Tired of Loose Dentures? Here's What You Should Know About Implant Support

If you wear dentures, or have a parent or grandparent who does, you probably know the challenges: slipping while eating, clicking while talking, or needing glue just to keep them in place. Dentures are meant to restore comfort and confidence, but over time, they can become a daily frustration.

This is especially true in older adults, and it’s one of the most common concerns I hear from patients in our area.

The reason for this problem is often bone loss in the jaw. When teeth are removed, the jawbone that once supported them slowly begins to shrink. This bone loss can cause dentures that once fit well to loosen over time, even if they’re adjusted or relined regularly.

Thankfully, there’s a well-established solution that’s changed the game for many people: dental implants to stabilize dentures.

Here’s how it works: small titanium implants are placed in the jawbone, and after healing, a denture can be attached securely to those implants. In most cases, only 2–4 implants are needed to provide stability and hold the denture firmly in place.

These are called implant-supported dentures, and they offer several benefits:

• No slipping or rocking when you talk or chew
  
  
• No messy adhesives
  
  
• Improved comfort with fewer sore spots
  
  
• Preserved bone health, which helps maintain facial shape and denture fit over time

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People who have switched to implant-stabilized dentures often say they feel more like real teeth,  allowing them to enjoy foods they had given up and speak without worry.

Of course, not everyone is a candidate for implants, and they do involve a minor surgical procedure and a healing period. But for many people, especially those struggling with loose lower dentures, the improvement in quality of life is dramatic.

If you or someone you care for is frustrated with traditional dentures, it’s worth having a conversation with your dentist about whether implants might be an option. Even if implants aren't the right fit, understanding your choices can help you feel more in control of your oral health.

Dentures shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying meals, smiling confidently, or living fully. Modern dentistry offers solutions — and information is the first step.

Until next week, keep smiling, Grant County.

– Dr. David Shock
(This column is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personal dental advice.)