Consider, for a moment, you’re on a raft floating down a stream. Untethered, the raft drifts aimlessly at the mercy of the waves. The currents push and pull, leaving you powerless to steer your own course. Similarly, loose dentures can make you feel like you’ve lost control. If you have conventional dentures, you know the frustrating effect they can have when their fit diminishes. Each movement of your mouth feels uncertain, as though you are at the mercy of forces beyond your control. The thought of your dentures floating around and unexpectedly moving can overshadow your confidence, making social interactions stressful. These situations can take an emotional toll, especially when they make you uncertain about something as fundamental as your smile.
At the Aesthetic Associates Centre, we offer mini dental implants to secure your dentures. With Dr. Todd Shatkin’s expertise, you can forget about the woes of floating dentures.
Why Are My Dentures Loose?
Floating dentures refer to traditional, removable dentures that lack support and stability. These dentures—artificial teeth mounted on a gum-colored base—rest on the gums and rely on suction or adhesives to stay in place. However, they become loose over time and fail to replicate the natural function and stability of real teeth.
The primary reason for this instability is jawbone resorption, which occurs after the loss of natural teeth. When you lose natural teeth, the roots that stimulate and maintain the jawbone’s structure are also lost. Without this stimulation, the jawbone begins to shrink—a process called bone resorption. As the jawbone resorbs, the gum tissue changes and loses its natural shape. As a result, your dentures become loose and “float,” causing discomfort and reducing their effectiveness.
Replace Floating Dentures With Mini Dental Implants
Replacing missing teeth with traditional dental implants can seem intimidating due to the long recovery time, high cost, and lengthy procedure. Many worry that they will have to compromise on their lifestyle or wait a long time to enjoy a full smile again. Fortunately, mini dental implants offer a more accessible solution. Dr. Todd Shatkin has perfected the mini implant technique, ensuring patients receive effective and timely tooth replacements without the typical drawbacks of traditional implants.
Mini dental implants serve the same purpose as traditional implants: they support replacement teeth, restoring the function and aesthetics of your smile. However, their smaller size makes a significant difference. While traditional implants are roughly 5 millimeters wide, mini implants are less than 3 millimeters. The smaller size and streamlined design of mini implants simplify the entire procedure.
Traditional implants are made of multiple pieces and involve a multi-phase implantation process. The large titanium post is first inserted in the jawbone and left to heal for several months. Then, the abutment (or connector piece) and restoration are attached. This multi-step process occurs over several appointments and prolongs treatment results.
In contrast, Dr. Shatkin uses mini implants that feature a single-piece construction. The small titanium post has a ball-shaped end extending above the gum line. This slim, one-piece design allows him to place the implants in one visit using a minimally invasive technique. He inserts the mini implants by creating a small hole through the gums, eliminating the need for stitches or incisions. This approach results in minimal bleeding and a much quicker recovery time.
No More Floating: Implant Solutions for Your Dentures
Mini dental implants significantly improve the stability and comfort of dentures. These implants securely anchor the dental appliance, preventing the movement and floating sensation often experienced with traditional dentures.
When it comes to securing dentures with implants, patients can choose between snap-on dentures and roundhouse bridges. A snap-on denture is removable but snaps onto the implants for enhanced stability, while a roundhouse bridge is a special type of dental bridge that replaces an entire arch of teeth. Both are excellent choices for improving the denture experience!
One of the unique aspects of roundhouse bridges is their design flexibility. The bridge can be made without the bulky gum-colored base, offering a more natural feel and appearance.
We offer both permanent and semi-removable roundhouse bridge options. The semi-removable option, Dr. Shatkin’s patented Fix-on-Six® system, represents a cutting-edge solution for restoring a complete arch of teeth. This system supports a roundhouse bridge with 6 to 10 mini dental implants. This bridge itself is semi-removable, meaning it is only removed by Dr. Shatkin during regular checkups, ensuring it remains secure and functional.
Alternatively, some patients prefer their roundhouse bridge cemented, allowing them to treat the restoration just like they would treat their natural teeth. This option connects to 10-12 mini implants, offering unparalleled stability. If you’re looking for the most secure and convenient denture alternative, a cemented roundhouse bridge may be right for you!
Say Goodbye to Floating Dentures!
Regain your confidence and enjoy a stable, reliable smile with Dr. Shatkin’s advanced dental implant solutions. If you’re tired of dealing with loose dentures and want a more secure, natural-looking alternative, the Aesthetic Associates Centre is here to help. Schedule a free consultation to explore the best options for you, whether implant-retained dentures, non-removable dentures, or our innovative Fix-on-Six® system.
Want to keep up with all things mini dental implants? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for expert tips, real patient stories, and the latest advancements in implant options!