A traditional denture is a good option for patients who need to restore multiple missing teeth. Traditional dentures are held in place using a denture adhesive that can have a slightly weird taste that a lot of patients would prefer to avoid so they tend to skip the adhesive all together which can then allow the denture to slip around in her mouth, causing friction and sores on the gum tissue. A traditional denture sits on top of the gums so there is no root support beneath the surface which can eventually lead to bone deterioration and changes in the facial structure, causing the denture to become ill-fitting. The roots of our teeth help stimulate bone regeneration and prevent deterioration of the jaw.
For patients who need to have multiple teeth replaced, they can find comfort and stability with denture stabilization. Dental implants can be used to stabilize adventure making it much more comfortable and secure for the patient. Station, the denture can slip around and move in the mouth which can often cause a patient to avoid eating some of their favorite foods or avoid wearing the denture altogether. Though a traditional denture is much less expensive than other dental replacements, dental implants are one of the best ways to restore your teeth and keep remaining teeth healthy and prevent bone deterioration. They provide a stable and secure base for your denture and are incredibly durable.
Even if a patient is lacking natural teeth, they may still have enough remaining bone structure that can support dental implants. Others may require a bone graft before an implant can be placed. A bone graft uses either synthetic bone material or a piece of bone is harvested from a donor cadaver or even another part of the patient’s mouth or hip and is placed in the area and left to integrate with the remaining bone structure. Bone grafts do add a couple more months of healing time to the overall healing process but ensuring enough bone structure is critical to the success of the implants.
Denture Stabilization
Dental implants can be used to stabilize a denture, omitting the need for denture adhesive and providing a secure way for the patient to wear their denture. Implant-supported dentures are popular because of their stability and the added benefit of being incredibly natural-looking. Dental implants are surgically placed directly into the jaw bone and a denture is either screwed or cemented onto the implants. Implant-supported dentures are permanent and can only be removed by your dentist for maintenance and professional cleanings.
The permanence of an implant-supported denture can also be very beneficial for patients when cleaning their denture since they no longer have to take the denture out to clean and soak it overnight. Permanent dentures are cared for just like natural teeth! Adding a WaterPik to your oral care routine can make it even easier to clean the gum tissue under the denture and stimulate blood flow to the area.
A few other benefits of stabilizing a denture include:
- Improved nutrition due to better chewing and easier digestion
- They are much more comfortable than traditional denture adhesion
- The denture cannot slip around so there is no gum irritation or mouth sores
- Speaking is easier
How does denture stabilization work?
There are two types of denture stabilization options available: ball-retained and bar-retained. A ball-retained denture uses metal attachments on the implants that fit into attachments on the denture. Implant attachments are usually ball shaped and the attachments on the denture are socket shaped, giving the denture a ball and socket joint, like your shoulder.
A bar-retained denture requires the use of 2 to 5 implants in your jaw bone. A curved metal bar fits over the entire arch of your jaw and attaches to each implant. The denture then goes onto the bar which also has attachments to hold them in place.
Why should I get a stabilized denture?
Restoring missing teeth is important not only to your oral health but also to your overall health. Not replacing teeth leaves spaces that can lead to other, more severe problems. Without tooth roots to stimulate bone regeneration, the jaw bone can begin to deteriorate and cause changes to your facial structure, possibly causing you to look older. Dental implants act as a root replacement and help to stimulate bone regeneration the same way a natural root does. Patients can also have a much more difficult time eating and speaking with missing teeth which can lead to poor nutrition and loss of confidence. Not replacing one missing tooth can have a negative effect on surrounding, healthy teeth. Without a tooth root to stimulate bone regeneration in the area, the jawbone begins to deteriorate and can cause neighboring teeth to become loose and fall out. Losing additional teeth can be avoided simply by having your teeth restored with a dental prosthesis.
A stabilized denture can be costly but dental insurance may help defer some of the out-of-pocket cost and your dental office may offer financing options that will enable you to receive the treatment you need without the financial burden of paying all at once. Implant-supported dentures last much longer than traditional dentures so in the long run, may be the more cost effective option.
Dental implants and implant-supported dental prostheses can greatly improve the quality of life for the patient. Without treatment, the bone will only deteriorate further and cause other health issues in the long run including poor nutrition can be a direct result of untreated missing teeth which of course can lead to weight loss or weight gain, heart issues, and other medical problems. An implant-supported denture can bring back your confidence and improve your overall health.