The Trouble with Dentures and Partials…. And the Solution
People with dentures often suffer a number of different compromises. There are a few basic causes of the problems.
First, dentures and partials are artificial substitutes that are nothing like the original teeth. Dentures are much larger than the teeth they replace. Because of the size difference most patients only survive with dentures for lack a better alternative.
Second, bite force is reduced by as much as 75%. When attempting to chew food, denture wearers must chew much longer than non-denture wearers. Most of the time denture wearers substitute softer, fattier food for the preferred food.
Third, as the mouth remodels (loses bone) after tooth loss, the dentures begin to slip. Many times a denture wearer must compensate for this slippage by using adhesives, retraining the facial muscles or guarding their enthusiasm.
Dental implants have given denture wearers hope. As few as two dental implants can solve all of the above problems. If a patient chooses more than two implants the possibilities for improvement are dramatically increased. Many patients choose to use more implants and do away with dentures altogether.
Dental specialists called Prosthodontists are the experts in dental implant treatment. A Prosthodontist is also the expert in crowns, bridges, dentures and partials.
