Implants and Dentures

Many people wear and are very happy with dentures. They provide an invaluable way of restoring large spaces left when teeth are lost. However, over time dentures can loosen as the gums and bone underneath shrink away. This can cause functional problems as food and debris start to migrate under the denture making things sore and uncomfortable. Dentures may also start to become socially embarrassing as they move or drop at inconvenient moments.

Implants can be used to “anchor” dentures so preventing movement and also increasing a patients biting force. Foods that used to be taboo now find themselves back on the menu. Of course, when back biting teeth are lost chewing capacity falls and so does the bulk of the muscles that provide the power for chewing. When we restore a patients ability to chew the bite force increases and so does muscle tone. This over times helps to reduce any sunken facial appearance and tightens the facial muscles.