Dentures are a tried and tested way to replace missing teeth that have been around for many years. If you lost all of your lower teeth a while ago, your dentist might have recommended a denture to replace them. Dentures have a gum-colored base made from acrylic that rests directly on the gums. The base supports the denture teeth that are arranged to closely replicate real teeth, and are designed to meet the upper teeth as accurately as possible so the wearer can bite and chew food. \
However, dentures can be highly problematic to wear and especially in the longer term. If you wear dentures, you will already know that it can be tricky to get them to fit comfortably and to ensure they remain stable, especially when you have a lower denture. You might think this is just something you need to put up with and that wearing a denture is the only real option available, but there are other solutions.
Why Are Dentures So Awkward to Wear?
This is a question that dentists hear frequently and especially because initially, dentures can seem quite stable and easy to wear. But, after just a few years, dentures often become less well-fitting, and around half of all people with lower dentures are dissatisfied with their comfort or stability in the mouth.
The reason why this happens is all to do with what happens to your jawbone when you lose real teeth. When your teeth are extracted, the bone that used to support them remodels, reshaping, so the overall shape and height of your jawbone change quite considerably, eventually becoming flatter and narrower.
A lot of these changes occur in the first year after tooth loss and explain why those dentures that initially fitted quite well gradually become more difficult to wear. It’s more of a problem for lower dentures because bone support is critical, whereas an upper denture covers the palate, providing far more retention.
Also, your tongue is a quite powerful muscle and can easily dislodge a lower denture. Some people try to overcome the problem of a loose lower denture by using denture adhesive. However, the long-term use of denture adhesive is not a great idea. The adhesives are messy and can be expensive.
Consequences of Loose and Ill-Fitting Dentures
People with a loose lower denture often find it difficult to eat comfortably and can be especially hard to chew food properly, particularly those that have a tougher texture. Consequently, it’s easier to choose foods that require little chewing, ignoring foods like vegetables or protein-rich foods and which are more nutritious.
People who are missing teeth can have a poorer diet compared with people who have their natural teeth, and this can affect overall health. It’s also important to consider the impact on your overall quality of life, which includes self-esteem and self-confidence and general satisfaction.
People who find it tricky to wear dentures comfortably can avoid social interactions and, consequently, may suffer psychologically because they become more isolated. This is when dental implants can be a good solution.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental implants aren’t a new treatment and have now been around for decades, and they can be enormously beneficial for denture wearers. Over the past few years, the techniques used to replace loose lower dentures with dental implant supported restorations have improved considerably. Nowadays, there are solutions to suit every budget, including fixed and removable options.
Implant Overdenture
One solution uses as few as two or four dental implants to support what’s called an overdenture. An overdenture looks like a conventional denture, but it has special fittings on the surface closest to the gums. These special attachments are designed to clip onto dental implants surgically inserted into the jawbone. Once the denture is clipped in place, it cannot move around easily and provides good stability and improved biting strength.
Because only a few dental implants are needed, treatment is extremely affordable. Also, it’s sometimes even possible to adapt an existing denture to fit onto the dental implants. The fact that the overdenture is removable can be an advantage for some people. Although it may seem preferable to have a fixed option, some people find it far easier to have a removable overdenture that they can take out for cleaning and general maintenance.
It’s a solution that can greatly improve quality of life because wearers have teeth that stay firmly in place and which are comfortable. The improved biting strength makes it easier to eat a wider choice of foods, so there is the potential for wearers to improve their overall nutrition and, potentially, their overall health.
Implant Bridge
People who know they don’t want a removable prosthesis can investigate a fixed bridge. This is a solution that is only removable by the implant dentist and which otherwise remains firmly in place for the entire time. A fixed bridge is a more expensive option because it needs a greater number of dental implants for support.
Also, the bridge is fabricated from different and more expensive materials, including dental porcelain and often from a strong ceramic material called zirconia. Because the bridge is firmly fixed in place, it provides greater biting strength compared with an overdenture. The biting and chewing strength of a fixed bridge is very similar to natural teeth, so an even greater choice of foods can be enjoyed.
One potential problem with having an implant bridge is that there may not be adequate bone to support dental implants because of the bone loss that occurs after tooth loss. However, this is a problem that is often easily overcome with bone grafting. A dental implant dentist can restore missing bone and even gum tissue using sophisticated grafting techniques, but of course, this does add to the overall cost of treatment.
Deciding on Treatment
It might seem tricky when deciding which implant treatment to have. For some people, the choice is dictated by budget, while others are looking for a minimally invasive treatment. Therefore, the idea of having multiple dental implants or perhaps other procedures like bone grafting will not appeal.
It’s a choice your dental implant dentist can help you to make by first examining your mouth and determining which treatments are necessary for specific solutions. They can discuss possible options with you and can explain each stage of treatment. The more you understand about your implant treatment, the easier you will find it to make that decision.
If you’re struggling with the discomfort of a lower denture—from slipping and sore spots to difficulty speaking or chewing—it’s important to know you’re not stuck with the frustration. Whether you’re considering implant-supported dentures, fixed bridges, or implant-retained overdentures, the team at LuxDen Dental Center is ready to help you explore all your options and find the solution that fits your comfort, lifestyle, and budget.
Call LuxDen Dental Center at (718) 717‑8866 to book your consultation today. Let our experienced professionals guide you toward a secure, comfortable solution—and rediscover the confidence and ease in every smile.
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