Millions of Americans are missing most or all of their teeth. Many choose to ignore this problem due to time and/or financial constraints. However, this can lead to a variety of oral and overall health issues, including:
Reduced self-esteem
Loss of jawbone density, causing additional tooth loss, changes in facial structure, and more
Difficulties speaking and eating
The best way to replace missing teeth is with dental implants, but when most or all of the teeth are missing, this can get expensive. Therefore, many patients choose the more affordable option: partial or complete dentures. While this tooth restoration solution does have some benefits, many denture wearers complain that it is not very stable.
You can use denture adhesives to help keep them in place, but it often brings an unpleasant taste and may even wear off after a few hours. Palisades Dental Care in Dumont, NJ offers another option: denture stabilization.
Denture stabilization is the process of using dental implants to secure the dentures in place. Dr. Yael Kryzman and Dr. David Lefkowitz have extensive training and experience in implant dentistry.
In this article, we’ll explain more about how this procedure is done and the benefits associated with denture stabilization.
How Does Denture Stabilization Work?
Conventional dentures sit on top of the gums, with no support. Therefore, they are able to slip and slide around in the mouth when eating and speaking. In some cases, they may even fall out, which can be embarrassing. Denture adhesives can help somewhat, but often leave an unpleasant taste in the mouth and may even wear off.
Therefore, many patients have taken advantage of denture stabilization. This is the process of having implants placed in the jawbone for the dentures to attach to.
The implants not only secure the dentures in place, but they also have many other benefits, including preventing jawbone loss. This means that facial structure is supported so patients look younger. Also, any remaining natural teeth are supported because the jawbone remains healthy.
There are two types of denture stabilization methods: bar-retained and ball-retained.
Bar-retained dentures require 2 to 5 dental implants with a metal bar attached. The overdenture clips onto the bar to hold it in place.
Ball-retained dentures are also referred to as stud-attachment dentures. In this case, the implants have metal attachments that clip onto the attachments on the dentures. The attachments on the implants are typically shaped like balls, while the attachments on the overdenture are more like sockets.
Stabilized dentures may be removable or permanent. If the dentures are removable, they must be cared for like conventional dentures. You must remove them every night for cleaning. Permanent dentures, on the other hand, are to be left in at all times- only the dentist can remove them for cleanings and exams.
Benefits of Denture Stabilization
There are several benefits associated with denture stabilization at Palisades Dental Care, including:
Denture stabilization improves comfort
Conventional dentures sit on top of the gums and often slip around in the mouth. This can cause irritation and sore spots to develop on the gums. Denture stabilization prevents this slipping and sliding, which makes wearing dentures much more comfortable.
Denture stabilization increases confidence
Missing teeth can have a major impact on your confidence and, while wearing dentures will improve your smile, there is still the embarrassment of the slipping and sliding of the dentures to contend with. In fact, many denture wearers may avoid socializing because the dentures move around and may fall out when eating and talking. Denture stabilization secures the dentures in place, so you don’t have to worry about being embarrassed by your dentures.
Denture stabilization contributes to oral health
Conventional dentures sit on top of the gums and often slip and slide around in the mouth, causing irritation and sores. Sores can lead to infection, which impacts oral and overall health. Since the jawbone is not being stimulated, it will begin to deteriorate, which can increase your risk of gum disease and other oral health issues. Denture stabilization involves the placement of dental implants, which provide the jawbone with the necessary stimulation to keep it healthy and prevents the denture from slipping and sliding around, irritating the gums.
Plus, stabilized dentures have a stronger bite force than conventional dentures, which means you can eat healthy foods, which improves overall health.
Denture stabilization increases the durability of dentures
Conventional dentures can easily break if you bite down too hard on something. Denture stabilization increases the amount of bite force that the dentures can handle, which reduces the risk of damaging them. Permanent dentures have a longer life expectancy because you’re not having to take them out every night for cleaning- you care for them just like your natural teeth.
Conclusion
If you have dentures or you’re debating on the best tooth restoration solution to replace your missing teeth, you may want to consider denture stabilization. This is the process of using dental implants to secure dentures in place. There are several benefits associated with denture stabilization, including improved comfort, increased confidence, better oral and overall health, and increased durability.
While this option is more expensive than conventional dentures, it is not as expensive as having each tooth replaced with a single implant. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kryzman or Dr. Lefkowitz and the team at Palisades Dental Care today to learn more about denture stabilization and how it can help you.
Denture Stabilization FAQs
If you’re anything like most of our patients, you have questions when it comes to dental treatments. Dr. Kryzman and the team will discuss your questions and concerns with you at any time. Some of the most common questions we hear about denture stabilization are answered below:
What is denture stabilization and how does it work?
Denture stabilization is the process of using dental implants to stabilize dentures, keeping them from slipping and sliding around in the mouth. There are two types of stabilization: bar-retained or ball-retained and dentures can be permanently secured in place or can be removable.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with denture stabilization?
While denture stabilization does offer many benefits, there are some side effects/risks and drawbacks that you’ll want to consider.
First of all, implant placement requires oral surgery, which can be risky, especially for patients with underlying medical conditions. However, the risks are low for patients who are healthy enough to undergo surgery. Plus, dental implants require adequate bone density, which means some patients require a bone graft before the implants can be placed.
Second, while implants have a high success rate, there is a small risk of implant failure due to various reasons: inexperienced dentist, inadequate care/maintenance, underlying health conditions, and more.
Finally, while the implants are designed to last a lifetime, the attachments may require tightening after several years and the overdenture may need to be replaced from time to time due to wear and tear.
What is the cost of denture stabilization and is it covered by insurance?
The cost of denture stabilization depends on how many implants you need. On average, you can expect to pay $3,000 to $6,000 for two implants. Some dental insurance providers will cover a portion of treatment, while others will not. Our office staff will be happy to work with your provider to determine your coverage. We also have an in-office membership plan that offers a 40% discount on dental services.
How long does the denture stabilization process take and how often does it need to be redone?
The process of getting dental implants involves several steps and may take up to a year, depending on how quickly you heal between stages. Once the implants are placed, they should last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. You may need to replace the overdenture every 15 to 20 years or so, depending on how well you take care of it.
