Need Help With Denture Stabilisation?

If your dentures move around in your mouth, our Wickford dentists can help.

We have discussed dentures before and they are still a popular tooth replacement method that has been around for thousands of years, albeit in a rudimentary form. Modern dentures now offer a sophisticated tooth replacement option that is suitable for most people and is one of the more immediately affordable as well.

There is one potential issue that does still persist though, and while not everyone notices it as a problem, quite a few do, and one thing we often hear is how patients are fed up with their dentures moving around in the mouth.

For some people, this can be quite significant and can even make it visible to those around them. In other cases, the movement is less but can make eating difficult and can often cause sore gums as well due to the friction between the gums and the dentures.

Does it have to be this way though? In today’s blog we will discuss options for more stable replacement teeth for patients of the Cygnet Dental Practice.

Why do dentures move?

Before looking at how we can help, it is worth discussing why this movement occurs. The fact is that while denture adhesives can be useful, ultimately, your dentures just sit on top of your gums and have nothing to ‘anchor’ them into place in the way that a natural tooth root would do. There is also the issue that once a tooth, or teeth, have been lost, bone will also reduce in that area too, and that can cause changes to the shape of the mouth, making the dentures fit less securely.

In most cases then, it is not the dentures themselves that are the problem, but the changes going on in your body.

Denture adjustments

One way that patients can manage the above problem is to have changes made to the dentures so that they fit more securely. This will improve things although, most likely, this will only bring temporary relief. As bone will continue to lessen, the problem is likely to re-occur after a while and further adjustments might be necessary. Not only will this mean additional visits to our Wickford dental surgery, but adds to the ongoing cost of your dentures too.

Implant supported dentures

If, like many, you have been wearing dentures for some time and have grown accustomed to them and feel comfortable wearing them except for the movement problem, there is a solution that might be ideal for you. Although it does require a one off minor surgical procedure, we can place a few dental implants in the mouth, depending on the type of denture used. These are placed strategically in the mouth to provide maximum support. In effect these replace the missing roots of the teeth, and dentures can then be attached to these.

This can provide an excellent solution for anyone who wants to have this problem resolved once and for all and just wants to live their life without having to consider their dentures all of the time.

Fixed bridges

This procedure is sometimes referred to as ‘teeth in a day’ or an ‘all on four’. It works on a similar principle to the previous one and is ideal for anyone who wears a full set of dentures. Instead of adapting your own dentures; using dental implants, they can be replaced with a fixed bridge of teeth. These are made to look and feel natural, something that some dentures struggle to do.

As with denture stabilisation, a few dental implants, usually between four and six, are placed into the jawbone. Then, on the same day, a fixed bridge of teeth can be attached. These will be made from scans and x-rays that we take of your own teeth to make them as natural looking as possible. In theory, once you leave our dental practice you will be able to eat as normal. In reality, there is likely to be some residual soreness and we recommend that you start off by eating softer foods for your own comfort as much as anything. Gradually you will be able to eat whatever foods you like without giving a second thought as to whether your teeth will move, as you might have done when wearing dentures.

As always, any dental problem that needs resolving should start with a discussion, and denture movement is no different. If you book an appointment with us, we will examine your mouth and the dentures and make a recommendation to you so that you can have stable and secure replacement teeth once again.

To make an appointment at the Cygnet Dental Practice, please call us today on 01268 733078.