Statistics show that there are millions of Americans that are missing most or all of their teeth. This condition is known as edentulism.
There are two types of edentulism:
- Partial: still have some remaining natural teeth
- Complete: no remaining natural teeth
Tooth loss can be caused by several factors. Some of the most common ones are age, trauma, and decay. However, no matter what has caused the tooth loss, the repercussions are the same:
- Difficulty chewing, which leads to dietary insufficiencies
- Impaired self-esteem
- Altered bite
- Increased risk of dental issues including tooth loss and decay
- Deterioration of jawbone
For many years, patients replaced their missing teeth with conventional dentures. This restoration option can be effective and does offer a variety of benefits. However, there are also several drawbacks. The primary complaint that patients at Rainier Ave Dental have is the fact that conventional dentures are unstable. For those patients, we recommend denture stabilization.
Denture Stabilization Explained
Denture stabilization is a hybrid restoration that allows patients to combine the stability of dental implants with the affordability of dentures. There are two types of denture stabilization:
- Bar retained: the denture has a bar on it that clips onto the dental implants
- Ball retained: dental implants have a ball attachment that goes into the socket attachments on the denture
In addition, dentures may be permanent or removable. Permanent dentures can be cared for like natural teeth. Removable dentures must be taken out before bed for cleaning and to allow your mouth to rest overnight.
Denture stabilization allows patients to enjoy improved comfort and oral health as well as increased confidence and durability. Below, we’ll explore some of the benefits of denture stabilization:
Benefits of Denture Stabilization
Denture stabilization offers an array of benefits. The top 4 include:
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Increased Comfort
Conventional dentures are designed to sit on top of the gums. While you can use denture adhesive to keep them in place, it can leave a strange taste in your mouth and isn’t always effective. Plus, it can be difficult to clean off your dentures when you take them out. This means that they can slip around your mouth, causing pressure and friction sores.
Denture stabilization secures the denture in place with dental implants, which means no more sores.
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Improved Oral health
When conventional dentures slip and slide around, they cause pressure and friction sores on your gums. The sores may become infected which can have an effect on your oral and overall health. Plus, without teeth, your jawbone is no longer stimulated so it will begin to deteriorate, which can lead to additional oral health problems including gum disease.
Dental implants provide the jawbone with the stimulation it needs to stay healthy and keep the denture from slipping around. Therefore, you can enjoy improved oral and overall health.
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Improved confidence
When you’re missing teeth, your confidence is significantly impacted. Dentures can restore your smile, but there is still the issue of them slipping and sliding around. Many denture patients avoid socializing because they are concerned that their dentures may fall out.
Denture stabilization uses dental implants to secure the dentures in place so that you can socialize with confidence.
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Increased durability
Conventional dentures must be replaced or relined every few years. Plus, if you bite down too hard on something, dentures are likely to break.
Denture stabilization increases the bite force of dentures so that you can eat tough or hard foods without worrying that you will damage them. Since permanent dentures are cared for like natural teeth, they typically last longer than removable ones.
Schedule Your Consultation at Rainier Ave Dental Today.
Denture stabilization allows patients to enjoy the stability offered by dental implants with the affordability of conventional dentures. This restoration solution offers increased comfort and durability as well as improved oral health and confidence.
If you are interested in learning more about denture stabilization, we encourage you to schedule your consultation at Rainier Ave Dental today. If you have been wearing dentures for some time, denture stabilization might improve your experience.
Denture Stabilization FAQs
Denture stabilization is quite popular among patients at Rainier Ave Dental. However, we do understand that you may have questions or concerns before moving forward with treatment. We are happy to discuss these with you at any time. Below, we have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
What is denture stabilization and how does it work?
Denture stabilization is a hybrid tooth restoration that combines the stability of dental implants with the affordability of dentures. We will place 2 to 4 dental implants into your jaw, which will be used to secure the denture in place.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with denture stabilization?
While safe for most patients, there are a few risks associated with dental implants:
- Implant failure/rejection
- Nerve damage
- Sinus damage
What is the cost of denture stabilization and is it covered by insurance?
The cost of denture stabilization depends on several factors, including the number of implants you need and the type of stabilization you choose. The average cost of two implants ranges from about $3,000 to $6,000. Some dental insurance plans will cover a portion of treatment, while others will not. Our office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage. If you need help paying for your treatments, we offer a variety of billing and payment options.
How long does the denture stabilization process take and how often does it need to be redone?
The process of placing dental implants typically takes at least several months, depending on whether you need additional procedures and how quickly you heal. You will be given a temporary denture to wear while you are healing so you will not have to be without teeth.
As long as you care for your implants properly, they will last a lifetime. The prosthesis may need to be replaced after around 15 years- but with proper care and maintenance, it may also last a lifetime.
