Implant-Supported Dentures in Portland, ME
Dentures that stay put — anchored by dental implants for stronger chewing, a more natural feel, and lasting comfort.
Stability That Traditional Dentures Cannot Match
For many patients living with missing teeth or failing dentition, traditional dentures are a familiar solution — but not always a satisfying one. Slipping during meals, difficulty with certain foods, sore spots from uneven pressure, and the ongoing need for adhesive are common frustrations. Implant-supported dentures address these issues at their source by anchoring the prosthetic to titanium posts embedded in the jawbone, creating a secure foundation that can dramatically improve everyday comfort and function.
At Prosthodontics Associates, P.A., our prosthodontists have extensive training in both implant planning and denture design — a combination that is central to achieving a predictable outcome with implant-supported restorations. Planning how many implants to place, where to position them, and which denture attachment system to use requires a clear understanding of bone anatomy, bite mechanics, and prosthetic fabrication. Our team manages each of these considerations, from the initial evaluation through final delivery at our Portland office.
The denture that clips or screws onto your implants is custom-fabricated with careful attention to tooth arrangement, gum contouring, and attachment fit — details that significantly affect how the denture looks, feels, and functions day to day. Our prosthodontists coordinate every stage to ensure a seamless result.
Why Patients Upgrade from Traditional Dentures
The limitations of conventional dentures often become more pronounced over time. As the jawbone gradually resorbs beneath a traditional denture, the fit loosens, sore spots develop, and relines become more frequent. Implant-supported dentures can interrupt this cycle by transferring chewing forces into the bone rather than onto the gum surface — which may help slow bone loss and reduce soft-tissue irritation.
Patients who switch to implant-supported dentures often report that they can eat a wider variety of foods, speak more clearly, and feel more confident in social settings. The improvement in biting strength alone is significant: studies suggest implant-supported dentures can restore much of the chewing efficiency that is lost with conventional removable prosthetics.
- Greatly reduced denture movement and slipping
- Stronger biting force for a wider diet
- Potential to slow jawbone resorption over time
- Elimination of denture adhesive in most cases
From Evaluation to a Secure Fit
Implant-supported denture treatment involves several coordinated phases. Here is what to expect.
Prosthodontic Consultation
Your prosthodontist reviews your oral health, takes digital X-rays, and evaluates your jawbone density. Existing dentures and past dental history are assessed. Together, you discuss the different implant-denture options — overdenture, bar-retained, or fixed hybrid — and develop a plan that fits your functional needs and budget.
Implant Placement
Titanium implant posts are surgically placed at carefully selected positions in the jaw. The number and location depend on your bone structure, the arch being treated, and the type of denture planned. A temporary prosthetic is typically provided for use during the healing phase.
Healing and Integration
Over the following months, the implants gradually fuse with the surrounding bone — a process called osseointegration. During this period, your prosthodontist monitors healing progress and makes any necessary adjustments to the temporary prosthetic.
Denture Fabrication
Once the implants are fully integrated, impressions and bite records are taken. These records are used to build the final denture, arranging teeth for natural appearance and sculpting the gum-colored base for a realistic look.
Attachment and Final Adjustments
The completed denture is connected to the implants using the selected attachment system. Bite balance, retention, and aesthetics are verified, and any refinements are made at your appointment. You receive instructions for daily care and a schedule for follow-up visits.
What Sets Our Approach Apart
Implant-supported dentures require both surgical and prosthetic expertise. Our practice offers both.
Prosthodontic Specialization
With five prosthodontists on staff, our team brings advanced residency training in implant-supported prosthetics — from treatment planning to the final restoration.
Precision Craftsmanship
Your denture is designed and built under specialist oversight, with your prosthodontist refining tooth placement, shade, and gum contouring for a natural result.
Comprehensive Case Planning
Complex cases involving bone grafting, multiple implants, or full-arch reconstruction are managed within our practice, reducing the need for referrals and improving continuity of care.
Serving Portland Since 1974
Over 50 years of restorative experience gives our team a deep foundation in managing the challenges and nuances of implant-supported denture treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How are implant-supported dentures different from traditional dentures?
- Traditional dentures rest on the gum tissue and rely on suction or adhesive for retention. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to titanium posts placed in the jawbone, which provides significantly greater stability. This anchoring can improve chewing strength, reduce gum irritation, and eliminate the movement and slipping that many traditional denture wearers experience.
- Am I a candidate for implant-supported dentures?
- Candidates generally need sufficient jawbone to support the implant posts. If bone loss has occurred — which is common after prolonged tooth loss — bone grafting may make treatment possible. Your prosthodontist will assess your bone density, gum health, and overall medical history during a thorough evaluation. Many patients who have struggled with loose traditional dentures find they are good candidates for an implant-supported option.
- How many implants are needed for implant-supported dentures?
- The number of implants varies based on the jaw being treated and the type of denture. A lower arch may require as few as two to four implants, while an upper arch often needs four to six due to differences in bone density. Your prosthodontist will determine the optimal number based on your bone structure, bite forces, and the style of denture — whether bar-retained, ball-retained, or a fixed hybrid design.
- Are implant-supported dentures removable or fixed?
- Both options exist. Overdentures snap onto implant attachments and can be removed by the patient for cleaning. Fixed hybrid dentures are secured by screws and can only be removed by a dentist. Each style has trade-offs in terms of maintenance, aesthetics, and cost. Your prosthodontist will discuss which design aligns best with your daily needs and long-term goals.
- How long does it take to get implant-supported dentures?
- The full process typically spans several months. After implant placement, a healing period of three to six months allows the posts to integrate with the jawbone. During healing, a temporary denture is usually provided. Once the implants are stable, the final denture is fabricated and attached. Some patients may qualify for immediate-load protocols that reduce the overall timeline.
- Can implant-supported dentures help prevent jawbone loss?
- When teeth are missing, the jawbone in that area tends to resorb over time because it no longer receives stimulation from tooth roots. Dental implants transmit biting and chewing forces into the bone, which can help slow or reduce this resorption. Traditional dentures sit on the gum surface and do not provide the same stimulation, which is one reason bone loss often continues beneath them.
Ready for Dentures That Stay in Place?
If you are tired of loose, uncomfortable dentures, our prosthodontists can help you explore implant-supported options. Call our office or request an appointment online.