Will Dental Implants Fix My Loose Dentures?

Loose dentures become a problem for most every Singapore denture wearer eventually, even those fortunate enough to have had dentures that fit perfectly when they were new. That's because, over time, changes in oral structure occur when one or both jaws are toothless, gradually altering denture fit. While relining or replacing dentures can often help, it must be done every 5 to 7 years to maintain stability and comfort. Dental implants can fix loose dentures, resolving embarrassing and uncomfortable denture retention problems.

Loose Dentures in Singapore

As many denture wearers know, conventional dentures, while much better than having no teeth at all, have a number of drawbacks. Among the most important of these is bone loss in the jaw, which is an inevitable consequence of replacing missing teeth with removable dentures. The gum ridge, upon which traditional dentures rest, typically shrinks over time as well, eroding denture support and affecting stability. The result is ill-fitting dentures, typically beginning to slip and click as a person eats, speaks or laughs.

Why Denture Stability Matters

Not only is poor denture retention embarrassing and uncomfortable, it can cause a number of functional issues as well, affecting speech clarity and a person's ability to bite and chew efficiently. Frequently, loose dentures also lead to mouth pain, gum irritation and mouth sores, and since eating becomes more difficult with ill-finning dentures, a limited diet. Impaired chewing and dietary limitations can contribute to gastrointestinal problems and nutritional deficits, affecting health.  

How Dental Implants in Singapore Can Help

Singapore dental professionals use dental implants in several ways to provide patients with effective solutions to ill-fitting dentures. Among the most common of these are:

• Implants to stabilize conventional dentures – Two to four standard dental implants or mini implants are placed in the jaw and topped with retaining fixtures, generally ball shaped, that snap into sockets placed on the base of the denture. In this manner, dentures are held securely in place, eliminating denture slipping, yet are removed as usual for cleaning and at night.
• Implant-supported overdentures – These are made in two basic forms, ball-retained or bar-retained, both anchored by a foundation of dental implants. Ball retained overdentures have a ball-and-socket attachment system, while bar-retained ones use a thin metal bar, anchored by dental implants to retain dentures fitted with clips to grip that bar. While these, like traditional dentures, are removed for cleaning and sleeping, they offer a more natural look and feel.
• Permanent dentures – These are the best option in terms of appearance, stability and function. Permanent dentures consist of a full arch of replacement teeth that are anchored securely in place by four to eight dental implants. They stay in place 24 hours a day, just like natural teeth, and are cleaned by normal brushing and flossing. Unlike traditional dentures and some overdentures, there is no acrylic placed over the roof of the mouth to cause crowding or interfere with the sense of taste. With this dental restoration option, patients receive replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.

With today's advancements in dental implant technology and techniques, implant-based solutions to loose dentures are available to the vast majority of Singapore dental patients, even many who have suffered extensive bone loss from many years of conventional denture use. So if you're suffering the difficulties, discomfort and embarrassment that can come from ill-fitting dentures, see an oral surgeon to find out how dental implants can improve your smile and your quality of life.

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Photo credit: Adam Heath