Traditional dentures have been used for thousands of years to replace missing teeth. But as anyone with loose dentures will tell you, they’re not always the most reliable. Patients often struggle with traditional dentures that slip and slide around on their gums, making mealtimes a chore. If you’re looking for a more secure alternative to traditional dentures, we recommend dental implant-supported dentures! These restorations replace your smile, but are held in place by dental implants to provide better stability and function. For loose denture alternatives, book a consultation at Brockley Dental Center!
Traditional Dentures: A Quick Overview
When you think of traditional dentures, you probably picture a set of false teeth sitting in a glass on your grandma’s nightstand.
Conventional dentures are custom-made, removable replacements for missing teeth. Made from acrylic resin, they rest on the gums, giving wearers the appearance of a complete set of teeth. And while they do their job of filling up an empty smile, they’re not without shortcomings:
Slipping and sliding: Over time, your dentures will lose their fit, causing them to move or slide inside your mouth. This creates major functional issues, especially while eating or speaking. Some patients even avoid meals with others, fearing an embarrassing denture moment.- Messy adhesives: To counteract loose dentures, many folks turn to denture adhesives. But these can be gooey, messy, and not 100% reliable.
- Discomfort and soreness: Dentures that don’t fit right often lead to gum irritation and general mouth discomfort day after day.
- Oral health issues: Because dentures don’t replace your missing tooth roots, they do nothing to prevent jawbone loss that occurs over time without natural teeth.
We address all of these issues and more with denture alternatives that use mini dental implants.
Implant Dentures
Among the various traditional denture alternatives, implant dentures stand out above the rest. But how are they different than traditional dentures?
Instead of merely resting on the gums, implant dentures rely on mini dental implants that we place directly in your jawbone. This denture retention method helps to solve many of the problems with conventional dentures and improve your quality of life.
Here’s what you can expect from implant dentures:
- Stability: With implants serving as a stable base, these dentures don’t shift or slide, ensuring you can laugh, speak, and eat with renewed confidence.
- Adhesive-free living: Implant dentures are so secure that adhesives are unnecessary, saving you time and money. Plus, they don’t require frequent adjustments like traditional ones do.
- Custom-fit comfort: Implant dentures are custom-fit to your facial structure, and mini implants help the prosthetic to mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth.
Our Loose Denture Alternatives
Implant dentures aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. We offer different types to accommodate our patients’ diverse needs. The best denture for you will depend on your individual goals and preferences.
- Snap-on dentures: Also known as implant-retained overdentures, this option is a hybrid between conventional and permanent dentures. Using 4-8 mini implants, overdentures “snap on” during the day for a secure fit and can come off at night for cleaning and comfort.
- Fix-on-Six®: This semi-removable roundhouse bridge connects to your jaw with 6-10 mini implants. Even though it’s called a bridge, it still replaces all your teeth on the top or bottom arch. The semi-removable part comes from the fact that it will only be removed by a dentist like Dr. Brockley for a professional cleaning. This approach is similar to the older All-on-4® system, but Fix-on-Six uses mini implants instead of larger conventional implants.
- Non-removable roundhouse bridge: This is the strongest and sturdiest option available. With this option, we cement a durable zirconia bridge onto 10-12 mini implants. Also known as permanent dentures, this is the closest you can find to the look and feel of natural teeth.
The Investment in Implant Dentures
Implant dentures might have a higher initial cost compared to traditional ones. However, considering the long-term benefits is crucial. Their durability means they don’t require frequent replacements or adjustments, and you can say goodbye to the hassle of adhesives. Ultimately, these factors lead to a more cost-effective and comfortable solution over time.
When you visit Brockley Dental Center, we’ll start by reviewing your insurance information, ensuring you know exactly what your plan covers. If you’re looking for financing options, we work with CareCredit, a healthcare financing company that offers different payment plans to fit your budget.
Which Denture Alternatives Are Right For You?
Traditional dentures have served their purpose for many years, but if you find yourself battling the common issues associated with them, it may be time to explore denture alternatives. We use mini dental implants to stabilize loose dentures or anchor your prosthetic to your jawbone. With implant dentures, you can enjoy a stable smile that is built to last. Call our office to schedule a consultation today and see how implant dentures can transform your life.
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