Implant Dentures: Costs, Pros & Cons, and How Screw-In Dentures Work

What Are Implant Dentures? (Screw-In Dentures Explained)

Implant dentures are teeth that fix in your mouth with screws. They are not like old dentures that can fall out. The doctor puts metal posts in your jaw bone. Then they attach new teeth to these posts. This makes your new teeth stay in place when you eat and talk.

How They Work: Osseointegration & Stability

When the doctor puts the metal posts in your jaw, something cool happens. Your bone grows around the metal. This is called osseointegration. It means the metal and your bone become friends. This makes your new teeth very strong.

The metal posts work like roots of real teeth. This helps keep your jaw bone healthy and strong. With old dentures, your bone can get smaller over time.

Types of Implant-Supported Dentures

There are different kinds of implant dentures:

All-on-4® vs. All-on-6 vs. Full-Arch Restorations

• All-on-4® uses 4 implants for a full set of teeth
• All-on-6 uses 6 implants for more support
• Full-arch means a whole top or bottom row of teeth

Overdentures (Bar-Retained vs. Ball-Retained)

Overdentures can come off for cleaning:

• Bar-retained have a thin metal bar that holds teeth
• Ball-retained use round attachments to snap in

Hybrid vs. Fixed vs. Removable Options

• Hybrid mix metal and acrylic parts
• Fixed stay in all the time
• Removable can come out when you need

Pros and Cons of Screw-In Dentures

Let’s look at the good and not-so-good things about implant dentures:

Advantages

Good things about implant dentures:

• You can chew better – almost like real teeth!
• They keep your jaw bone from getting smaller
• They look very natural
• You can talk better than with old dentures
• They last a long time – 15+ years if you take good care of them

Disadvantages

Not-so-good things about implant dentures:

• They cost a lot of money up front
• You need surgery to get them
• You must wait 3-6 months for healing
• Sometimes (but not often) they can have problems

Implant Dentures vs. Alternatives

Here is how implant dentures compare to other options:

Dentures vs. Implants: Key Differences

Implant-Supported vs. Traditional Dentures

Implant dentures are better than old dentures because:

• They don’t slip when you eat or talk
• They help keep your face shape looking young
• They don’t need sticky paste to stay in
• Your bite is much stronger

Bridges vs. Implant Dentures

Bridges use your own teeth for support. This can be hard on those teeth. Implant dentures are better when you need lots of teeth replaced.

You can learn more about different options.

The Procedure: Step-by-Step Process

Getting implant dentures takes a few steps:

Pre-Surgical Prep

1. The doctor takes pictures of your mouth
2. Some people need bone grafting if their jaw bone is too thin
3. The doctor makes a plan for where to put the implants

Surgery Day: Implant Placement

1. You get medicine to make you sleepy or numb
2. The doctor makes small holes in your gums and jaw
3. The metal implants go into these holes
4. Your gums are closed up to heal

Healing & Attaching the Denture

1. You wait 3-6 months while your bone grows around the implants
2. Some people get temp teeth during this time
3. When healed, the doctor puts connectors on the implants
4. Your new teeth attach to these connectors

How Much Do Implant Dentures Cost?

Implant dentures cost more than old dentures but last longer.

Breakdown of Expenses

• Each implant costs $1,500–$3,000
• Connectors (called abutments) add more cost
• The teeth part costs $3,000–$15,000
• All-on-4® full mouth can cost $15,000–$30,000 per arch
• A single implant with one tooth is about $2,500–$4,000

Insurance Coverage & Tax Deductions

Some insurance plans pay for part of implant dentures. You might also use tax deductions for medical costs. Ask your doctor about payment plans too.

Affordable Alternatives

If full implant dentures cost too much, you can try:

• Mini implants (smaller and cheaper)
• Payment plans to pay a little each month
• Dental tourism (going to other countries for cheaper care)

For more affordable options, check out ASD Dental Lab’s options for denture implants.

Maintenance and Longevity

Taking care of implant dentures is not hard, but it’s important.

Daily Care Routine

• Brush around implants with a soft brush
• Use special cleaners your doctor suggests
• Floss with tools made for implants
• Use water flossers to clean hard spots

Adjustments and Replacements

Over time, you might need:

• Tightening of screws
• New teeth parts if they wear down
• Check-ups to make sure all is well

Avoiding Complications

To keep your implant dentures healthy:

• See your doctor for check-ups twice a year
• Don’t smoke (it can make implants fail)
• Tell your doctor if you feel pain or see red gums

FAQs About Screw-In Dentures

Conclusion: Are They Worth It?

Implant dentures cost more than old dentures at first. But they last longer and work better. They feel more like real teeth and keep your bone healthy.

The success rate is very good – 94.6% of implants still work after 4 years. About 89% of implant-supported dentures work well after 6 years.

People who get implant dentures are usually very happy with them. Studies show 92% of people are pleased with their hybrid screw-retained dentures.

If you can pay for them or find insurance to help, implant dentures are a great way to get a new smile that feels real.

Want to know more? Talk to your dentist about if implant dentures are right for you.