Ill-Fitting Dentures – What Are the Alternatives?

If you’ve lost an entire arch of teeth or even just a couple — it can have a massive impact on your life. Suddenly, the food you once loved is off the menu, speaking becomes a challenge, and you no longer want to show off your smile anymore. 

But the problems don’t end there. Any remaining teeth on the same arch can start to shift about and move out of line, causing them to become crooked. The jaw that once held your teeth firmly in place starts to break down, giving you an aged look around your mouth. Not only this, but you’ll now be at an increased risk of further decay and gum disease.

The most obvious option is to get dentures. But will traditional false teeth alone cut it? Sure dentures give the appearance of a complete smile. They’re straight and look real, but what happens when they don’t fit well? And, what can you do to help them stay in place?

Here are the alternative options to ill-fitting dentures.

The Problem With Ill-Fitting Dentures 

Dentures are a cost-effective way of replacing several teeth — or even an entire arch. While dentures do have a reputation for flapping about in your mouth, they are made to measure. So, they should fit well, right? 

Well, they do. But, one of the biggest problems dentures wearers face is that although their replacement teeth are made to fit their mouths, their jaws rapidly change once no tooth roots are anchored into them.

Once you’ve lost teeth, the minerals that make up your jawbone are removed and taken elsewhere in your body through your bloodstream. This gradual natural process can quickly reduce the density of your jaw. So, dentures that were designed to fit may soon feel loose.

Although denture fixatives are available, it’s never a perfect solution, and they can still easily work loose.

Loose dentures aren’t just an inconvenience. Chewing can become virtually impossible when false teeth slide about inside your mouth. Say goodbye to steaks, jacket potatoes, or anything remotely chewy. Say hello to mashed potato, soup, and yogurt for life.

While talking, you might start a sentence believing your dentures are in place. But, when they drop mid-way through whatever you’re trying to say, it can be embarrassing and ruin the flow of your conversation. Public speaking will be off the cards.

Even laughing becomes a chore with loose-fitting dentures. Being conscious about how much you’re enjoying yourself can really put a damper on life.

What Are the Alternatives to Ill-fitting Dentures?

The best solution for replacing any missing teeth is to get dental implants. Where dentures sit above your gums and only replace the visible part of the teeth, implants also replace the root. 

Implants anchor replacement teeth in place using small titanium posts. These are bedded down into the jawbone where they’ll gradually fuse and form a very tight bond. 

Because implants bind to the jaw and take the place of the roots of teeth, they also stop the jawbone from deteriorating. Your jaws will stay healthy and remain intact, giving better support to your dentures and your facial structures. 

Can Implants Be Used to Support Dentures?

The main benefit of dentures is that you can replace lots of teeth at the same time. Not only are dentures a convenient solution for replacing multiple teeth, but they also look good. A set of dentures don’t just look like natural teeth- but they’re perfectly straight and the right shade of white. 

Fortunately, you can have the best of both worlds. It’s possible to have the benefits of great-looking dentures, and the rigid support of dental implants. We sometimes refer to these as implanted dentures, snap-in dentures, or implant-retained dentures.

With implant-retained dentures, we can support your false teeth using several well-positioned dental implants. 

Unlike single dental implants, we don’t need to place a titanium post under every tooth. Instead, we’ll strategically place them along your mouth in the optimal position to give maximum support. 

Just like traditional false teeth, you can take your new dentures out. This makes it easy for you to thoroughly clean them. The dentures will just clip into place, and the implants will support them effortlessly.

What Are the Benefits of Implanted Dentures?

The primary benefit of implant-retained dentures is that they hold your new teeth tight in place. If it’s edible, you can eat it. Chewing and biting will feel as easy as it did when you had your natural teeth.

Your dentures will no longer flap while you’re chatting. You can give that speech or tell that lengthy anecdote, and your teeth won’t get in your way. 

You won’t have to give a second thought to smiling and laughing. Not only will you look great in family photos and selfies, but the laughter doesn’t have to stop. You can enjoy life on your terms.

Your jaw won’t break down, so there’ll be no prematurely aged expression — just a confident smile you’ll love for the rest of your life. 

The best thing is that the implants which will support your dentures could last a lifetime. Because they’re made from titanium, they won’t deteriorate or rust. While your dentures might need to be replaced after 10-15 years, the implants themselves will keep on working their magic for many years to come.

There’s no real maintenance to worry about. To take the best care of your implant, keep on top of your oral hygiene and make regular trips to see us for a checkup.

Say Goodbye to Ill-Fitting Dentures Today

Even the simple things in life become completely unmanageable when you’ve got dentures that no longer fit. 

Don’t let dentures get in the way of enjoying your life. With clinics in Cheam, Chessington, Stonecot, and Sutton, Love Teeth can solve the problem of ill-fitting dentures. 

Call us today to schedule a consultation, or to find out more about implant-retained dentures and what a difference they could make to your life.