In Syracuse, NY, the struggle with loose dentures is a reality for many who wear the older style of traditional, removable dentures. This issue impacts not only their oral health but also their overall quality of life. For a long time, traditional dentures were the sole option for those facing complete tooth loss, known as edentulism. Although effective initially, conventional dentures presented challenges such as instability and discomfort. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology, particularly the introduction of mini dental implants, have led to implant dentures, a more secure, reliable, and natural-looking option for tooth replacement.
Understanding Loose Dentures
The problem of loose dentures can be more than just an annoyance—over time, they can encourage other oral health issues. Loose dentures occur when a set of traditional dentures begins to lose their tight fit on the gums, causing them to move around in the mouth without warning. As their use affects the other, both the denture and the shape of your gum line will change.
Loose dentures are a danger to slide around or even pop out of your mouth while eating, speaking, or laughing, causing an embarrassing scene. That brings with it a constant undercurrent of stress and anxiety, never knowing when the unexpected may happen. For some, messy denture adhesives seem like a solution, but this is only temporary.
On a more serious level, loose dentures can cause mouth irritation, soreness, and swelling. Because they’re so frequently removed, they also carry a higher risk of infection, especially among older patients.
To fix loose dentures, the only option was to schedule an appointment with a dentist who could reline your traditional dentures to fit your gum line better. However, you would have to repeat this process ad nauseam as the dentures continue to come loose over time. Luckily, there’s a way to secure your loose dentures directly to the jawbone, eliminating their ability to move.
How Can Implant Dentures Help?
Implant dentures represent a breakthrough in full tooth replacement, providing a stable and comfortable solution for those worried about loose dentures. These dentures are securely anchored to the jawbone thanks to mini dental implants. Implant dentures come in various forms, which can be removable or permanent, catering to different needs and preferences. Their connection to the mini implants provides stability and enhances biting and chewing power, allowing individuals to enjoy their favorite foods without the inconvenience of loose dentures.
The Benefits of Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are more than just a practical solution; they significantly benefit your oral health and appearance. Traditional dentures replace only the visible part of the teeth, leaving the roots unaddressed. The mini dental implants used in implant dentures act as artificial tooth roots. They stimulate the jawbone and help prevent deterioration. This maintains jawbone health and preserves the facial structure, avoiding the sunken facial appearance often associated with traditional dentures. In addition to their increased stability, implant dentures don’t need annoying adhesives that cost money, time, and energy. Your dentures will stay put thanks to the stability of the implants they attach to.
Implant Denture Options
Implant dentures vary in design and functionality, and during a free consultation, Dr. Bradford will help patients choose the best option based on their specific wants, needs, and financial concerns. The types of implant dentures include:
- Overdentures: We sometimes call this option snap-on dentures or implant-retained dentures. They are removable and connect to 4-8 mini implants, providing stability and easy removability.
- Semi-removable roundhouse bridge: Known by the name Fix-on-Six® (formerly All-on-4® when it used older, larger implants), this option offers more stability with 6-10 implants and is semi-removable, meaning it can be removed only by a dentist like Dr. Bradford. Even though it has ‘bridge’ in the name, this still replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower arch.
- Non-removable roundhouse bridge: This is the option with the highest level of stability and functionality. We’ll cement the roundhouse zirconia bridge onto 10-12 mini implants, making it a permanent solution. This is the closest thing you can get to the look and feel of natural teeth.
Can Mini Implants Fix My Loose Dentures?
Many patients have asked if their traditional dentures can be converted into implant dentures simply by adding mini dental implants. While the answer is yes, it’s only possible if very specific conditions are met by your denture’s size, quality, and construction. If you’re wondering whether this might be possible, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bradford. He can evaluate your dentures up close and let you know your options moving forward.
Fix Your Loose Dentures Now
If you’re tired of struggling with loose dentures, it’s time to explore the world of implant dentures. Contact us to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Bradford in Syracuse, NY, and take the first step towards a more confident, comfortable, and enjoyable life.