What is a Locator Denture?
If you are one of the many adults in North America that needs to replace all of your teeth or even just the upper or lower jaw of teeth, then you are reviewing the different tooth replacement options with the dentist. Traditional dentures may come to mind when you are talking about replacing multiple teeth, but there are some modern approaches that can help bring the dentures of your grandparents into the dentures no one realizes are dentures. While some people are able to replace missing teeth with dental implants, your jaw bone may not be strong enough to support all those implants. Other people are not able to consider replacing each missing tooth with a dental implant due to the cost of dental implant surgery and the other necessary dental treatments needed. Dentists are now able to offer the ease of a single over denture to replace all the missing teeth and the security of dental implants.
Locator dentures are held in place by posts implanted into the jaw bone. The posts have a small button on top that connects to the base of the overdentures. These dentures do not require the use of denture adhesive or suction to stay in place. You will be able to chew better, speak more clearly, and feel confident with your new dental prosthesis. The overall process will take multiple appointments but the results will help you enjoy the foods you love while sharing the smile you have wanted to see when you look in the mirror.
The process starts with the dentist fitting your jaw for the overdenture. The dentist will use a pink colored resin to secure the replacement teeth. The resin will resemble your natural gums. While the dentist takes the impression for your permanent overdenture, the dentist will be able to supply you with a temporary denture. The temporary denture will not look or feel exactly like the permanent one; it takes time for the lab to produce an overdenture that fits your gums perfectly. The dentist will need to take x-ray images of your jaw to determine the best location for your dental implants.
Next the dentist will need to surgically implant the post into your jawbone. The dentist will not need to place an implant for each missing tooth. Instead, the dentist will be able to choose just a few spots that can support your dentures. After the implants are placed, they will need time to heal and become those roots to provide a strong base for your dentures. The dentist will cover the implants with special healing caps to help your jaw bone fuse with the implant. You will continue to wear your temporary dentures while your implants heal into place.
When the implants are ready, the dentist will be able to attach the button-like abutment to the top of the post above the gum. Then the dentist will take another impression of your mouth with the button attachments. Once the laboratory has all the impressions, your permanent dentures can be fabricated and sent back to the dentist for your final step.