Dr. Victor Galvan and Dr. Claudia Orta bring more than a decade of combined dental and healthcare experience to patients in Fort Myers, FL. Dr. Galvan completed advanced training in implant dentistry through the AAID MaxiCourse and holds a Moderate Sedation Permit for patients who want extra comfort during treatment.
Losing all of your natural teeth does not mean settling for a denture that shifts every time you eat or speak. There are two types of dentures, full and partial, and both traditionally rest on the gums without any anchor holding them in place, which is part of why so many denture wearers deal with slipping, sore spots, and a shorter list of foods they feel comfortable eating.
At Smiles of Fort Myers, we offer dental implants as the foundation for a denture that stays put. Dr. Victor Galvan completed advanced training in implant dentistry through the AAID MaxiCourse, so patients across Fort Myers, FL who are missing all of their upper or lower teeth can have a denture anchored by titanium implants rather than one that rests on the gums alone.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are anchored in place by titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone instead of resting on the gums unsupported like a traditional denture. This keeps the denture from slipping or loosening while you eat, speak, or laugh, and many patients find they can chew more foods comfortably than they could with a conventional denture. About 15 percent of adults 65 and older have no remaining natural teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, making a secure, comfortable full-arch solution a common need rather than a rare one.
Ball-Retained and Bar-Retained Options
There are two main styles of implant-supported dentures, and the right one depends on how many implants you have and how your jawbone is shaped.
| Factor | Ball-Retained | Bar-Retained |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment Style | Individual ball-and-socket joint on each implant | A connecting bar secured by multiple implants |
| Implants Typically Needed | 2 to 4 implants | 2 to 5 implants, depending on bar length |
| Feel | Slightly more give at the gumline | A firmer, one-piece feel along the jaw |
Both options are removable for nightly cleaning, and we will recommend the style that best matches your bone structure and denture goals.
You may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures if you:
- Are missing all or nearly all of your upper or lower teeth
- Have grown tired of a denture that slips or requires adhesive
- Have enough jawbone to support implants, or are open to a bone graft
- Want a secure anchor without committing to a fully fixed option like All-on-X
You will need a consultation with our team to confirm whether an implant-supported denture is the right fit for your jawbone and goals.
What to Expect During Treatment
Getting implant-supported dentures is a multi-step process, and knowing the timeline ahead of time makes it feel more manageable.
Implant Placement
Implants are surgically secured within their designated locations inside the jaw.
Healing Period
Over 6 to 9 months, the implants fuse with the bone. A temporary denture may be worn.
Abutment or Bar Placement
Implants are re-exposed and connective hardware is secured to them.
Final Denture Fitting
Your final denture, containing connective hardware, is fitted for easy attachment.
Most patients find the waiting period between surgery and final fitting is the longest part of the process, not the appointments themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Implant-Supported Dentures in Fort Myers
Schedule Your Consultation at Smiles of Fort Myers
Dr. Victor Galvan and Dr. Claudia Orta bring more than a decade of combined dental and healthcare experience to every implant consultation at our Fort Myers, FL office. We also offer 0% APR financing and our in-house Smile Program membership plan for patients without insurance, so cost does not have to stand between you and a secure, comfortable smile.
If you are ready to talk through your options with our dentists, we would be glad to walk you through what implant-supported dentures could look like for you. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.
