It’s an experience shared by many folks who use traditional dentures: you’re having a hearty laugh at a family gathering or a passionate conversation with friends when suddenly, your dentures shift or, worse, slip out. More than a mere inconvenience, loose dentures can severely impact an individual’s quality of life. With over 42 million Americans expected to use dentures in 2024, poor-fitting dentures are more widespread than you might think. If you have loose or floating dentures in Springfield, MA, you’re not alone. But what if there was a way to restore the functionality and confidence that comes with a stable, secure set of teeth? With implant dentures secured by mini dental implants, we can do exactly that.
Different Types of Dentures
There are many types of dentures available, each with different levels of stability:
- Full dentures: This traditional option is designed for individuals who have lost all their teeth in an arch. They rest on the gums, but sometimes, they don’t fit perfectly or can lose their fit, leading to the dreaded sensation of floating dentures.
- Partial dentures: These are used when some natural teeth are remaining. By connecting to existing teeth, partial dentures offer a bit more stability than full dentures.
- Implant-retained dentures: Dental implants can anchor dentures in place. This kind snaps onto dental implants, ensuring they remain firmly in place. Say goodbye to floating dentures!
- Implant-supported dentures: A more permanent option, implant-supported dentures are even more stable. Only an implant dentist like Dr. Zirakian will remove them for cleaning. A cemented, non-removable option is also available.
How Implants Can Help Floating Dentures
Floating dentures aren’t a design flaw so much as an inevitability for some. When we lose teeth, our jawbone diminishes, and our gums change shape, leading to a less-than-perfect fit. However, dental implants act as robust anchors. They connect to the jawbone and hold the dentures firmly, ensuring they don’t move.
Dr. Gregory Zirakian, at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center in Springfield, MA, offers mini dental implants, a less invasive but equally effective option for securing floating dentures. In certain cases, he can stabilize your existing denture using dental implants. If you are interested in anchoring your dentures, you should bring them to your initial consultation so Dr. Zirakian can examine them and determine the best path forward.
The Many Benefits of Dental Implants
While enhancing denture stability is one of the most significant benefits of dental implants, it’s just the tip of the iceberg:
- Bone health: Jawbone deterioration is a concern when teeth are lost. Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots that stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone loss.
- Natural look and feel: Dental implants, especially when paired with quality dentures, can better mimic the appearance and functionality of natural teeth.
- Freedom in eating: Gone are the days of avoiding your favorite foods like steak or apples. With implant dentures, you can eat with confidence!
- Financial sense: We understand that dental procedures come with a cost concern. In the long term, addressing floating dentures can save you money on frequent relining and adjustments. Also, the streamlined placement of mini implants requires fewer visits and less healing time than traditional implants, making them even more cost-effective. At your initial consultation, our helpful staff can guide you through the dental insurance process and help you understand your coverage. We also collaborate with multiple financing companies, ensuring treatments are affordable for every budget.
Fixing Floating Dentures in Springfield
The journey to a stable, confident smile might seem daunting, but it’s more straightforward than it appears. The first step? A free consultation with a seasoned professional like Dr. Zirakian. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, you can expect a thorough examination, including advanced CBCT X-rays, which will help us devise a tailored treatment plan.
The placement procedure for your implants will depend on whether you opt for mini or traditional implants. While both procedures are painless thanks to local anesthetic, the mini implant procedure is significantly less invasive and facilitates faster healing. Once in place, you’ll care for your new teeth the same way you’d care for your natural ones: A consistent oral hygiene routine and regular dental checkups will help your dental implants last for many years.
Embrace a Life Without Floating Dentures
Your smile embodies your confidence, your joy, and your overall well-being. With nearly 40 years of experience, Dr. Gregory Zirakian at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center is dedicated to ensuring each patient regains their smile and love of life.
If floating dentures have been a thorn in your side, know that a solution is within reach right here in Springfield, MA. Schedule a free consultation at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center to take the first step toward a stable smile.