Denture Stabilization
Dentures are a tooth-replacement solution used by many patients who have missing teeth. Unfortunately, dentures have significant limitations and challenges. Denture stabilization is a solution which allows patients to take advantage of the low cost of dentures while simultaneously resolving many of the disadvantages. Millions of adults in the U.S. are missing one or more of their natural teeth. In some cases, the patient may be missing all of the teeth in their upper or lower jaw. Dental implants are an exceptional tooth-replacement options. Unfortunately, the high cost associated with implants can prohibit some patients from receiving implants. Patients who are missing multiple teeth often find the high cost of implants to be a limiting factor in receiving implants.
Because dentures are a relatively affordable option, they are also a popular solution used for replacing missing teeth. An entire set of dentures are often less expensive than a few implants.
Common limitations and challenges associated with traditional dentures include that there are often dietary restrictions, the dentures are ill fitting, slip out of place, and move around in the patient’s mouth. In addition, dentures must be removed each night for cleaning. Dentures rest on top of the gums and require the use of dental adhesives to hold the dentures in place. The adhesives can also have a bad taste.
Fortunately, enhancements with modern dentistry now provide patients with an enhanced alternative. Denture stabilization is an excellent option for patients who cannot afford individual implants for their missing teeth but want to avoid the disadvantages and limitations associated with traditional dentures.
Denture Stabilization Process
It is common for patients to refuse wearing dentures as they are not stable and slip around in the mouth when performing routine activities. Denture stabilization helps resolve this by using strategically placed implants to hold the dentures securely in place.
Implant-supported dentures are quickly gaining popularity and becoming increasingly popular. Another benefit of the surgically placed implants is that they help stimulate the jawbone and help prevent bone loss. While traditional dentures are removable, implant-supported dentures are permanent and require a dentist in order to be removed.
Another benefit of this solution is that the implant-supported dentures do not require the tedious cleaning procedures required to care for traditional dentures. The prosthetic device is removed at night for cleaning.
The denture stabilization process involves having implants surgically placed into the jawbone. As the mouth naturally heals, the implant fuses to the jawbone and provides the dentures with an incredibly strong and secure foundation. With regular dentures, the device rests on top of the gums. As a result, the prosthetic does not have secure support into the mouth and easily slips around. Traditional dentures also fail to stimulate the jawbone which can result in bone loss and a change in the structure of the face and jaw. This can also cause a poor fit of the dentures as the bone structure is constantly changing.
Procedure Candidates
Patients who are interested in denture stabilization with dental implants must have adequate bone structure in the jaw required to support the implant. In some cases, the patient may require bone grafting prior to receiving the implants. Implants stimulate the jawbone and help prevent the loss of bone tissue. Secure implant-supported dentures will remain firmly in place and will not move around. The dental professional will often use attachments which connect the dentures and the implants. In some cases, the patient may prefer fixed crown or bridgework which offers a more permanent solution. Dentures with attachments can be removed, while stabilized dentures cannot be removed.
Some of the key benefits associated with stabilizing dentures are summarized below:
- Eliminate dietary restriction and restore the patient’s ability to chew various foods
- Better pronunciation
- Improved comfort
- Easy to clean and a red for just like the natural teeth with twice daily brushing and daily flossing
- Prevent sores and irritation on the gums
- Restore the function and appearance of missing teeth
Types of Stabilized Dentures
The two different types of denture stabilizations which can be used are ball-retained and bar-retained dentures. Another term used to describe ball-retained dentures is stud-attachment dentures. With ball-retained dentures, the implants contain metal attachments which are used to fit onto the attachments connected to the dentures. In most cases, the attachments on the implant are in the shape of a ball, while the denture attachments are in the shape of a socket. When they are connected together, the ball fits securely into the socket. It is also possible for the denture to contain the ball and the implant to obtain the socket, but it follows the same concept.
In comparison, bar-retained dentures require the use of two to five implants which are strategically placed in the jawbone. A metal bar which curves around the jawbone is attached to each implant and the denture goes over the bar. The implants, the dentures, or both can have attachments which aids in clipping them all together.
Treatment for Missing Teeth
Some patients do not seek treatment for their missing teeth because of limited time or financial limitations. Patients are strongly encouraged to treat their missing teeth as avoiding treatment can cause serious, long-term oral health problems. It is common for patients to think they cannot afford dentures or say they don’t have time to undergo the procedure. Beyond the bad appearance of missing teeth, there are other issues which should be considered. When patients do not have teeth, it can start to impact their facial structure. In some cases, the patient can have a hollow, sunken-in look, making them look significantly older. Patients may also have a reduced self-esteem or feel self-conscious about their smile. Missing teeth can also negatively impact the patient’s ability to perform routine tasks such as eating and speaking clearly. Lastly, missing teeth which are not replaced can cause serious issues with oral hygiene and compromise the other natural teeth.
Missing teeth are quite common as patients have unexpected accidents, decay, trauma, or simply the result of wear and tear which occurs over time. Patients who want to restore the function and appearance of their missing teeth may find that they ultimately need dentures. Dentures are a great tooth-replacement solution which can help restore the function and appearance of missing teeth. Dentures certainly have some limitations and challenges, making them uncomfortable and difficult to wear. Patients are often discouraged if the dentures slip, fall out of place, or limit the patient’s ability to eat the foods they love. Denture stabilization helps resolve many of these things, while still being a relatively affordable tooth-replacement option.
Patients with missing teeth who want to learn more about denture stabilization should contact the office today. The team can schedule an appointment to meet with the dentist and review the patient’s tooth-replacement options. It is critical for patients to find a tooth-replacement solution which will help restore the function and appearance of their missing teeth.