You’ve sat down to dinner, and before you’re able to even take your first bite, you feel your dentures slip out of place. This seems to be happening more and more lately, and your number one fear is that they are eventually going to just pop out, sending the grandkids tearfully running into the other room. What is causing your dentures to not fit well? Better yet, what can you do to change that? Your Marietta implant dentist is happy to answer both of these questions in today’s blog.
Denture Problem #1: They Aren’t Properly Fitted
In order for a denture to have a nice secure fit, it needs to be properly shaped to conform to an individual patient’s mouth. While most dentists are able to accomplish this on the first try, sometimes, dentures just don’t come out quite right, causing them to annoyingly shift around in the mouth.
Denture Problem #2: They Are Damaged
Dentures are constantly being exposed to the powerful chewing forces of the jaw every day, and like anything else, they can wear down over time, throwing off their fit. It’s also very common for people to drop their dentures or leave them sitting in warm water, both of which can negatively affect their shape.
Denture Problem #3: Bone Degeneration
By far, the most common reason that a denture does not fit properly is because the shape of a patient’s gums and jaw bone have changed. When the teeth go missing, the jawbone naturally starts to shrink and deteriorate over time. This is because the body knows that there are no teeth to support, so it simply takes nutrients from the jaw to apply elsewhere. This is why a denture that fits great initially doesn’t after just a few years. The big disadvantage of removable dentures is that they basically can’t do anything to stop this, which is why they typically need to be replaced every 7-10 years.
The Solution to Ill-Fitting Dentures
Fortunately, dentistry has come up with the perfect solution to dentures that slip, slide, pop, and click unexpectedly: implant-retained dentures.
Instead of being held in place using small clasps, natural suction, or goopy denture adhesive, implant dentures are secured directly to the jawbone using multiple small titanium posts that replicate the roots of the teeth. Implants not only provide an extremely stable and consistent fit, but they also prevent the bone degeneration that was just mentioned.
Once in place, dental implants actually stimulate new bone growth in the jaw. As a result, they’re able to maintain a denture’s fit for much longer than a traditional one because they keep the jaw full and healthy.
How Can You Get Implant-Retained Dentures?
If you’re ready to finally have a set of teeth you can trust, all you need to do is call your local implant dentist in Marietta, OH. At a consultation appointment, they’ll perform a brief oral exam, take some X-rays, and then they’ll let you know if an implant denture is a good option for you. They usually are for most patients with missing teeth, though some may require a bone graft before one can be placed.
Nonetheless, implant-retained dentures can be trusted to maintain their day-one fit for years at a time, and the implants themselves can last for 30 years or more. If you’re sick and tired of dealing with your uncomfortable dentures, a solution is waiting for you, so be sure to contact your local implant dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lee is a dental implant dentist and certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon based in Marietta, OH. At his practice, he helps patients with unstable dentures achieve a secure bite using dental implants every single day. If you’re interested in getting implant-retained dentures, he’s ready to help, and you can contact him through his website.