Did you know that dentures have been around since at least 700 BC? In fact, a set of dentures made from bone and gold wire were found in an Egyptian tomb, and researchers think they may have been the first-ever attempt at making false teeth. Today, around 36 million Americans use modern dentures that are better than ever, but they can still become loose and ill-fitting over time. Fortunately, dental implants in Plano are an outstanding way to improve the way dentures fit, giving you a smile that looks and feels much more natural than before. Keep reading to find out why dentures become loose and how implants can help!
Why Do Dentures Become Loose?
When you initially get a set of dentures, they’re designed to fit your jaws perfectly. The problem is that your jaws change shape over time, becoming smaller and thinner than before. This process starts naturally occurring immediately after your teeth are taken out and creates a “moving target” situation where your dentures have to be continually adjusted to continue fitting.
Over time, the dentures that once felt great become too large to fit snugly, causing them to become loose and slip while eating or talking. And while dentures can be periodically re-lined to improve their fit, at some point (usually every 5-8 years) they need to be replaced entirely. The good news? Implants are a great solution.
How Can Dental Implants Improve Your Dentures?
Implant-retained dentures have been a real game-changer for one main reason: Implants replace the roots of missing teeth. This provides multiple benefits:
- Since implants mimic the function of tooth roots, they “trick” your body into preserving your jawbone and preventing further bone loss. In addition to helping you maintain a more youthful facial shape and structure, implants also help your dentures fit better, for longer.
- While traditional dentures stay in place with natural suction and adhesive, implants serve as physical anchors to give your dentures much more stability and support. This not only eliminates slips, but you’ll also be able to chew better and enjoy a wider variety of foods than before.
- Most people only need 2-8 implants per arch to secure an entire denture. In some cases, an upper denture will stay quite secure on its own, so implants are only needed in the lower jaw.
Schedule a consultation with a dentist to have your needs assessed and find out if implant-retained dentures are a good choice for you. You’ll be taking the first step to a denture that fits better than ever and improves your quality of life every day!
About the Author
Dr. Tatyana Romanoff is a general, cosmetic, and restorative dentist in Plano and a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She wants everyone to have dentures that feel as great as they look and often recommends implant-retained dentures because they offer unmatched stability. If your dentures are loose and you have any questions, she can be contacted via her website.