Implant-Supported Dentures in Scarborough

Implant-supported dentures are a full set of replacement teeth that attach to a small number of dental implants placed in your jaw, rather than resting on the gums alone. The implants do the job of natural tooth roots, giving the denture a solid anchor so it stays put while you talk, smile, and chew.

Most arches sit on roughly two to six implants. The denture either snaps onto these anchors so you can take it out for cleaning, or it is fixed in place so that only your dentist removes it. Because the implants connect straight to the bone, this setup can feel noticeably steadier than a denture that simply sits on your gum ridge.

At Everbright Smiles, implant-supported dentures are available at all five of our neighbourhood clinics across Scarborough and East York, so you can be assessed and treated close to home.

Conventional traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction or adhesive to stay put. They work well for plenty of people, but some patients find a gum-supported denture shifts or slips, especially in the lower jaw. Anchoring a denture to implants is designed to deal with that movement.

Set against a removable denture that sits on the gums, an implant-supported option can offer a few practical advantages:

• More stability, so the denture is far less likely to slip or click while you speak or eat
• Better chewing, which can make a wider range of foods more comfortable to enjoy
• No need for messy denture adhesives in most cases
• Help slowing the jawbone shrinkage that often follows tooth loss, because implants stimulate the bone the way natural roots do
• A secure fit that many patients say feels closer to natural teeth

Your dentist will explain how these benefits play out in your case, since results vary from person to person.

There are two broad ways to attach a denture to implants, and your dentist will help you weigh which one suits your needs, budget, and jaw.

Removable (snap-in) overdentures

A snap-in or "overdenture" clips onto attachments on the implants and comes out at home for cleaning. It usually uses fewer implants, which can make it a more affordable starting point, while still holding much more firmly than a gum-supported denture.

Fixed implant dentures

A fixed denture is secured to the implants and stays in your mouth full time; only your dentist takes it out during visits. Many patients prefer how permanent and natural a fixed option feels. One common fixed approach uses four implants to support a full arch. You can read more about All-on-4 implants if you are missing most or all of your teeth.

Every treatment plan is built around the individual, but the general path to implant-supported dentures tends to run through these stages:

1. Consultation and exam, including digital imaging, to review your oral health, jawbone, and goals
2. A personalized treatment plan that confirms how many implants you need and whether a removable or fixed denture suits you
3. Any preparatory care that may be needed, such as extractions or bone grafting
4. Placement of the implants, followed by a healing period that lets them fuse with the bone
5. Attachment of the connectors and fitting of your custom denture, with adjustments to fine-tune the bite and comfort

The full timeline can run several months, largely because the bone needs time to heal around the implants. Your dentist will give you a schedule based on your individual case.

Implant-supported dentures can be a good option for adults who are missing several or all of their teeth and want something more secure than a removable denture. Suitable candidates usually have healthy gums and enough jawbone to hold implants, though grafting can sometimes build up bone where it is lacking.

Things like smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or certain medications can affect healing, so an honest health history matters. Candidacy is always settled at a consultation, where your dentist will examine your mouth, review imaging, and discuss whether this treatment is appropriate for you.

Cost is understandably on a lot of patients' minds. We accept all dental insurance, including the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), ODSP, and Healthy Smiles, and our team can walk you through your coverage and options. Just get in touch to learn more.

Good daily care helps your implants and denture last. The exact routine depends on whether your denture is removable or fixed, and your dental team will show you the right technique.

• Clean the denture and the area around each implant every day to keep the gum tissue healthy
• For snap-in dentures, take out and rinse the appliance as instructed to clear away food and plaque
• For fixed dentures, use the brushes or floss threaders your dentist recommends to clean beneath the bridge
• Keep up with regular checkups and professional cleanings so your dentist can monitor the implants
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or very hard objects that could damage the denture or its attachments

With steady care and routine visits, implant-supported dentures can serve you well for many years. Care is available at all five Everbright Smiles clinics across Scarborough and East York, with evening and weekend appointments to fit your schedule.