For many years, dentures had been a traditional way to replace missing teeth. However, many patients are not happy with their dentures or simply may not know about other options. 

One of the biggest disadvantages of dentures is they can be uncomfortable and slip out of place when speaking, eating, smiling, yawning or coughing. Additionally, missing teeth and dentures cause jawbone deterioration over time due to constant pressure from chewing food or clenching.

Implant dentistry has become a vital part of improving ill-fitting complete dentures, especially for the more problematic lower denture.

In this blog post, I’m going to explain how implant-supported dentures provide stability and protect your jawbone. These devices give patients some of the benefits of dental implants and provide a more permanent and natural-looking alternative to dentures.

Why are the lower dentures less stable than the upper dentures?

Most patients prefer the upper denture as compared to the lower denture. The upper denture has more surface area and is designed to have retention by creating a seal around the denture. Similar to a cup upside-down on a wet surface – when you pull the cup up, there will be some resistance or suction. 

However, lower dentures by design are almost impossible to seal because the tongue constantly lifts the denture. The lower denture is well known as the floating denture – if you have one, you know exactly what that means – because it doesn’t stay in place well.

You may feel your only option is to use denture cream, but that’s not the case. 

Dental implants are a life change solution that will give you a reason to smile and feel confident with yourself. 

Traditional dental implants are individually replaced artificial teeth. Implant-supported dentures are a permanent set of artificial teeth set on dental implants surgically placed into your jaw. Four implants are inserted into your jawbone as the main anchors and attach with a snap-on mechanism.

With four dental implants it will feel like you have a fixed denture, but with light pressure, you will be able to remove the dentures to clean them. You will also want to brush the implant posts as you would natural teeth.

These implants not only support and stabilize your dentures, they stimulate the bone to prevent bone loss.

Are implant-supported dentures right for you?

If you’re looking for a solution to stabilize your dentures, the best place to start is to find a dental implant expert near you to discuss your options and they can help create a customized treatment plan.

Once you have the implant-supported dentures, you will be able to taste and enjoy your food, talk and smile with confidence, and toss out the denture cream.