Dentures are removable teeth replacements designed for people with some missing teeth or for those who lost all their teeth. They are designed to provide patients with better chewing abilities, proper speech phonetics in addition to providing a more appealing appearance and definitely maintaining their self-esteem. Newly designed dentures are flexible making them less in weight compared to classical rigid dentures and thus provide more comfort to the patient.


Dentures do not only provide teeth, but if properly designed they can also provide fullness to the collapsed facial structures mainly cheeks and lips. With proper planning, measurements and fabrication, dentures support the facial skeleton and the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks, leading to indirect face lifting which creates a more youthful appearance.



How Do Removable Dentures Work?
Full or partial dentures consist of a gum-colored base made of plastic resin, which fits over the remaining alveolar (bone) ridge that formerly held the teeth. The artificial teeth projecting from the base are designed to look and function just like natural teeth. Dentures are held in place primarily by the suctioning effect of their close fit against the alveolar ridges - that's why it's so important that they are fitted properly. The upper denture also gets extra support from the large surface area of the roof of the mouth (palate), which generally makes it very stable.

At first, wearing dentures may require some getting used to in terms of talking and eating, as the dentures become “balanced” in the space formerly occupied by the teeth. However, over time, the muscles, nerves and ligaments of the mouth learn to work in new ways, which allows these functions to occur normally.

Although dentures have their advantages, most people prefer fixed options over the problems associated with a removable appliance. Difficulties encountered include gagging, mouth sores, denture loosening while coughing and/or laughing, speech adjustment difficulties and the need to change the dentures every couple of years because their use causes bone loss and change of jaw dimensions over time.

At Dr. Raed M. Abutteen Dental Center, provided that the situation permits, we encourage patients to have treatments that will provide them with teeth fixed in position mimicking the naturally fixed teeth. These options include bridges and dental implants in the case where single or few teeth are missing. In other cases where patients are completely edentulous (missing all their teeth), options for completely fixed prosthesis (multiple implants) or implant supported over dentures or all on four prosthesis are provided at Dr. Raed M. Abutteen Dental Center, according to patients' conditions and desires. During a consultation, we can explain the available options and help determine which is best in your individual situation.

Implants can be used to increase the stability of a lower or upper denture. Known as Implant Supported Overdentures, or Implant-Retained, Implant-Supported Dentures, they are designed to be securely anchored using two or more dental implants. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on your gums, two implants or more can be surgically placed in your jawbone to anchor your dentures. The upper jaw requires more implants than the lower jaw due to a lesser bone density in the upper jaw. Many people find this option offers a great balance of comfort, functionality and value.

Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures
• Improved function: With implant overdentures, your dentures won’t slip around or fall out. The stability helps your dentures feel more like natural teeth. Also, your chewing efficiency and speech with dentures will improve.

• Stimulate and preserve bone: When all of your teeth are missing, your body resorbs the jawbone and uses the minerals from it elsewhere in your body. Dental implants are like natural tooth roots that stimulate jawbone and bone forming cells to prevent its resorption after tooth/teeth loss.

• Helps prevent facial sagging: Your facial muscles are supported by jawbone. If the bone shrinks, your face will begin to sag. The bone stimulation from dental implants helps prevent facial sagging and premature signs of aging caused by it.

• Improved quality of life: with the stability and comfort provided by Implant overdentures, self-confidence is raised and social interactions are more relaxing. You won’t have to worry about embarrassing moments caused by dentures that slip around or fall out. Your dentures will remain stable when you speak, eat, laugh and even cough.

High-quality implant overdentures look natural, function efficiently, and are long lasting. If you’re thinking about having your dentures stabilized with dental implants, choose quality as the priority over cost. When cheap implant fixtures or connectors are used, or if shortcuts are taken, the effects can be uncomfortable and costly.

If you would like to learn more about your options for implant overdentures, schedule a consultation with our implant specialist and discover more about your treatment options.