Tired of Dentures? Here Is an Alternative Option for You

Be it age, accidents, or lack of access to quality dental care during youth, dentures can be a lifesaver for patients with extensive tooth loss. Nevertheless, while dentures allow patients to eat and speak with ease again, they come with certain limitations. If, over time, the discomfort becomes unbearable, you may search for solutions like All-On-Four® dental implants near you.

Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported ones are stable because they rely on implant posts, keeping them in place no matter what foods you eat. We created this guide to help you understand these benefits in detail and decide whether or not they’re the right option for you.  

Problems Associated with Dentures  

Dentures can be an important solution to tooth loss. These removable appliances consist of an entire arch of missing teeth and a surface that rests atop your gums and relies on your palate (the roof of your mouth) or lower jawbone ridge for support.  

Oftentimes, you need to use denture adhesive, a specialized glue, to keep your appliance securely in place. With the right upkeep, a denture can last seven to ten years.

Today’s dentures aren’t the same ones your grandmother used to have: materials and craftsmanship have evolved to ensure a better fit and reduce potential discomfort. However, they can cause issues, especially as time progresses. Some common problems associated with dentures include:

1. Poor Fit and Discomfort  

Poor fit is one of the most common complaints among denture wearers, resulting in discomfort, irritation, and even oral sores. Over time, dentures may become loose or misaligned due to natural changes in the gums and jaw shape as you age.  

2. Difficulty Eating  

It can be difficult to eat with dentures, particularly when eating chewy, sticky, or hard foods. Biting and chewing correctly can be difficult for many people, making mealtimes annoying.  

3. Trouble Speaking Clearly

Speech problems are common when a person is getting used to new dentures. The bulkiness of the device may cause slurred speech or a lisp. This can cause self-confidence issues in a patient, especially when speaking in public.

4. Excessive Saliva Production

When you first get dentures, it's common to have increased saliva production. Your mouth perceives them as foreign objects, which causes your salivation to increase.  

5. Slipping or Moving Dentures

When loose dentures slide out of place, it can be embarrassing and frustrating. This frequently occurs when eating, laughing, or conversing.  

6. Gum and Mouth Irritation

When dentures and gums rub against one another, sore spots, irritation, and inflammation may result.  

7. Bad Breath

Bad breath can result from bacteria and food particles becoming lodged in dentures.  

8. Bone Loss and Changes in Facial Structure

Wearing dentures over time may cause bone resorption, which can further misalign dentures and alter facial features.

What Are All-On-Four® Dental Implants?  

All-On-Four® dental implants represent a groundbreaking approach to restoring a full arch of missing teeth. With just four carefully positioned dental implants, this cutting-edge technique can secure a full set of prosthetic teeth. This is what differentiates them from traditional dentures, which sit atop the gums and may require adhesive.  

All-On-Four® implants are anchored securely into the jawbone, providing a stable and permanent solution. This method can permanently replace the entire upper and lower dental arches.  

How Do All-On-Four® Dental Implants Solve Denture-Related Issues?

All-On-Four® dental implants are a transformative solution for many patients who suffer from the limitations of traditional dentures. Typically used for patients with significant tooth loss or failing teeth, this method offers a fixed, non-removable alternative to traditional removable dentures.

Some issues associated with dentures that All-On-Four® implants help solve include:

1. Stability and Retention

Conventional dentures rely on suction or adhesives, often leading to instability and slippage—especially in the lower arch.

However, All-On-Four® implants are anchored into the jawbone, providing superior retention and stability. Patients can eat, speak, and smile without fear of their teeth shifting or falling out.

2. Bone Loss Prevention

One of the less well-known advantages of All-On-Four® dental implants is their capacity to promote jawbone growth and stop bone loss.  

When teeth are lost, the jawbone may gradually begin to weaken. Moreover, removable dentures do not stimulate the jawbone, leading to progressive bone resorption and facial collapse. This causes them to lose their precise fit over time and can foster a more aged look in patients.

On the other hand, implants mimic natural tooth roots, providing the necessary stimulation to the jawbone and helping preserve bone density and facial structure.

3. Improved Chewing Efficiency

Dentures come with certain dietary restrictions, especially around hard or sticky foods. Even if you stick to your dentist’s diet, you may experience trouble eating over time due to changes in the denture’s precise fit.

Luckily, All-On-Four® does not come with these challenges. Fixed prosthetics offer up to 70-90% of natural chewing capacity. This allows patients to enjoy a wider variety of foods, improving overall nutrition and quality of life.

4. Enhanced Aesthetics and Confidence

Dentures can look artificial and affect facial appearance due to a lack of bone support and muscle tone.

The fixed overdenture in All-On-Four®, though, is customized to look natural. It provides facial support and a youthful appearance. Patients often report significant boosts in self-esteem and social confidence.

5. Better Speech

Missing teeth can frequently cause speech problems that impair your ability to express yourself clearly. All-On-Four® dental implants give your prosthetic teeth a solid and safe base. This consistency guarantees that your speech stays confident and clear.

6. Convenience and Durability

Dentures are delicate appliances that must be cared for delicately to ensure their durability. During daily cleanings, you must carefully handle your dentures to avoid dropping and breaking them.

On the other hand, All-On-Four® implants are long-lasting and do not require removal. It is primordial to maintain proper oral hygiene habits—brushing daily just as you would do with natural teeth.

All-On-Four® Dental Implants Near Me to Forget About Denture Issues  

After tooth loss, dentures are useful for restoring function and appearance, but they are not without difficulties. The good news is that there is a solution to most problems. Don't be afraid to get professional assistance if you're having problems speaking, eating, or feeling uncomfortable.

The team at Parkside Dental Care is here to help you explore all available options and guide you through the treatment process. If you’d like to learn more, contact us today!
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‍*Nobel Biocare, NobelProcera, NobelGuide and All-on-4 are trademarks of the Nobel Biocare group.