About 90% of 36 million edentulous people in the US are denture wearers. 120 million people in the US have at least one missing tooth in their mouth.
While traditional dentures help those with missing teeth in their mouth, they can also come with some challenges that your teeth don’t have.
You might know about some of those issues if you’re considering dentures. You might also want to know if you’d be a candidate for an alternative to dentures and could get a dental implant instead.
Read on to learn more about traditional dentures, their challenges, and how they compare to dental implants.
Denture Problems
As dental technology has advanced, there are some options beyond conventional dentures. But if you’re getting traditional dentures, knowing more about what to expect is important.
Ill-Fitting
When considering denture problems, one of the biggest complaints often has to do with the fit of the dentures. Denture wearers will complain that it feels like the dentures are moving around in their mouths.
Some even complain that it feels like the denture might fall out.
If you feel like your dentures don’t fit well, they may need an adjustment. The shape of your mouth can change over time, which would precipitate the need for a change.
Difficulty Chewing
Another complaint has to do with eating with dentures. Some wearers feel it can be challenging to chew their food when wearing dentures.
Dentures are a good alternative to missing teeth. Yet, they aren’t attached to the mouth or jaw like natural teeth. Some users feel like the dentures will slide around while they’re eating.
Shrinking Jawbone
One problem that arises with missing teeth is that the jaw will shrink over time. When a tooth isn’t where it’s supposed to be, the jaw will shrink to close the existing gap naturally.
This can be the culprit for several denture complications. If the jaw shrinks, the dentures don’t fit as well and can move around. This can also be the reason that makes chewing with dentures more of a challenge.
Discomfort in the Mouth
In reality, dentures won’t have the same feel as your natural teeth. Many denture wearers complain that the dentures feel bulky in their mouths.
It can make denture wearers self-conscious about talking or eating around others.
Sometimes dentures can also rub the jaw, making it uncomfortable.
Traditional Dentures Vs. Dental Implants
As dental technology has advanced in recent years, many people are now considering dental implants as an alternative to dentures.
A dental implant is a more permanent solution for a missing tooth and addresses many of the concerns and complications of dentures.
With a dental implant, a post is implanted into the jawbone. Given time, the jaw bone grows and secures the post. Then a permanent tooth gets attached to the top of the post.
Dental implants have a long life, so they’re considered a favorable alternative to less permanent dentures.
Finding Ways to Make Your Traditional Dentures Work for You
For some users, traditional dentures address the need of missing teeth. Yet they can come with some challenges that dental implants remedy.
If you want to learn more about dental implants or to find out if you’re a good candidate, contact us today.
