When you think about dentures, you might imagine an uncomfortable set of false teeth that slips out of place when you’re eating. Perhaps you remember your grandmother’s teeth sliding out of place at Thanksgiving one year? For centuries, unstable and poorly fitting dentures were the reality for patients who had lost their natural teeth. Up until a couple of decades ago, the only option available to Americans with edentulism were, functionally, not very different from those worn by George Washington. All that has changed, however, with the advent of dental implants and implant-supported dentures.
Today’s dentures function and feel more like natural teeth. If you know someone who needs a better set of prosthetic teeth, tell them about dental implants. Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 to learn more about Duncan OK dentures.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small biocompatible titanium posts or screws that are surgically embedded in the jaw. For a single lost tooth an implant can be fitted with a crown, or multiple implants can be used to create a dental bridge or full or partial dentures. After surgery, new bone grows around the implants to stabilize them and permanently fuse them with the jawbone. In a few short months, the dental implants become a permanent part of your jaw, and can support a single tooth, bridge, or partial or full dentures.
Unlike traditional dentures, a denture that attaches to implants is stable and does not put pressure on the gums. It clicks in and out of place and stays attached until you decide to take it out for cleaning. It also tends to fit your mouth better, permanently, because implants prevent bone loss in the jaw.
How Do Implants Create Better Dentures?
The problem with traditional dentures is that they don’t function like natural teeth. They are not attached to the jaw, as natural teeth are, and they create pressure against the gums. Any and all pressure applied to a piece of food will be felt in the gums. Even soft foods can lead to gum irritation, the more you use the dentures. Beyond the comfort factor, traditional dentures are only held in place by the power of suction. This means that any hard or crunchy foods may feel off limits, lest you dislodge your denture and embarrass yourself in front of others.
These problems can easily lead to anxiety and negative feelings toward eating and socializing. That’s no way to enjoy your golden years! Implant-supported dentures allow you to enjoy eating your favorite foods again and restore your confidence in your teeth. Because implant dentures are securely attached to the dental implants, they function more like natural teeth. No more soreness on the gums and no more feelings of insecurity when deciding what you want to eat, and who you want to eat with.
Many patients who’ve made the switch from traditional to implant-supported dentures are adamant that their new teeth have improved their lives in more ways than they had expected.
Better Teeth, Better Diet, Better Quality of Life
If you know someone who is struggling with traditional dentures, tell them about implant-supported dentures and refer them to Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Dental implants do cost more than standard dentures, but we always try to help make quality dentistry affordable for our patients. We offer in-office financing and accept CareCredit payments, as well as many insurance plans. We can help make Duncan OK dentures affordable for you and your family. Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 to learn more about Duncan OK dentures.
