Why Support Your Dentures with Dental Implants?
Dentures have long been a valuable method of replacing lost teeth, allowing patients to once again eat and speak in a natural, comfortable manner. Still, certain problems are known to arise with dentures, especially when they no longer fit perfectly. Although dentures are traditionally held in place simply by resting over the gum line, an alternative method of support may offer a better solution. With dental implants, patients can ensure a better, more reliable hold from their replacement teeth.
Don’t let your dentures be a source of worry or discomfort. Learn the benefits of dental implant-supported dentures, as provided by our Birmingham cosmetic dentistry practice.
Common Problems with Dentures
When dentures are fitted properly, such as when they are new, they generally pose very few risks or problems. However, tooth loss and age cause the jaw to change in structure over time, thus changing the shape of the mouth and gums. As a result, dentures may begin to fit poorly as a person’s gums change in shape.
As one may expect, loose dentures are less likely to remain in place. The difference may be subtle at first, and partially correctable through adhesive denture cream, but problems will only continue to worsen, including:
- Discomfort and irritation of the gums
- Swollen gums
- Sores and blisters
- Impaired speech
- Difficulty eating certain foods
- Bacterial infections
- Increased likelihood of fungal infections
These problems can be avoided by periodic adjustments or replacements to dentures, but there is an even more effective way of creating a lasting fit. With dental implants, dentures can be held in place permanently.
Traditional Dentures vs. Implant-supported Dentures
Conventionally, dentures are fitted with a piece of plastic that is molded to the gum line. This plastic is primarily kept in place through suction and, if needed, adhesive cream. Even when dentures are a good fit, this method still lacks the bite strength and stability of natural teeth.
Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, are held firmly in place through metal abutments that are attached to dental implants. With just a few implants, dentures can retain a proper fit all of the time while gaining additional bite strength from the jaw. Patients who already have implants from previous restorations may continue to use them for their dentures. If not, the implants can be installed together, reducing the need for more than one procedure or recovery.
Advantages of Implant-supported Dentures
By using implants to secure your dentures, you can benefit in the following ways:
- Better fit: Even if your jaw changes in structure over the years, implants give your dentures a consistently good fit.
- Reduced bone loss: Once implants integrate with bone, they slow or prevent bone loss that would otherwise occur from missing teeth.
- Improved speech: When dentures are anchored in place, they do not impair pronunciation or other speech issues.
- Improved eating habits: Whereas regular dentures may come loose from certain foods, implant-supported dentures allow people to eat the foods they love.
- Increased comfort: Because dentures can’t rub against gums, patients experience no gum irritation, blisters, or sores.
- No adhesive necessary: Denture cream is no longer necessary; simply slide the dentures onto the implants, and experience a better hold than ever before.
Can You Benefit from Dental Implants?
Whether used on their own or to support additional restorations, dental implants are an excellent way to restore the look and feel of a full, healthy smile. If you are considering implants for any type of tooth loss, schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Gooch.