosthetic in our hands, we’ll place the implants, put the housings inside the denture, and snap the dentures into place. All of this can often be completed in one visit!

The cost of a set of dentures will depend on which style of denture you opt for, the number of implants needed, or whether any prep work like tooth extractions need to take place, among other factors.

We understand that costs are a concern with any dental procedure, but we believe affordable dental care should be accessible to everyone. At your free consultation, we will evaluate your dental insurance plan and determine what’s covered and what isn’t. If you’re looking for financing options, we partner with multiple lenders to offer flexible monthly payment plans. We can even do a soft credit check which won’t impact your credit score but will allow you to negotiate the best rate.

It is possible to turn traditional dentures into implant-retained overdentures, but it requires a specific set of circumstances. In order for dentures to connect to the implants, the prosthetic has to be large enough and in good condition. The majority of existing dentures, even fairly new ones, are not made with implants in mind.

During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Bradford will examine your existing dentures and let you know whether or not they meet the criteria to be converted into implant dentures.

While any type of denture will last longer the better you take care of it, the typical lifespan of traditional dentures is 5-10 years. Partial dentures may last a bit longer, depending on the materials used. Mini implant dentures are more secure and because their fit doesn’t change over time, they last longer. Implant dentures can last 20 years or longer with proper care.