Unlike standard dentures, the benefits of implant-retained dentures involve much more stability.
This means that patients who choose to receive implant-retained dentures have less fear about their dentures becoming loose or falling out, and they can also enjoy a larger variety of foods because of this stability. So what’s the difference between normal dentures and implant-retained dentures?
As the name implies, implant-retained dentures are dentures that are attached to the jaw using dental implants. These implants have been surgically placed inside the jawbone. There are two types of implants:
Bar-Retained Dentures—Using up to five implants that have been installed in the jawbone, a bar-retained denture is made of a small metal bar that matches the natural curve of the patient’s jaw. The denture is fitted over the bar and clipped into place.
Ball-Retained Dentures—Also known as stud-attachment dentures, ball-retained dentures utilize ball joints at the end of each implant. These ball joints then fit into sockets that are created along the actual dentures.