Loose Dentures Can Be Stabilized With Mini Dental Implants

Loose dentures are often seen as an easy punchline for TV comedies. They get stuck while biting into an apple, slip out during an argument, or cause a funny speech quirk that makes the audience chuckle. But dealing with loose dentures is more than just a comedic inconvenience; it poses a genuine challenge to the daily comfort and confidence of over 40 million Americans who use dentures. If you’ve ever found yourself holding back a smile or avoiding certain foods for fear of your dentures slipping, you’re not alone. Many individuals face these frustrations, but thankfully, there are reliable solutions to help your smile feel secure once again.

Understanding Why Loose Dentures Happen

Loose dentures are a common issue for many traditional denture wearers. Over time, your jawbone undergoes changes in shape due to factors such as aging, bone and tissue loss, or uneven pressure from poorly fitting dentures. This can lead to dentures that were once snug and secure becoming loose and uncomfortable.

The slipping and sliding of loose dentures can cause irritation and sores in the mouth, make it hard to chew and speak, and can be a source of embarrassment should they slide or fall out at the least opportune moment. You might even find yourself reaching for denture adhesives more often than you’d like, which is both inconvenient and messy.

For many years, the only options to fix loose dentures were to go to the dentist for periodic adjustments or get brand-new dentures. However, altering or replacing loose dentures isn’t a one-time fix. They require continuous readjustments to ensure their long-term fit.

Today’s alternatives now provide sought-after stability and comfort along with the appearance and sensation of natural teeth. These superior solutions are made possible thanks to advancements in dental implant technology.

The Stable and Durable Solution: Mini Dental Implants

One of the most effective ways to stabilize loose dentures involves mini dental implants. These implants are screwed directly into the jawbone and act as sturdy anchors for your dentures, ensuring they stay in place. While the lifespan of traditional dentures is 5-10 years when they are properly cared for, implant dentures secured by mini dental implants can last for decades. The implants themselves are made of titanium, and the artificial teeth they attach to are either made of acrylic or zirconia. They won’t move around, change shape, or require readjustments to look and feel like your natural teeth.

Even though they are small, they’re sturdy enough to support dental crowns, bridges, and implant dentures. But their small size, stability, and durability aren’t the only reasons we prefer them to traditional dentures and conventional implants.

The Benefits of Mini Implant-Supported Dentures

Choosing mini dental implants for your dentures isn’t just about stability—it’s about quality of life. Here are just a few other benefits you can expect with mini implant dentures:

• Instant results: The process of placing mini implants is minimally invasive, meaning the implants can be placed and a restoration mounted all in the same visit. You can truly walk out of your appointment with a brand-new smile.
• Better fit, feel, and function: Implant dentures eliminate the need for adhesives, minimizing mess. Thanks to their sturdiness, implant dentures enhance chewing power, enabling you to enjoy your favorite foods without concerns. They also closely resemble natural teeth, providing a more authentic look and feel compared to traditional dentures.
• Increased confidence: You can speak, laugh, and eat without the fear of unexpected or embarrassing situations from your dentures coming loose.
• Healthier jaw: Implants help maintain the health of the bone and tissue of your jaw. By serving the function of your missing tooth roots, implants stimulate the jawbone to maintain its strength.

Understanding Implant Denture Possibilities

Our practice offers the latest in denture technology with multiple implant denture options that use mini dental implants as the foundation for a stable restoration. Different types of implant dentures include:

• Implant-retained overdentures: Sometimes referred to as “snap-on” dentures, this option is closest to traditional dentures. In fact, if your existing dentures have enough room and are of high enough quality, they can sometimes be converted into implant-retained overdentures. These dentures snap onto 4-8 mini implants, and they’re removable at home for cleaning and comfort.
• All-on-6 system: These implant-supported dentures are also called Fix-on-Six®. It’s an upgraded version of the All-on-4® system, which uses larger traditional implants rather than mini implants. Fix-on-Six® includes a zirconia roundhouse bridge that connects to 6-10 mini implants, replacing all the teeth of your top or bottom arch. They are semi-removable, meaning they are only removed by an implant dentist like Dr. Cabrera for a professional cleaning.
• Non-removable zirconia bridge: A full-arch bridge is cemented onto 10-12 mini implants and offers the highest level of stability, functionality, and natural look and feel. This roundhouse bridge, crafted from zirconia, is the strongest available tooth replacement material currently available.

Whether you’re looking for an easy transition to implant dentures or want the closest match to natural teeth as possible, there’s a solution that’s right for you.

Affordable Fixes for a Secure Smile

At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, we understand financial concerns can add to the stress of dealing with loose dentures. The thought of having to navigate the maze of dental insurance shouldn’t increase that stress. We’ll guide you through the insurance process, ensuring you get the most from your benefits. We also work with multiple financing companies to ensure that treatment is affordable on any budget. Our team will help you understand the options so you can make the best decision for your oral health.

Fix Your Loose Dentures Today

Don’t let the discomfort and inconvenience of loose dentures hold you back from enjoying life. We invite you to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Cabrera to learn more about these life-changing procedures. During your visit, we’ll discuss your concerns, evaluate your needs, and provide personalized options for a secure, confident smile.