Dentures in Tampa, FL

Millions of Americans are missing all of their teeth. In Florida, 19.2% of older adults are struggling with complete edentulism, or total tooth loss. According to the CDC, severe tooth loss is 50% more likely in people with poor overall health or chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and emphysema. If you are missing all of your teeth or need to have your remaining teeth extracted to preserve your health, dentures can help improve your quality of life. At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implants, Dr. Luz Cabrera specializes in implant dentures. These options use mini dental implants to stabilize a full arch of prosthetic teeth. These advanced tooth loss solutions repair your bite, complete your smile, and restore your well-being.

Traditional Dentures

Traditional full dentures are a complete set of teeth on a pink base that mimics the appearance of gums. These removable prosthetics are supported by the lower gum ridge or roof of the mouth (palate) for support. Upper dentures have additional acrylic covering the palate to help them stay in place.

Whereas full dentures restore an entire arch of missing teeth, partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth within the mouth. They consist of a base made of acrylic or metal that supports artificial teeth. Partial dentures are customized to fit around the existing natural teeth.

While full and partial dentures are custom-fitted to the patient’s oral anatomy, they do not maintain their original fit for long. This leads to challenges related to stability and comfort. Some patients pursue traditional dentures as a seemingly economical option, but the frequent adjustments and maintenance needed add unexpected costs and inconvenience.

The Drawbacks of Traditional Options

Traditional dentures have been used to restore smiles for many years. However, this old technology has significant drawbacks.

Slipping or Falling Out

One of the most common problems with traditional dentures is their tendency to move in the mouth or even fall out. This slippage, or the sense that the teeth are “floating,” can lead to embarrassment and frustration, especially if they pop out while eating, speaking, laughing, or yawning. Lower dentures, in particular, are much less secure than upper dentures. For some people, the movement of loose dentures triggers gagging. While adhesives can help temporarily, they are not a reliable solution. Not only is the shifting inconvenient, but it can also be uncomfortable. The friction can cause irritation and mouth sores.

Denture Stomatitis

This oral yeast infection commonly affects denture wearers. It is characterized by redness and swelling, irritation and soreness, patches of red or white spots, or cracking in the corners of the mouth. Denture stomatitis is a result of using improperly fitting dentures, wearing them during sleep, or maintaining inadequate oral hygiene. Mild stomatitis can be managed with diligent oral hygiene practices, but more advanced infections may require anti-fungal treatment.

Eating Difficulties

Wearing traditional dentures reduces your bite force dramatically, which hinders chewing efficiency. As a result, many people tend to eat soft foods that are easier to chew and won’t cause pain or damage to the prosthetic. However, these foods might lack nutritional value, leading to negative health outcomes. Additionally, for the 47% of Florida’s older adults who wear upper dentures, tasting food can be challenging. Upper dentures have a base plate that covers the taste buds on the roof of the mouth. This impact on taste can have unexpected consequences on overall well-being.

Speech Issues

Speaking with dentures takes practice. New denture wearers often struggle to speak clearly as they adjust to the fit and feel of the appliance. Certain sounds and words can be challenging to pronounce, and some people may experience lisps and slurred or muffled speech. The dentures can also generate whistling or clicking sounds as you talk. While many online pages are devoted to tips for speaking with dentures, the inconvenience can create an added frustration. Plus, even when dentures become more familiar, speech clarity is reduced as the dentures inevitably loosen over time.

Damage and Loss

Because dentures are removable appliances, they can be easily misplaced or broken. The stress of frequently removing the prosthetic can cause it to crack. Falls from tabletops or counters can also beak the appliance or lead to weak areas that fracture later.

Short Lifespan

Wearing false teeth leads to tissue changes in the mouth, resulting in a gradual deterioration of their fit. As a result, the appliance must be consistently relined, a process that reshapes the appliance to improve fit. While these adjustments can help maintain fit, the lifespan of a traditional denture is brief. They typically last 5 to 7 years before they must be replaced.

Implant Dentures

Dentures in Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions The problems of traditional denture options are exacerbated over time. As the gum and bone tissues break down and change, the dentures continue to loosen, leading to poor satisfaction. At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, we believe that everyone deserves a beautiful smile and healthy, functioning teeth. With this goal in mind, we offer advanced tooth replacement options that meet the needs and preferences of our diverse patients.

Implant dentures offer improved reliability, more predictable results, and increased patient satisfaction thanks to their superior fit and functionality. These appliances replace a full arch of teeth with a prosthesis that is anchored by dental implants. While traditional dental implants can be used for this purpose, Dr. Cabrera specializes in mini dental implants because of their many benefits. These narrow-diameter implants are half the size and half the cost of standard implants. They can be placed in a single, minimally invasive procedure that reduces the treatment timeline and facilitates quick recovery. Also, while they might be smaller, mini dental implants are as effective as their larger counterparts. When it comes to stabilizing dentures, mini implants provide remarkable results.

Types of Implant Dentures

Dr. Cabrera offers several mini implant solutions, including the following options for replacing all of your teeth:

Snap-on dentures look similar to traditional full dentures, but the prosthetic is retained by mini dental implants. Dr. Cabrera will place between 6 and 8 mini implants into the jawbone for an upper denture. The number of implants needed depends on each individual’s needs. For a lower denture, Dr. Cabrera will place 4-6 mini implants. These snap-on implant overdentures are removable, allowing you to detach them for cleaning. In certain cases, Dr. Cabrera can adjust an existing denture to snap onto the implants.
Zirconia roundhouse bridges look like a full arch of artificial teeth. They have an incredibly natural appearance and feel, and they closely match natural teeth’s function. Also, because they are made from zirconia, they are remarkably long-lasting and durable. Our roundhouse bridges come in two varieties: semi-removable bridges that are only removed by Dr. Cabrera for cleaning and maintenance and non-removable bridges that are permanently cemented onto the implants. The type that is best for you depends on your preferences and budget.

Benefits of Mini Implant Dentures

The drawbacks of traditional tooth replacement options are solved with mini implant technology. No matter the implant-supported solution you choose, you can look forward to several advantages:

Enhanced fit: Implant dentures provide unmatched comfort and stability, eliminating the inconvenience of slipping or shifting.
Stronger bite force: Mini implants efficiently distribute your bite forces, enabling more powerful and effective chewing. This increased bite strength lets you enjoy your favorite foods and supports a balanced diet. Additionally, implant dentures, free from bulky acrylic gums, restore your ability to fully appreciate the taste of your favorite dishes.
Improved speech: Thanks to their stability, implant dentures contribute to clearer and more natural speech, enhancing communication.
Long-term bone health: After tooth loss, your gums and jaw begin to recede. While traditional dentures are known to accelerate bone loss, implant options stimulate the jawbone, preserving the bone’s vitality.
Easier cleaning: Cleaning and maintaining implant dentures is simplified, making oral hygiene more manageable and reducing your risk of stomatitis.
Longer lifespan: Zirconia bridges are exceptionally durable and can last for decades. Cemented roundhouse bridges are especially long-lasting, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of implant dentures for many years.

The benefits of mini implant dentures demonstrate their remarkable improvement in comfort, function, and overall quality of life for individuals with missing teeth.

Learn About Tooth Replacement Alternatives with Dr. Cabrera

If you have missing teeth and are looking for advanced solutions, we can help. Dr. Cabrera has been placing implants for over a decade. Her expertise in mini implant technology ensures you get the best possible solutions for your denture needs. Schedule your free consultation to discover how denture alternatives can transform your life.