Denture Stabilization
While conventional dentures can be a quick, easy, and affordable solution to the problem of missing teeth, many who opt for this form of tooth replacement quickly become frustrated with the ways in which they move and shift in the mouth – seemingly always at the most inconvenient or embarrassing time. However, not everyone wants or can afford to have all of their teeth replaced with dental implants. Luckily, there is a Goldilocks solution to this problem, the sweet spot right in the middle. It is called denture stabilization – also referred to as overdentures – and it can be the option that is “just right” for those searching for an in-between solution to the quandary of conventional dentures versus dental implants.
Denture Stabilization Technology
Denture stabilization relies upon a form of hybrid technology that incorporates streamlined conventional denture design with more modern dental implant parts. Effectively, these two technologies are combined, with a small number of dental implants holding an arch (or two) of dentures in place via implants that are embedded into the jaw.
During the creation of a dental implant, the first step is to insert a dental implant fixture below the surface of the gums. This is the part of the dental implant that serves as a prosthetic root, giving foundational strength to the entirety of the structure that it supports. Once the implant fixture is inserted into the jawbone, it must be allowed a few months to become one with bone; this process is called osseointegration and it is very important to the integrity of the implant.
Once the implant is thoroughly embedded in the jaw, an abutment is then connected to the end of the implant fixture that remains hidden from sight underneath the gums. At this point, the gums are opened for this connection to be made and then stitched up once it is complete.
After the soft tissues of the gum have healed, the overdenture can then be attached to the implant fixtures. The number of implants required for successful support of the overdenture is dependent upon a number of factors, including the position in the mouth (upper or lower arch), the quality of available bone mass in the jaw and, in some cases, the age of the patient. Generally speaking, it is preferable to have more implants versus fewer, as they can improve the stability and strength of the denture and also provide an insurance policy of sorts; if one implant fails over the life of the denture usage, another can serve in its place without the need to create a new implant. This is especially important for younger patients that may be using this technology for decades to come.
Types of Denture Stabilization
Denture stabilization can be enacted in two primary forms: ball-retained dentures and bar-retained dentures.
Ball-retained dentures, also referred to as stud-attachment dentures, utilize a ball and socket technology that facilitate the connection between the implant and the denture. In some cases, the socket is present on the implant abutment and the ball is on the dentures; in other cases, it works in the opposite way, with the socket on the dentures and the ball on the implant abutment. Regardless of which part has the male and female parts, ball-retained overdentures snap into place when the ball fits into the socket. Similarly, they can be disconnected by pulling the ball out of the socket. This type of denture stabilization usually requires two to four dental implants per arch; four is typically preferred, which is why they are also sometimes referred to as “all-on-four” “snap on” overdentures.
Bar-retained dentures, conversely, rely upon a bar constructed across two to five dental implants in an arch to which the dentures either fit into or on top of, in some cases with the assistance of other pieces. These kinds of overdentures usually require slightly more dental implants than the ball-retained dentures, given the base that is necessary for the construction of the bar.
While both of these types of denture stabilization are designed for their user to remove the dentures each night and clean by soaking in a cleansing solution, it is also possible to have this type of technology made to be permanent. In this case, the overdenture is cemented into place and only a dentist is able to remove it; cleaning is done by regular brushing and flossing.
Benefits of Denture Stabilization
There are many benefits associated with denture stabilization. In addition to being highly customizable, overdentures are also much more functional and comfortable than conventional dentures. Anchored onto the dental implants that are likewise embedded into the jaw, overdentures stay in place without moving or shifting. This makes it easier to enjoy a wide variety of foods, as well as to effectively eliminate the social embarrassment that can come from having your teeth shift in your mouth just as you’re trying to eat or have a conversation with a friend or family member. This lack of movement makes for a much more comfortable experience, as shifting dentures can create painful friction sores in the mouth over time.
Furthermore, denture stabilization can improve oral health by preserving healthy bone mass in the jaw. When you lose teeth, the roots also disappear from the jaw. Much like the roots of a plant create healthier soil by opening cracks that provide oxygen and water, dental roots create a healthier jaw, stimulating continued preservation by their simple presence. Once the roots go away, jaw health and bone mass can deteriorate; the prosthetic roots that dental implants provide can stop your jaw from withering by taking the place of your natural dental roots.
Finally, overdentures can not only improve one’s facial appearance by preserving bone in and around the mouth, but they can also have a tremendous impact on one’s quality of life. No one wants to spend their time at family gatherings or parties worrying about whether or not their teeth are going to stay in place; over time, this can lead to social anxiety and even depression. By providing a dependable solution that can be trusted to stay put, denture stabilization can make these worries a thing of the past, making every day a little bit easier.
For more information on how denture stabilization could make your life a little easier, call our office today to set up an individualized, no-pressure consultation.