A wiggling or shifting lower denture can be very frustrating for any patient. With an ill-fitted denture, chewing your food can be uncomfortable, and speaking in public can even cause anxiety. To keep your denture in place, your dentist may recommend a lower denture stabilizer based on your dental condition.
Learn more about denture stabilization, the dental solutions you can choose from, and their benefits to your oral health.
Lower denture stabilizer
Denture stabilization is the process of using a tool or undergoing a treatment to keep dentures in place. The most modern approach for lower denture stabilizers that dentists recommend is the implant-supported denture that permanently replaces missing lower or upper teeth.
There are also over-the-counter lower denture stabilizers in the market that modify your dentures or stick your dentures to your gums to prevent them from moving, like Stabil-Dent and denture adhesives.
How do they work?
The gums only require a thin film of saliva to keep the dentures in place. Patients with dry mouth may experience mild cases of difficulties in stabilizing their dentures and use denture adhesives. The American Dental Association recommends using 3 to 4 pea-sized drops of denture adhesive to stabilize your upper or lower denture.
An implant-supported denture offers a more comfortable option for patients to keep their dentures in place permanently. The look and feel of implant-supported dentures mimic your natural teeth. However, not everyone can have dental implants. A patient must be in good health to qualify for dental implant surgery.
Types of lower denture stabilizers
There are three types of lower denture stabilizers in the market suitable for various dental conditions. These include:
- Implant-supported denture: This is a combination of two advanced dental technologies that will help permanently replace your missing teeth. It involves the attachment of four to six titanium screws on your jaw bone to support your denture. If you are an eligible candidate for a dental implant procedure, your dentist would recommend it as a suitable lower denture stabilizer.
- Denture appliance modifications: Stabil-Dent is an over-the-counter lower denture stabilizer that allows you to hold an ill-fitted denture by attaching an extension to your denture under your tongue. Your tongue muscles then naturally put pressure on top of the extension on the tongue side that prevents the denture from moving.
The attachment may have some sharp edges that can affect your oral health. Consult your dentist first before using a lower denture stabilizer on your own. - Denture adhesive: It is an over-the-counter adhesive placed between your gums and denture to secure mild shifting of dentures. You can use it for both upper and lower dentures.
Benefits of implant-supported dentures
Most patients find overall satisfaction with an implant-supported denture due to its ability to restore the look and feel of your natural teeth. Here are the specific benefits of permanently replacing your missing upper or lower teeth with implant-supported dentures:
1. Prevents the jawbone from shrinking
The titanium screw placed on your gums will stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone resorption or jaw bone loss. The cells in our jawbone retain bone strength when they recognize signals from the force placed on our teeth. When you lose your teeth, the force signals that stimulate the bone cells are also lost, causing the jawbone to lose density and mass.
2. Stabilizes your dentures
Implants provide secure support for your dentures like natural teeth. They help prevent any complications caused by an ill-fitted denture like pressure sores on your mouth. Permanently fixed dentures can also save you from the risks of constantly applying denture adhesives.
3. No more denture adjustments
Denture adjustment is an age-old problem that’s part of the journey in long-time denture wearers. Since the jawbone lacks the stimulation it needs to retain the bone structure, it recedes over time, causing changes in your gum structure. When your gum structure does not match your dentures, you’ll likely experience the following complications:
- Gum irritation
- Speech changes
- Changes in the shape of your face
- Oral sores
With an implant-supported denture, you no longer need to deal with the complications of ill-fitted dentures and their periodical adjustments.
4. Boosts confidence
Dental implants remove the constant anxiety of having a denture slip-off whenever you smile, laugh, or talk with other people. It provides you the security that your denture stays in place no matter how much you move your mouth or harder you laugh.
5. Relieves discomfort
One of the remarkable benefits of implant-supported dentures is the overall convenience of permanent teeth replacement. The changes in your oral care routine include:
- You no longer need to do the extra task of cleaning your dentures and soaking them at night.
- It saves you from the additional cost of getting a new denture on every adjustment.
- Food trapped underneath your denture will no longer be an issue.
- You can finally say goodbye to denture adhesives.
Stabilize your dentures with implants at LandMark Dentistry
Let the advanced technology of today restore the fun and comfort of having an implant-supported denture. Why risk a temporary fix if you can achieve a long-term teeth-replacement solution that reduces your risk for bone loss?
Let our dental team guide you in your quest to find the best lower denture stabilizer for you. LandMark Dentistry provides dental implants in Charlotte, Matthews, and Wesley Chapel, NC. Discover if you are qualified for a dental implant procedure by scheduling an appointment today.