We are here today to talk about the ways that dental implant technology can be used to vastly improve the denture-wearing experience. As adults age and lose their teeth, it becomes more difficult for them to speak, chew, and eat like they were able to when they had natural teeth. Many adults choose to have dentures made to replace the missing teeth and increase quality of life. Complete dentures, however, are not as functional as natural teeth are and many adults experience frustration as they try to adapt to living with dentures. The American Academy of Prosthodontists has seen vast improvements in dental implant technology in recent years, particularly when it comes to replacing the entire dentition. Implants can now be used effectively to improve the fit and comfort of complete dentures. Today, we would like to explain the ways that this technology may be beneficial for you or for some of your older family members. Many people are unaware that there is a better solution than dentures when it comes to replacing missing teeth.
One of the foundations of our practice at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry is patient education. We want to do all that we can to ensure that our patients are receiving and understanding all of their treatment procedures and treatment options. The best patient is an informed patient who feels comfortable asking all of the questions that he or she may have. One of the ways that we educate our patients on all things dentistry is with our blog. Please feel free to explore past topics and offer suggestions for new blog topics. We are always accepting new patients from in or around the Ponte Vedra Beach area. If you would like more information about the services that we provide related to implants and dentures, please visit the dentures section of our website. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us at any time electronically or call (904)285-7711.
Why are some people unhappy with their dentures?
Most commonly, people have problems with their dentures because they do not fit correctly. If the dentures are too tight or too long around the edges, they may rub against the gums and cheeks and cause sort spots. Dentures are made out of hard plastic and this rubs against the delicate mucosa of the mouth to cause irritation. When dentures are too loose or too short around the edges, they may be difficult to keep in the mouth. This can cause them to fall out while speaking or slip and slide around while eating. This can be very frustrating and embarrassing at times. When teeth are missing, the shape and contours of the jaw constantly change over time, which makes it almost impossible for your dentist to create a denture that will fit perfectly forever.
How can implants be used to improve your denture wearing experience?
Implant-supported dentures have been developed recently to improve upon these major problems that patients experience when living with dentures. The implants are designed to decrease the amount of surface area that rubs against the delicate tissues of the mouth. Instead of resting on soft tissue, the dentures rest on the implants. Additionally, the implants are designed to hold the denture in place so it doesn’t fall out or slip and slide around during function.
What are the types of dentures that can be used in combination with implants?
Overdentures
Overdentures are very similar to traditional dentures. Sometimes, your current dentures can even be transformed into overdentures with a few simple steps at the dental office. With overdentures, the denture is snapped into place by locking onto attachments on top of the dentures. These usually require the placement of between 2 and 6 implants depending on your specific needs. They are still removed and cleaned at night time and many patients are happy with the results.
Hybrid Dentures
Hybrid dentures provide a more permanent solution than overdentures but require more implants to be placed. They are more expensive than overdentures because they require more time to create and more implants to be placed. Hybrid dentures are made out of dental porcelain so they are very similar to dental crowns and bridges. This denture remains in place at all times and can only be removed by your dental professional. These types of dentures require periodic removal and cleaning in your dental office to maintain the health and stability of the implants that support them.
We hoped that you learned something by reading our blog today and invite you to share this information with friends or family members who may be frustrated with their denture experience. You do not have to settle for ill-fitting dentures and there may be a simple solution that involves dental implants. To schedule an appointment or consultation, please feel free to contact us at any time electronically or call (904)285-7711.