Dentures have come a long way since the Etruscans fashioned prosthetics made of human and animal teeth around 700 B.C. But dentures have also changed even in the past half-century, since dental implants completely transformed the way we replace missing teeth.

Today, we’re able to combine dental implants with the traditional removable denture for a teeth replacement solution that requires no adhesives. You’ll never have to worry about your teeth slipping out of position when you’re in the middle of a delicious meal or riveting conversation.

And if you’re looking for top-notch prosthodontic care in Woodbury, MN, you’re in luck. Teeth replacement is one of Dr. Wilhelm’s specialties! Not only has Dr. Wilhelm been practicing for nearly 30 years; he’s a frequent speaker, consultant, and mentor on the latest techniques in the field of prosthodontics. You’ll feel great in his care.

Read on for more information about dental implant dentures and other teeth replacement options that harness the power of dental implants. Then, call the office of Mark W. Wilhelm, DMD, MSD at (651) 319-9064 to schedule a consultation.

Dental Implant Dentures: An Old Favorite With Added Security

The classic removable denture is usually composed of an acrylic resin base, carefully crafted to look like the wearer’s natural gum tissue. The teeth in full sets of dentures are typically made of porcelain, which lends a lifelike quality to the smile. And oftentimes, dentures are held in place by a denture adhesive.

While there are many great things about the traditional removable denture, most denture wearers experience an inconvenient slip of their prosthetic at some point.

Dental implant dentures eliminate the need for adhesives and the possibility that your dentures will slip — while still allowing you the convenience of being able to remove the prosthetic yourself.

Dental implant dentures are held in place by dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots inserted into the gums. We offer two different kinds of dental implant dentures, and the difference lies in how the prosthetic attaches to the implants.

• Implant-retained dentures require placement of dental implants with ball attachments. These attachments fit into corresponding receptacles on your denture, allowing them to sort of snap or fasten directly in place.
• Implant supported dentures use a bar instead of ball attachments to hold the denture securely in place. The bar connects two dental implants, and the denture is fitted with a connector piece that slides under the bar and snaps in place.

All-On-4® Dental Implants: Like A Brand New Set Of Teeth

If you’re looking to replace your dentures with something even more secure and reliable, you should consider All-On-4® dental implants. All-On-4 allows you to anchor an entire upper or lower set of artificial teeth on just four dental implants. And unlike with dental implant dentures, the prosthetic will only be able to be removed by your dentists.

Not only will you never have to worry about adhesives or slippage, but you’ll also never have to worry about cumbersome cleaning routines. With All-On-4 dental implants, you’ll be able to enjoy the freedom and confidence you had when you had a full set of healthy teeth.

Plus, dental implants help prevent bone loss. When the jawbone no longer has a healthy tooth root to support, it begins to deteriorate. This is why long-time denture wearers sometimes experience changes to the shape of their jaws and ultimately notice the appearance of their face change.

By replacing tooth roots with dental implants, you allow your jaw to continue supporting a tooth root.

The secret of All-On-4 is in the placement of the dental implants. While the front two are placed vertically, as in conventional dental implant treatment, the two dental implants at the back of the mouth are placed at angles. This allows you to enjoy maximum hold with the fewest dental implants possible.

Paying For Your Denture Upgrade

In a perfect world, you’d be able to replace your dentures with a sturdier, more reliable solution without worrying about the cost of treatment. But at the office of Mark W. Wilhelm, DMD, MSD, we don’t want the cost of the procedure to prevent you from getting the care you deserve.

That’s why our team has put together a series of convenient and flexible payment options. We accept cash, check, and major credit cards, but we also work with CareCredit and Key Smile. Both of these services offer low-interest and even no-interest lending options for those who qualify.

Improve Your Quality Of Life By Improving Your Prosthetic

There’s so much to gain by upgrading your dentures for a dental implant solution! You’ll experience increased dental function, but you’ll also just feel great that your prosthetic is secure and reliable. And when you feel confident about your smile, it radiates to other parts of your life as well.

Call the office of Mark W. Wilhelm, DMD, MSD today at (651) 319-9064 to set up a consultation. You can also use our convenient online form to request an appointment.