Are You a Candidate for Overdentures With Implants? 5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade
Overdentures with implants provide a semi-permanent alternative solution to traditional dentures. Rather than being removable, they’re firmly fixed to dental implants that use the jawbone as a foundation, offering improved stability, fit, and function.
You might benefit from implant-supported dentures if you notice any of the following signs.
1. Your Dentures Feel Loose or Shift Often
One of the most important factors to consider when comparing traditional dentures to overdentures is the added stability. Traditional dentures simply sit on the gums, making slippage and movement inevitable. This issue becomes even worse if your dentures don’t fit properly.
You may notice that your dentures shift around while eating or speaking, which can lead to discomfort and awkward social situations. Such displacement can become more common after you’ve had your dentures for a while, as they can deform and develop an improper fit.
Overdentures with implants solve this problem. The solid foundation ensures that they won’t slip while you’re talking or chewing, allowing you to feel confident while avoiding the irritation and embarrassment that comes with wandering dentures.
2. You Struggle to Eat Certain Foods
Traditional dentures can help people with missing teeth get back to a standard diet. However, they can only go so far. There are often serious dietary restrictions that come with traditional dentures, which could mean avoiding some of your favorite foods.
Two of the biggest issues are the difficulty in bite function and the discomfort that comes with chewing. Traditional dentures sit on the gums, which means you can only apply so much pressure. This limits your bite strength and makes prolonged chewing uncomfortable, preventing you from eating tough or chewy foods.
By contrast, overdentures are supported by titanium implant posts that are embedded directly in the jawbone. This structure transfers force without pressing on the gum tissue, letting you use your full bite strength without any discomfort.
3. You Have Jawbone Loss or Facial Changes
Over time, missing teeth can lead to jawbone loss and changes in appearance. Natural tooth roots provide stimulation that keeps the jawbone healthy and strong. Without them, the jawbone can weaken and shrink, causing noticeable changes in facial structure.
Traditional dentures only rest on the gums, so they don’t provide any stimulation for the jawbone. This can lead to jawbone deterioration in patients with dentures, which contributes to further denture fit issues.
Implant-retained overdentures provide effective protection against jawbone loss. Since the implants are embedded in the jawbone, they provide similar stimulation as natural teeth. With dental implants, your jawbone will stay strong and intact, meaning you’ll avoid facial changes over the years.
4. You’re Constantly Using Adhesive
Slippage is perhaps the most frustrating issue associated with traditional dentures. Many wearers use denture adhesive to address this problem. These products can help prevent movement, but only temporarily. If you find yourself applying adhesive frequently, it could mean traditional dentures aren’t the right choice for you.
Constant application of denture adhesive takes time out of your day and can lead to unpleasant sensations and taste. The adhesive also becomes less effective as the dentures deform. You might find yourself using more and more until no amount is enough to stop your dentures from sliding around.
With overdentures, there’s no need for adhesive of any kind. Your replacement teeth are supported by dental implants that provide steadfast strength and stability. You don’t have to worry about them deforming. Instead, you’ll enjoy consistent protection against any kind of unnatural or uncomfortable movement.
5. You Want a More Confident, Natural Feel
Traditional dentures can do a lot to improve eating and speaking. However, many patients report they don’t feel confident in their dentures. The constant risk of slippage can lead some denture wearers to avoid social situations.
While there are clear benefits to traditional dentures, they simply don’t feel natural to most people. This unnatural feeling can cause wearers to become self-conscious and fixated on their dentures. These downsides offset many of the advantages traditional dentures offer when it comes to replacing missing teeth.
Overdentures are the superior option for many patients. They allow for natural eating and speaking, letting you forget about your teeth and focus on the moment. You’ll have the confidence you need to fully embrace and engage in social situations, whether it’s a lavish dinner party or a simple gathering with family or friends.
Learn More From Your Trusted Implant Dentist in Greenville, SC
Overdentures with implants can be a highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth while improving overall quality of life. You can find the best restorative dentistry options for your needs by turning to the experienced team at Monroe Family Dentistry. Schedule your consultation today to get started.
