It’s estimated that around 40 million Americans are missing ALL of their teeth! The most widely used treatment for a patient missing all of their teeth is a denture or dental plate. Patients often tolerate a top denture with fewer problems. The lower denture on the other hand is a different story. Most patients I have polled state that they are not satisfied with the fit of their lower denture. Years ago there weren’t many options for stabilizing a lower denture. Today patients have options that can help with the challenges of wearing a lower denture.
1. Mini-Dental Implants are becoming a popular form of treatment used to stabilize a lower Denture. When possible, 4-5 mini-implants are placed in the lower jaw and the existing or new denture is fitted to go over the mini-implants. The mini-implants have attachments that allow the denture to snap into place.
2. Dental Implants – “Regular” dental implants have a wider diameter than the mini dental implants. A lower denture can usually be stabilized with 2 regular implants as opposed to 4-5 mini dental implants. “Regular” dental Implants do have a tendency to cost more than mini implants
3. Implant supported Bars- This is when regular dental implants are placed and a custom “Bar” is made to fit over the implants. A new denture is made to fit over the connection bar. This technique provides for a very stable denture but is probably the most expensive of the three options listed.
If you or someone you know is unhappy with the fit of your denture you now know that there are options. You can contact your dentist for more information regarding alternatives for stabilizing you denture
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