Your home for implants and dentures in West Kauai
Dental implants and bridges
Cracked or missing teeth? At West Kauai, we’re experts in all things dental implants. There are a lot of options around implants, but what works for your neighbor might now work for you. We’ll work with you to determine if you’re a candidate for implants and come up with a treatment plan.
Single tooth implants
A dental implant that replaces a single tooth (and its root) isn’t just cosmetic. Single tooth implants strengthen the jaw and surrounding teeth by filling the gap where a missing tooth once was. Additionally, dental implants provides a solid foundation for fixed or removable dentures (more on this below).
Dental implants with bridges
When a patient is missing several teeth in a single area, a dental bridge may be an alternative to dentures. Dental bridges replace multiple teeth and are anchored by two or more implants. Unlike dentures, bridges are permanently placed and treated like natural teeth. Though not every tooth is rooted, bridges are a durable and sturdier options than most dentures, which require a dental paste or adhesive to stay in place.
Options for dentures
Dentures replace multiple missing teeth and can be fixed or removable, partial or full, and implant supported or not. They are generally a good option for patients who need all or most of their teeth replaced.
Full dentures
Full dentures can be fixed or removable and do not rely on implants for support. This type of denture is made after all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw have been removed and the gum tissue healed.
Traditional dentures work by using a custom-fit acrylic base that sits over gums. If removable, denture paste or adhesive is often used to help hold the denture in place. Removable dentures can be taken out and cleaned when not in use.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures are similar to full dentures except that there are some natural teeth present. The acrylic base contains metal attachments points that wrap around the existing teeth and provided added support. Alternatively, partial dentures can be attached to crowns on either side of the denture. Removable options can be taken out and cleaned.
Implant supported dentures
Implants can be used to anchor dentures in place, just like a dental bridge. This reduces shifting when dentures are worn. Implants can support both full and partial dentures as well as both fixed and removable options. The primary difference between bridges and dentures supported by implants is whether or not they can be removed for cleaning. Dentures have this advantage over bridges; however, bridges are less likely to shift when eating.
Benefits of using dental implants to support dentures
Traditional dentures rely on an acrylic base that sits directly on the gums. With no structural support, traditional dentures are held in place by a dental paste or adhesive. Using implants as supports for dentures allows for a smaller and more comfortable base and less shifting of the prosthesis during use.
Implants can be used to support both full dentures, partial dentures, fixed dentures, and removable dentures. This can eliminate the need for denture paste or adhesives.
The West Kauai Dental approach to implants and dentures
Ready to learn more about your options for denture and implants? Give us a call at (808) 335-5554 or click the button below to book an appointment.