Brockley Dental Blog, Dental Implants, Dentures, Mini Dental Implants

Denture Alternatives With Mini Dental Implants

Denture Alternatives in Butler, PA | Mini Implant Denture Options

Since their first appearance in the dentist’s office many years ago, patients have been struggling with the problems that traditional dentures bring. They’re bulky, don’t fit well, and can’t provide the same chewing power as other tooth replacement options. For those who’ve struggled with traditional dentures for years, the search for more effective denture alternatives is over. Mini dental implants present a revolutionary option, offering the foundation for implant-supported dentures that combine convenience with reliability.

Traditional Dentures: A Quick Overview

Denture Alternatives in Butler, PA | Mini Implant Denture OptionsWhen you imagine traditional dentures, you probably picture a set of false teeth sitting in a glass on your grandma’s nightstand. Conventional dentures are custom-made, removable replacements for missing teeth. Made from acrylic resin, they rest on the gums, giving wearers the appearance of a complete set of teeth. While they do their job of filling up an empty smile, they’re not without shortcomings:

  • Slippin’ and slidin’: Over time, your dentures will lose their tight fit. Dentures can sometimes move or slide inside your mouth, especially while eating or speaking, creating an unexpected embarrassing moment.
  • Messy adhesives: To counteract this movement, many folks turn to denture adhesives. But these can be gooey, messy, and not 100% reliable.
  • Discomfort and soreness: Dentures that don’t fit right can lead to irritation and general mouth discomfort day after day.
  • Oral health issues: Because dentures don’t replace your missing tooth roots, they do nothing to prevent bone loss that occurs over time.

All of these issues can be addressed with denture alternatives that use mini dental implants.

Implant Dentures

Among the various denture alternatives, implant dentures stand out above the rest. How are they different than traditional dentures? Instead of merely resting on the gums, we place mini dental implants directly into the jawbone to firmly hold your dentures. This helps to solve many of the problems with conventional dentures and improve your quality of life. Here’s what you can expect from implant dentures:

  • Stability: With implants serving as a stable base, these dentures don’t shift or slide, ensuring you can laugh, speak, and eat with renewed confidence.
  • Adhesive-free living: Implant dentures are so secure that adhesives are unnecessary, saving you time and money. Plus, they don’t require frequent adjustments like traditional ones do.
  • Custom-fit comfort: Implant dentures are custom-fit to your facial structure, and mini implants help the prosthetic to mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth.

Types of Denture Alternatives

Implant dentures aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. We offer different types to accommodate diverse needs. The kind that is best for you will depend on your individual goals and preferences.

  • Snap-on dentures: Also known as implant-retained overdentures, this option is a hybrid between conventional and permanent dentures. Using 4-8 mini implants as a base, overdentures “snap on” during the day for a secure fit and are removed at night for cleaning and comfort.
  • Fix-on-Six®: This semi-removable roundhouse bridge connects to your jaw with 6-10 mini implants. Even though it’s called a bridge, it still replaces all your teeth on the top or bottom arch. The semi-removable part comes from the fact that it will only be removed by a dentist like Dr. Brockley for a professional cleaning. This approach is similar to the older All-on-4® system, but Fix-on-Six uses mini implants instead of larger conventional implants.
  • Non-removable roundhouse bridge: This is the strongest and sturdiest option available. With this option, we cement a durable zirconia bridge onto 10-12 mini implants. Also known as permanent dentures, this is the closest you can find to the look and feel of natural teeth.

The Investment in Implant Dentures

Implant dentures might have a higher initial cost compared to traditional ones. However, considering the long-term benefits is crucial. Their durability means they don’t require frequent replacements or adjustments, and you can say goodbye to the hassle of adhesives. Ultimately, these factors lead to a more cost-effective and comfortable solution over time.

When you visit Brockley Dental Center, we’ll start by reviewing your insurance information, ensuring you know exactly what your plan covers. If you’re looking for financing options, we work with CareCredit, a healthcare financing company that offers different payment plans to fit your budget.

Which Denture Alternatives Are Right For You?

Traditional dentures have served their purpose for many years, but if you find yourself battling the common issues associated with them, it may be time to explore denture alternatives. Call our office to schedule a consultation today and see how implant dentures can transform your life.

Donald B. Brockley, DMD

Dr. Brockley earned his doctorate degree in Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine in 1972. He is a second generation dentist and a legacy of the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine where his father, Dr. Charles R. Brockley earned his doctorate in general dentistry in the year 1927. While attending the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, he held the office of Class Secretary for his graduating class. Following dental school, he chose to do his residency training at Wilmington Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, with a focus on research. Upon completing his residency, Dr. Brockley enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War Era as a Naval Officer. Dr. Brockley opened his own private practice 1975 in Butler, PA a historic town just 34 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Brockley held the office of President of the Butler County Dental Society. After many years of practice, Dr. Brockley realized that fear is the #1 reason why people do not visit their dentist regularly. Therefore, he made it his mission to find an alternative way to practice (and to help his patients overcome this fear). This alternative was through Sedation Dentistry. In 1996 he became trained in Conscious Oral Sedation. This technique allowed him to treat fearful patients by gently putting them to sleep with the aid of a pill, not needle IV sedation which was the popular treatment at that time. Dr. Brockley received his dental training at the following institutions: University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry, Raleigh, NC Mini Dental Implant Training Centre, Buffalo, NY. Due to the high number of patients who are diabetic in his practice, his next goal was to understand the impact of Diabetes in Dentistry. Due to the subset of Diabetic patients in his practice who had similar recurring oral and systemic health problems, special attention became warranted. This led to a different standard of care and treatment for patients whose health was compromised by diabetes. Early detection, observation, evaluation and treatment to eradicate infection plays a major role in maintaining oral health for diabetic patients. Poorly managed treatment for diabetic patients has been shown to lead to a higher risk of uncontrolled gum disease and vice versa, making prevention of gum disease the #1 priority for this subset of patients. Dr. Brockley’s research on dentistry for diabetics led him to his next specialization: the treatment and eradication of gum disease. His aim has been to change the the treatment of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. For this reason, he designed a radically different protocol to the Soft Tissue Management (STM) program. STM treats the symptoms of gum disease, and more importantly, the underlying cause of gum disease, bacteria. Studies have shown that gum disease affects 80% of American adults. However, Dr. Brockley has observed that more than 90% of his baby boomer patients have gum disease. His unique STM protocol has shown significant success within his patient population. With patient knowledge, understanding, and cooperation, Dr. Brockley is able to arrest and manage gum disease in his practice. After perfecting his procedures for crowns, bridges, partials and dentures to replace missing teeth, the introduction of Small Diameter Implants (also known as SDI or Mini Dental Implants) into his practice has revolutionized the way Dr. Brockley practices cosmetic dentistry. Small Diameter Implants provide the possibility of full mouth restoration, multiple teeth restoration, or single tooth restoration. Small Diameter Implants can be implemented in all types of tooth and bone conditions, in all ages, and in all types of health conditions. Dr. Brockley uses Small Diameter Implants to restore chewing ability and create beautiful smiles, which ultimately changes peoples’ lives. Dr. Brockley is the proud owner and operator of the first Mini Dental Implant Center of America in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Dr. Brockley has achieved Diplomate status in the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants. He is the President Emeritus of the Butler County Dental Society. Dr. Brockley was also a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps. He is a a lifetime member of the Delta Sigma Dental Fraternity, and he was the Class Secretary for the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. Dr. Brockley likes to spend time with his family at home or while traveling, has been an avid scuba diver since 1980, and describes himself as a “just okay” golfer.

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