Yes! Implant-Supported Dentures Are the Answer to Denture Adhesive Woes

The dental solution to a life free from denture adhesives.

Dentures are an excellent tooth-replacement option for those who are missing teeth. And if you have dentures, you already know that dental adhesive is simply part of your daily routine. But let’s face it. Who loves denture adhesive? It can be messy. If you don’t use enough, it can cause dentures to slip, and that’s no fun. And the frequent application? Well, it can be frustrating. And can we say, inconvenient, too? 

Are you tired of relying on denture glue? Wish there were a more permanent solution to your tooth-loss woes? What if we told you that implant-supported dentures could be the alternative you’ve been looking for? With this dental solution, you’ll have a more secure fit that makes eating, speaking, and smiling much more comfortable. 

Why Traditional Dentures Often Require Adhesive

Have you ever tried wearing your dentures without adhesive? If you’re like many people, of course, you have. And what happens? They slip. And slippage isn’t just embarrassing. It can actually be painful. If you want your dentures to stay in place, you need to use your adhesive. 

But why do traditional dentures require dental glue, and why can’t they just stay in place on their own? It’s because they are designed to stay in place through suction between the denture base and your gums. While this can work well at first, your mouth naturally changes over time. After tooth loss, the jawbone gradually shrinks, which can create small gaps between your dentures and your gums. Add in the constant movement of your cheeks, lips, and tongue, and it becomes easier for dentures to shift when you eat or speak.

And there it is. That’s why you need that dental adhesive. The adhesive helps fill those gaps. It creates a tighter seal. And it keeps those dentures from moving around throughout your busy day. While denture glue is generally safe for regular use, needing larger amounts to keep your dentures in place may be a sign that they no longer fit as they should. In many cases, a professional adjustment or denture reline can help restore a better fit.

The Problems Associated With Dental Adhesive 

If you’ve had dentures for a while, you likely already know some of the challenges that come with them. And dental glue might be one of those big problems. While adhesives can help dentures stay in place, they can also become an ongoing source of frustration.

Some of the most common complaints include:

• Applying adhesive every morning and cleaning away leftover residue at the end of the day.
• Worrying that dentures may shift while eating certain foods.
• Feeling self-conscious when speaking, laughing, or spending time with others.
• Carrying adhesive with you in case you need to reapply it during the day.
• Avoiding favorite foods because you are concerned about denture movement.
• Feeling uncertain about whether your dentures will stay secure in public settings.

What are implant-supported dentures?

Are you ready for a better solution? Let us introduce you to implant-supported dentures. These dental appliances have become more and more popular. And we have to admit that the popularity is for good reason. 

As you know, traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction or adhesive. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, are attached to dental implants placed in the jawbone. The implants act like artificial tooth roots and provide a stable foundation for your dentures.

Because the denture is anchored to implants, there is far less movement during daily activities. This makes eating, speaking, and smiling feel more natural and so much more comfortable. Best of all, implant-supported dentures can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for denture adhesive.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

Now that you know what implant-supported dentures are, let’s make sure you are up to speed Fon the many benefits that come with this particular tooth replacement option.

Many patients appreciate implant-supported dentures because they offer:

• A more secure fit with less slipping and shifting.
• Greater comfort throughout the day.
• Little to no need for denture adhesive.
• Easier chewing with a wider variety of foods.
• Clearer speech with fewer concerns about movement.
• More confidence when eating, talking, and smiling.

Who may be a candidate?

As a top implant dentist in Boise, Idaho, we talk to patients all the time about their options to replace missing teeth. And implant-supported dentures are always a popular choice. That said, patients often have questions. At the top of that list of questions is often the question: Am I a candidate for implant-supported dentures?

To answer that question, we’ve compiled a few points on what we look for when determining whether implant-supported dentures may be a good fit for your needs.

You may be a candidate if you:

• Currently wear dentures and want a more secure fit.
• Are tired of using denture adhesive every day.
• Have multiple missing teeth or need full-arch tooth replacement.
• Want a tooth replacement option designed to last for many years.
• Have enough healthy jawbone to support dental implants.
• Are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene habits.
• Visit the dentist regularly for evaluations and preventive care.
• Want greater comfort when eating, speaking, and smiling.

The best way to know if implant-supported dentures are right for you is to schedule a consultation with your implant dentist in Boise (hey, that’s us!). We can evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and recommend the treatment option that best suits your smile.

What to Expect From the Implant-Supported Dentures Process

We like to be upfront with patients that getting implant-supported dentures (also often referred to as overdentures) does take a bit more time than getting dentures. With dentures, we can often get you fitted and send you on your way in just a few weeks. With implant-supported dentures, a surgical procedure is required to place dental implants in the jawbone and allow them time to heal and bond with the surrounding bone.

This means the process will typically take somewhere between three and five months. And though they take longer, implant-supported dentures are designed to last 10 to 20 years (sometimes more) before replacement is required. This is far better than the five to seven years that dentures typically last.

All said, here’s what you can expect from the process:

• Consultation and planning, where we evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine whether implant-supported dentures are right for you.
• Implant placement, during which small titanium implants are surgically placed in the jawbone.
• Healing and integration as the implants bond with the jawbone over the next several months.
• Custom denture creation based on impressions and measurements taken for your smile.
• Final placement when your denture is attached to the implants for a secure fit.
• Follow-up care to monitor healing, comfort, fit, and long-term oral health.

Are you ready to say goodbye to dental adhesive?

If you’re ready for a more convenient and long-lasting solution to tooth loss, implant-retained dentures might be the perfect solution for you. We encourage you to reach out to us today to learn more about our approach to restorative dentistry and how implant-supported dentures can help you regain the smile you’ve been missing.

Request a consultation today to get started.