My New Dentures Are So Uncomfortable

In late December of last year, I received new dentures and they are so uncomfortable. The cost made me almost sure that they would be beautiful. And after being reassured by my dentist that they would be beyond my expectations, I had no doubts. But reality has hit, and I am almost in tears. The dentures are so very uncomfortable, and they look fake.

When I look in the mirror at my smile, I’m embarrassed. At this point, there is no way that I can afford to replace my teeth with implants, but I am so very unhappy that I must do something about it. I’ve been doing some research, and I read about overdentures. How much do they cost? And what supports them? – Eileen C., Florida

Eileen –

Thank you for your question.

You have two significant concerns with your dentures. They are uncomfortable, and they don’t look natural. An artistic cosmetic dentist can help. It is possible to get natural-looking dentures that complement your facial features. A cosmetic dentist will listen to your preferences and design dentures that match them.

How Are Overdentures Supported?

Dental implants support an overdenture. You will need at least two implants to keep your denture in place. The process works like this:

• An implant dentist will make a small opening to insert implants on both sides of your jawbone.
• The dentist will have a lab to make your custom denture. And grooves in the base of the denture will attach to the implants.
• After about four months of healing, your dentist will secure the denture to the implants.

How Much Do Implant Overdentures Cost?

The cost of implant dentures depends on the options you choose. Factors that affect your cost include:

• Type of implants you receive (mini vs. standard) $1,000 – $3,000 per implant
• Number of implants you receive
• Bone grafting, if needed: $600 – $2,000
• Quality of your denture: $700 to $3,000

Other fees include the surgical procedure, supplies, and any treatment needed to improve your oral health and prepare you for implant dentures.

How Long Do Implant Overdentures Last?

The implants for implant overdentures can last decades—even a lifetime. But you will need to replace the denture that the implants support. A high-quality denture lasts five to ten years. Implant overdentures will feel more like your natural teeth than removable dentures. And your ability to chew with them will improve. Even if you decide to stick with the removable dentures, look for an advanced cosmetic dentist who will ensure they are comfortable and beautiful.

Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a family dentist in Moline, Illinois, sponsors this post. Dr. Goebel works closely with an oral surgeon or periodontist for implant surgery.

 

Is it too late for implant dentures, and how long will they last?

If I have worn dentures for more than ten years, is it too late for implant dentures? My dentures are wearing out, and I think they will only last a few more months. It has been hard to get them to stay in place, too. So although implant dentures cost a lot, I’ve been considering them within the past two weeks. My only hesitation is not knowing how long they will last. I don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on implant dentures if I need to replace them in a few years. Thank you. Craig from Iowa

Craig,

Thank you for your inquiry.

We will answer both your questions separately: Is it too late for implant dentures? And how long will they last?

Is It Too Late for Implant Dentures?

Even if you have worn dentures for many years, it is not too late for implant dentures. But the longer you wear dentures, the more likely it is to need bone grafting before you get implants. Here’s why:

Wearing dentures for years

Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone and keep it intact. But when all your teeth are missing, the jawbone shrinks. And your body uses the minerals from it elsewhere. As a result, many long-time denture wearers experience bone shrinkage, which causes their facial muscles to sag.

Dental implants need support

Jawbone support dental implants. An implant is like an anchor that supports your denture. Without a solid foundation, dental implants will fail. So if you have low jawbone volume, a dentist will need to build it up with bone grafting before placing dental implants.

One technique, All-on-4 dental implants, angles the implants during placement to add stability and prevent the need for bone grafting.

How Long Do Implant Overdentures Last?

The answer to how long implant overdentures last includes two factors: the implants that a dentist places in your jawbone and the dentures attached to them.

Dental implants – According to the American Academy of Implant dentistry, when you receive dental implants from a dentist with advanced implant training, they can last a lifetime. But periodically, your dentures will need to be replaced.

Denture – A well-made denture that your dentist attaches to the implant can last ten to fifteen years.

What Are the Advantages of an Implant Denture?

Other than longevity, an implant denture has other advantages:

• Stabilizes your denture
• Improves your chewing efficiency
• Makes it easier to speak with dentures
• Stimulates jawbone and prevents facial sagging
• Minimizes embarrassment due to dentures that click, pop, slip, or fall out
• Helps dentures look and feel more like your own teeth.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are thinking about getting implant dentures, schedule consultations with at least two skilled dentists. Look for dentists with advanced implantology training or who refer patients to an oral surgeon or specialist for implant placement.

Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a family dentist in Moline, IL, sponsors this post. Dr. Goebel works closely with an oral surgeon or periodontist for implant surgery.