Almost every denture wearer faces the same initial challenge when they first begin wearing their new teeth. It doesn’t matter how well they fit or how high quality the material is, everyone deals with wearing theirs uncomfortably at first. This is why denture stabilization is always such a popular topic amongst those who wear fake teeth.
As the name suggests, immediate dentures are ones you receive right away, as in the same day you lose your teeth. One of the main reasons dentists recommend this is that immediate dentures can go a long way toward improving the wearer’s oral health. First, they’ll stem the bleeding. Second, they reduce the chance of infection finding its way in the empty space. Third, they can help with any swelling that occurs post-extraction or after your teeth otherwise fell out.
When dentures lack stability, they can often be counterproductive. The point is to instill confidence, not give the wearer something new to worry about. Dentures are supposed to make eating all types of food a reality, not allow little pieces to sneak between them and the gums where they can cause discomfort. After enough rubbing back and forth, dentures suffering from a lack of stabilization can actually permanently reduce the jawbone.
So what can be done? Fortunately, any number of things. Sometimes, the issue is simply that the dentures don’t fit. The mold may have been taken when the gums were still swollen, making for an inaccurate size to begin with. All dentures eventually become too big, as the jaw naturally shrinks in size in reaction to teeth being lost. In this case, a simple refitting is always prescribed and should solve the problem.
For many people, dental implants will cure this issue once and for all. These metal implants drill right into the jaw and provide an apparatus for dentures to attach to. When attached, dentures sit flush against the gums and won’t move unless properly released. Even these will need to be refitted over time, however.
The good news is that just about anyone can have implants inserted into their jaw. So long as you’re not suffering from periodontal disease or some other medical condition, you should be a candidate. Even if you suffered from periodontal disease in the past and lost part of your jawbone, you might be surprised by what your dentist can do. Those who do qualify for dental implants can even have them installed in one visit, meaning they can leave the dentist’s office without ever having to worry about denture stabilization again.
Getting your dentures should be a relief that you feel every time you wear them. Make sure this is the case by tackling any denture stabilization issues you may be wrestling with. The results are truly worth it.
