I am embarrassed to say that I have had an upper denture for more than 25 years. I am miserable and I am really unhappy with the way it looks when I smile. The denture is uncomfortable and I am simply not able to smile confidently. Is there any way for me to get a new smile again with dental implants? Or is all hope lost since it has been so long since I have had natural teeth?
I appreciate any information you may have.
-Lucy in Texas
Lucy,
Thank you for your question and for being brave and reaching out. It is always difficult to hear about denture patients who are unhappy. Sadly, it is not uncommon. Many denture patients don’t realize what happens down the road when they move forward with them.
After an extended period of time with a denture, your body resorbs the bone to be used elsewhere in the body. There can be significant bone loss which can cause discomfort sine the denture doesn’t fit well anymore. In some cases, denture adhesive won’t even work to keep it in place and it comes out at unexpected times. It also can be difficult to chew with and actually sometimes their face appears sunken in when the bone diminishes, which makes people appear older than they are. When this happens, it is known as a condition called facial collapse.
Since you have had an upper denture for 25 years, there is a good chance you are experiencing at least some of the symptoms of facial collapse. The good news is that dental implants are not out of the question. For starters, you may require a procedure called bone grafting to build the jaw bone back up. When that is complete, dental implants can be used to support a new upper denture. This is referred to as an implant overdenture or an implant-supported denture. It will also stimulate bone growth and will prevent facial collapse in the future around the implant site. You can expect a pretty significant period of healing that will need to take place and you’ll need to work with an oral surgeon or an experienced implant dentist. The greater the number of dental implants you choose, the more secure the denture will feel.
In regard to having a smile you will be proud to show off again requires having a denture made out of quality materials. A skilled dentist can make a denture to appear lifelike, natural and beautiful. This will requires a dentist who focuses on the aesthetics of a smile and is passionate about creating a beauty. Another important aspect to a beautiful denture is for the dentist to use quality materials so it won’t discolor or break down easily. The key is finding the right dentist who cares versus price shopping or going with the first person you meet. Take your time to find a dentist you can trust.
Many implant dentists are also cosmetic dentists who care deeply about how the end result looks. Keep in mind the more dental implants you get, the more secure and confident you will be in the final product. However, dental implants are an expensive procedure. So, depending on what your budget is, you may be able to use two to four dental implants to dramatically improve your results.
The first step is to find a reputable implant dentist in your area. Ask to see examples of cases similar to yours and seek multiple opinions. Thank you for reaching out. Hopefully, this is the first step to getting you smiling again.
This post is sponsored by Petaluma dentist Rick Lane, DDS.