Denture slippage happens when your dentures don’t stay in place like they should, causing them to shift, slide, or even fall out at the worst possible moments. You might find yourself avoiding certain foods, speaking less in social situations, or constantly worrying about embarrassing moments. The fix involves adding dental implants to anchor your dentures securely in your jaw, restoring the stability and confidence you need to eat, speak, and smile without worry.
At Atlas Dental Specialists, our prosthodontists provide implant-supported denture solutions for patients throughout downtown Pittsburgh and Shadyside. We handle both the implant placement and the creation of your custom dentures, eliminating the need to visit multiple offices for treatment.
Why Dentures Slip in the First Place
Your jawbone needs stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its shape and density. When you lose teeth, the bone begins to shrink through a process called bone resorption. This happens gradually but continuously. As the bone recedes, the ridge supporting your dentures becomes flatter and smaller, creating gaps between your gums and the denture base.
Traditional dentures sit directly on your gums and rely on suction to stay put. When your jaw shape changes, the suction weakens. The result is dentures that move when you chew, click when you talk, or slip at random moments throughout the day.
How Implant Support Solves the Problem
Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots placed directly into your jawbone. These titanium posts fuse with the bone through osseointegration, creating a permanent anchor point. When dentures attach to these implants, they stay locked in place rather than floating on your gums.
The difference is dramatic. Implant-supported dentures stay exactly where they belong. You can bite into an apple, laugh without worry, and speak clearly without feeling your dentures shift. The implants transfer chewing forces directly to the jawbone, helping preserve bone density and maintain your facial structure.
Types of Implant-Supported Dentures
You have options for how your dentures connect to implants. Each approach offers different benefits depending on your needs, budget, and lifestyle preferences.
- Removable implant-supported dentures: Snap onto the implants but can be taken out for cleaning, working well if you want the convenience of removing your dentures at night while still enjoying stability during the day.
- Fixed implant-supported dentures: Attach permanently to the implants and provide the closest experience to natural teeth, though they require more implants per arch.
- Overdentures: This middle-ground option attaches to just two implants on the lower jaw or four on the upper jaw, making them more affordable than full-fixed solutions while still providing excellent stability.
The process begins with a consultation, during which your prosthodontist examines your jawbone and takes 3D scans. These images show bone density and help determine the number and position of implants you need. If your bone has receded significantly, you may need bone grafting before implant placement.
Implant surgery happens under local anesthesia or sedation, depending on your preference and the number of implants being placed. The procedure takes a few hours, and most patients experience only mild discomfort afterward. You’ll wear a temporary denture during the healing period while the implants integrate with your bone, which typically takes three to six months. Once healing is complete, your final denture attaches to the implants.
Life After Getting Implant-Supported Dentures
Your daily routine becomes simpler and more comfortable. You can eat foods once off-limits with traditional dentures. Crunchy vegetables, chewy meats, and sticky foods become manageable again. Speaking feels natural because your dentures don’t move or make clicking sounds.
Maintenance is straightforward. Removable versions are available for cleaning, just like traditional dentures. You brush them with a denture brush and soak them overnight. Fixed versions require brushing and flossing around the implant sites, just as with natural teeth. Regular dental checkups every six months help ensure everything stays healthy and functioning properly.
Get Your Confidence Back at Atlas Dental Specialists
If denture slippage is holding you back from living your life to the fullest, implant-supported dentures offer a proven solution. Our team of prosthodontists brings advanced training in dental implants and implant prosthetics, giving you access to full-service care in one location. Named after the mighty Atlas statues outside our windows, our family-owned practice has served downtown Pittsburgh for over 25 years.
Ready to stop worrying about your dentures? Contact Atlas Dental Specialists today to schedule a consultation at our downtown Pittsburgh or Shadyside location.
