I’ve had dentures for four months now and I still hate them. My dentist keeps saying I’ll get used to them, but I can’t. I take them out more than I wear them. I’m only 47 and I feel like I’m 70. Do I still have options or am I stuck with this?
Larry
Dear Larry,
I’m curious as to whether or not your dentist gave you options when you first decided on getting dentures? If he didn’t, he’s done a great disservice to you, especially at your age.
While some people do get used to dentures, others never to. Even if you had gotten used to them, I think you’re better served in the long run with a different treatment plan.
The Danger of Dentures
When your teeth were removed, your body recoginized that. As a result, it thinks you no longer need the minerals in your jawbone because there aren’t any of the teeth roots left to support.
This has the unfortunate result of causing your jawbone to slowly shrink over time. Your dentures will start slipping. Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to keep your dentures in. This is known as facial collapse.
Implant Overdentures: The Solution to Facial Collapse
The way to prevent this is with dental implants. It puts a prosthetic tooth root into your jawbone, usually made of titanium, and then tops it with a dental crown.
It would be too costly to do a dental implant for every tooth when you’re talking about all of your teeth. Because of that, most people use implant overdentures.
These use four to six implants and secure them to a set of dentures. This has multiple benefits. First and foremost, it will prevent facial collapse. Second, it will increase your quality of life when it comes to your teeth.
With even the best fitting dentures, your chewing capacity is reduced by 50%. With implant overdentures, they’re so secure, it becomes sigificantly easier to eat.
If your dentist didn’t even warn you about this, I suggest you go to a different dentist for treatment.
This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Dentist Dr. Imam.