We spend so much of life navigating the space between yes and no. Sometimes, we need more time, more information, or simply the chance to feel something out before we commit. And that’s not indecision—it’s discernment. Having options means you’re not boxed in. It means you can try something without signing your name in ink. You can test, assess, and adjust as needed. That freedom to choose on your own terms can make all the difference. Even if it’s a career move, a relationship, or something as simple as your morning routine, options give you room to explore and evolve. When restoring your smile, it’s comforting to know you don’t have to choose between all or nothing. If you’re not ready to commit to permanent dentures or your current dentures aren’t cutting it, semi-permanent dentures might be the perfect middle ground.
At Designing Smiles Dentistry, we believe you deserve options that don’t just meet you where you are—but support where you’re headed. If you’re looking for something secure, lasting, and aligned with your goals, we’re here to help you find the right fit.
Overdentures to Semi Permanent Dentures: Find the Right Fit
Traditional Dentures
The most familiar type is the traditional full denture. This removable prosthesis replaces all the teeth on the upper or lower arch. It rests on the gums and consists of a gum-colored base with artificial teeth. Upper dentures stay in place using suction against the palate, while lower dentures rely on the natural shape of the jawbone ridge.
Although this option restores basic function, it can slip during eating or speaking and may cause gum irritation if the fit changes over time. Because they don’t connect to the bone, traditional dentures can accelerate bone loss, eventually altering the shape of the face. They also require daily removal and cleaning.
Overdentures
A more secure option is the overdenture, often called a snap-on denture. Like a traditional denture, it includes a full arch of replacement teeth, but instead of relying solely on the gums, it attaches to dental implants. Typically, Dr. Apel places four to six implants on the lower arch and six to eight on the upper. This added support improves stability and reduces the movement that many patients struggle with in traditional dentures.
You’ll still need to take the denture out each night to clean it. However, it offers better comfort, chewing power, and confidence throughout the day. If your current denture is in good condition, we may be able to adapt it to fit over your new implants.
Semi Permanent and Permanent Dentures
If you’re tired of dealing with daily denture maintenance but aren’t quite ready to commit to a fully permanent solution, a semi-removable roundhouse bridge may be exactly what you need. Dr. Apel places six to ten mini dental implants—usually around eight—to anchor a full arch of zirconia teeth. Once in place, the bridge stays in your mouth and only comes out during your routine checkups when Dr. Apel removes it for a professional cleaning.
You’ll still enjoy a major upgrade in chewing ability compared to a snap-on denture. The bridge can also be customized to include pink porcelain if you need additional gum support for your lips—or left without it if that isn’t necessary. It’s a dependable, long-lasting option that offers freedom from the daily challenges of removable dentures.
If you’re looking for something even more secure, the non-removable roundhouse bridge offers the highest level of stability we can provide. Dr. Apel permanently cements this bridge in place using ten to twelve mini implants. Once he places the bridge, it doesn’t come out—not during your daily routine or dental visits. It’s made from the same durable zirconia material as the semi-removable version and, in most cases, doesn’t require any added gum-colored porcelain.
Mini Implants: The Support for Your Semi Permanent Dentures
Just about every denture we offer relies on dental implants for support. Dr. Apel places these small titanium posts directly into your jawbone. Once in place, the bone begins to heal around them through a process called osseointegration. This biological bond forms a direct connection between the implant and your bone. It creates a stable, long-lasting foundation for your denture.
Another major benefit of implants is that they help preserve your jawbone. After tooth loss, the bone naturally begins to shrink. It’s not a matter of if—it’s a matter of when. Without something to stimulate it, the bone breaks down, which can affect how your face looks and how your dentures fit. Implants solve that by actively supporting the bone each time you chew.
As a Mini Dental Implant Center of America, we focus on using mini dental implants. These implants are ideal for a wide range of patients, especially those who’ve already lost some bone. They are less than 3 millimeters wide, so they’re significantly slimmer than conventional implants.
Traditional implants require a certain amount of bone for placement. If that bone isn’t there, you’re usually looking at a bone graft first. But mini implants often avoid that altogether. Thanks to their narrow size, Dr. Apel can place them in areas where the bone is limited.
That saves time, cuts costs, and makes the overall experience a lot more straightforward for you.
Find a Denture Solution That Works for You
You don’t have to decide everything today. But if you’re exploring options, it helps to have someone walk through them with you. At Designing Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Apel will meet you where you are, whether you’re ready to move forward or just starting to ask questions.
If your current dentures aren’t cutting it—or if you’ve been told you don’t qualify for implants—we may have an option that fits you better. From snap-on stability to semi-permanent simplicity, we’ll help you find the balance that works for your life, not just your mouth. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!
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