A denture that slips when you talk or limits what you can eat can wear down your confidence over time. If that sounds familiar, implant-supported dentures may offer a more secure way to chew, speak, and smile.
At the office of Dr. Peter Hazim in Allen, Texas, we design implant-supported dentures as part of our restorative dentistry care. Dr. Hazim is a prosthodontist who has practiced in the Allen area for more than 25 years, and he plans each case around how your teeth will look and function when treatment is complete.
How Implant-Supported Dentures Work
Instead of resting on your gums and relying on suction or adhesive, an implant-supported denture attaches to dental implants placed in your jawbone. The implants act like tooth roots and give your replacement teeth a stable foundation. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they can be removable or fixed, and here is how the options compare with a traditional denture:
| Traditional Denture | Removable Implant-Supported | Fixed Implant-Supported | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Held in place by | Suction or adhesive | Snaps onto implants | Attached to implants |
| Removal | You remove it daily | You remove it daily | Only a dentist can remove it |
| Cleaning | Brush and soak | Brush and soak | Brush like natural teeth and clean underneath |
| Jawbone | Rests on the gums | Implants may help preserve bone | Implants may help preserve bone |
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
The advantages go beyond a better fit. Patients often notice improvements in everyday comfort and function, including:
If you have lost only a few teeth, a partial denture or another option may suit you better, and we will walk through your choices with you.
Treatment Options and Timeline
The right design depends on your bone, your health, and your goals. Removable designs come out for cleaning, while fixed designs stay in place until a dentist removes them. For patients who need a broader plan, implant dentures can also be part of full mouth reconstruction. Treatment typically moves through these stages:
Some patients may be candidates for a temporary set of teeth sooner, while others need a longer healing period before the final denture is attached. We will tell you what to expect for your case.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Good candidates typically have enough jawbone to support implants and keep up good oral hygiene. In many cases, added bone support can help when bone has been lost. Uncontrolled diabetes, active gum disease, and tobacco use may need attention before treatment, so we review your health and medications carefully. Our blog also explains how to avoid common implant complications.
Implant-Supported Denture FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about implant-supported dentures.
Do implant-supported dentures come out?
It depends on the design. Removable versions snap onto implants, and you take them out for cleaning. Fixed versions attach to the implants, and only a dentist can remove them.
How long does the process take?
Healing after implant placement often takes about three to six months, and it can take longer if bone grafting is needed. Your timeline depends on your health, your bone, and the design you choose.
How long do implant-supported dentures last?
With proper care, implants can last many years, and the denture on top may need replacing after 15 to 20 years, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Daily cleaning and regular exams help protect your investment.
How do I care for them?
Clean your denture at least twice a day, and soak removable versions overnight. Brush fixed versions with a soft brush and nonabrasive toothpaste, clean around the implants, and keep your routine exams.
Will I go without teeth during treatment?
Many patients wear a temporary or healing denture while the implants heal, depending on the case. We will tell you what to expect before treatment begins.
How much do implant-supported dentures cost?
Cost depends on the number of implants, the design, and any treatment needed first. After your evaluation, our team can review your patient portion, and we offer CareCredit and Cherry financing options and an in-house membership plan for patients without dental benefits.
Can I get implants if I have worn dentures for years?
Often, yes, but it depends on how much jawbone you have. We evaluate your bone and overall health first, and some patients need added bone support before implants.
Schedule Your Implant-Supported Denture Consultation With Dr. Peter Hazim
Dr. Peter Hazim has practiced in Allen for more than 25 years. He graduated from Damascus University, continued his studies at the University Rene Descartes in Paris, and became certified in prosthodontics at the Loyola VA hospital in Chicago. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association, keeps learning at the Spear Institute and Pankey Institute, and D Magazine awarded him Best Dentist in Dallas from 2017 to 2022. Read more about Dr. Hazim and his background.
If you are tired of slipping dentures, contact our office to schedule your consultation. Our multilingual team looks forward to helping you.