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When someone loses all their teeth, the need extends beyond replacing them. What people truly want is a sense of familiarity, something that feels like an extension of themselves rather than a reminder of what has been lost. The deepest wish is for daily life to feel natural again. These are the quiet benchmarks of normalcy that matter most: waking up without a second thought, moving through the day without disruption, and ending it with the reassurance that nothing feels out of place. At Carolina Dental Arts in Durham, we offer implant dentures that support the simple, natural rhythm of daily life without constant reminders of what’s missing.
Implant Dentures: How They Differ From Traditional Dentures
For generations, traditional dentures offered people a way to smile, speak, and eat again after losing their teeth. They sat on top of the gums and used the shape of the jaw for support. But the jaw doesn’t stay the same forever. Once natural teeth are gone, the jawbone begins to shrink. This natural process is called bone resorption. Without the constant stimulation that tooth roots provide, the bone starts to weaken and lose volume. That’s why dentures that used to fit well can begin to feel loose or uncomfortable over time. The dentures haven’t changed, but your jaw has.
Implant dentures offer a modern solution to this problem. Instead of sitting passively on the gums, they’re anchored to the jaw with small titanium posts. These implants act like replacement tooth roots. Once placed, the surrounding bone bonds to each implant, creating a strong and stable foundation. This connection not only holds your denture securely in place, but it also sends important signals to the jawbone, helping it stay strong and healthy.
Your Guide to Dentures in Durham: Options That Fit Your Life
A Secure Step Up: Implant Overdentures
Implant dentures aren’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, there are several types to choose from, and each one offers a different level of stability and permanence. Think of them as steps on a ladder. Each option builds upon the benefits of the last, providing you with more freedom, comfort, and long-term functionality as you progress.
The first step above traditional dentures is the overdenture. This option still allows you to remove the denture whenever you choose, but unlike traditional dentures, there’s no need for messy adhesives or suction. Instead, we place four to six mini implants in the lower jaw or six to eight in the upper jaw. These implants act like anchor points. The denture then snaps into place over them. From the outside, it appears to be a regular denture with a gum-colored base, but it feels significantly more secure.
For patients who already have a well-fitting prosthesis, we place the implants and retrofit the existing denture to snap on. It’s a straightforward way to improve stability without committing to something fully fixed.
More Natural and Hands-Off: Roundhouse Bridges
The next level is a semi-removable roundhouse bridge. While this is still considered an implant denture, it functions slightly differently. The prosthetic doesn’t have the bulk or palate coverage of a traditional denture. Instead, it’s a sleek, curved arch of teeth designed to match the natural shape of your jaw.
This bridge is typically made from zirconia, a durable and natural-looking material that closely resembles real teeth in color and texture. It’s anchored on 6 to 10 mini implants and remains in place at all times. You don’t have to remove it—your dentist will remove it during routine checkups for professional cleaning. Daily care is as simple as brushing and maintaining good oral hygiene.
For patients who want the highest level of permanence, there’s the non-removable roundhouse bridge. This option is similar in design to the semi-removable bridge but offers a fully fixed solution. We use 10 to 12 mini implants to anchor the bridge, then permanently cement it in place.
There are no snaps, no removals, and no shifting. This is the closest thing to having your natural teeth back.
Explore Your Options for Implant Dentures in Durham, NC
Implant dentures restore stability where it’s needed most. They support the structure of your jaw, improve daily function, and eliminate the need for adhesives or constant adjustments. At Carolina Dental Arts in Durham, we provide solutions tailored to your goals, comfort, and lifestyle. Book a free consultation with our team and explore what’s possible.
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