Can a Dentist Make My Implant Denture Teeth Smaller?

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The front teeth in my implant denture are too big. Although I didn’t take care of my teeth most of my life, I never had buck teeth, but I do now with my implant dentures. I talked to the dentist about it, but he said that for the low price, which was 2/3 of what most dentists charge, some aspects of the denture might not be exactly what I wanted. I knew his price was lower, but the dentist never mentioned that I would have buck teeth. It doesn’t make sense to me, anyway. Why make the teeth too large when I didn’t request it? Can I find another dentist to reduce the size of the denture teeth? Alan from Topeka, KS

 

Alan,

Thank you for your question. We are sorry about your disappointing experience. Although you wanted to save money on implant dentures, it is unfortunate that your dentist was not upfront about what you could expect. You can find a dentist who offers affordable implant dentures without sacrificing quality.

Can a Dentist Reduce Your Implant Denture Teeth?

Depending on the condition, fit, and quality of your denture, a skilled cosmetic dentist, can drill out the denture teeth and reprocess the denture with smaller teeth. Revising the denture will help you feel more comfortable about your smile, and the denture will feel better.

What Are the Causes of Oversized Denture Teeth?

Oversized denture teeth result from a lack of planning and attention to aesthetics. A cosmetic dentist provides dentures that fit your mouth and complement your facial features. Therefore, dentures may cost more than bargain prices. Also, a dentist with attention to aesthetics makes a wax model of your denture for you to try to examine how they look and feel. The dentist will consider these:

  • Your facial appearance and profile
  • Lip fullness
  • Your bite
  • Your speech

Will You Need a New Denture Instead of Replacing the Teeth?

Whether you need a new denture is something that a second-opinion cosmetic dentist can determine. The denture quality, condition, and bite determine whether your existing denture will have long-term success.

We suggest listing what you do and do not like about your implant denture. Then, schedule an appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist to explain your concerns and examine your denture.

Best wishes for a smooth resolution.

Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

Before and after dentures pictures from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Brooksher.

Dr. Brooksher’s advanced training helps him create natural-looking dentures.

My Implant Denture Makes My Lips Look Bulky

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Should permanent dentures (all on four) be placed with the anterior teeth 2 to 3 mm from the gum line, or should they follow the gum line? Is this a standard procedure or the dentist’s choice? I have bulky lips from a denture that protrudes. I’m doing some research and figuring out what to do next and whether I can trust my dentist. – Thanks, Demetrius from NJ

Demetrius,

Before we answer your question, we want to define the gumline. As shown in the picture to the right, the gumline is the edge where the gum meets a tooth. Consider some examples:

  • If a tooth is extracted, there is no longer a gumline.
  • If a tooth is replaced with a dental implant, the gumline is the edge that meets the dental crown.
  • If all your teeth are missing and you receive a complete denture, the gumline is the edge of the pink, gum-colored acrylic that meets the false tooth.

We defined the gumline because it is impossible to place a dental implant at that location.

You’re probably referring to where a dentist places teeth near the jawbone ridge beneath the denture.

Complete removable denture

When you receive a complete removable denture, your dentist should place the denture’s front lower teeth directly over the bony ridge. If the denture is too far forward, it will tilt back when you bite anything with your front teeth.

All-on-4 dental implants

Denture above dental implants ready to be screwed on

All-on-4 implant denture

An implant-retained denture, such as All-on-4, is secure and won’t tilt when you bite. The placement of denture teeth 2-3 millimeters from the ridge, as you described, is close enough within range for a removable denture or an implant denture.

Aesthetics and facial appearance are essential for natural-looking results. But measurements alone should not determine where a dentist places your denture. Advanced cosmetic dentists make a wax model of the denture for you to try in before the lab completes the acrylic version. The wax model lets your dentist evaluate how the implant denture affects your facial features, lip, speech, and the overall function of your mouth.

Adjusting your denture to soften the appearance of your lips

If you already have your implant denture, your dentist can remove it and reset the teeth. If the problem persists and your dentist can’t resolve it, you can schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist for recommendations. Your dentist may charge a fee to reset the teeth, but if you’ve already expressed satisfaction, they might do it without cost.

 

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge Fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is accredited by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

 

 

Why Is My Palateless Denture Loose?

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Last August, I found a dentist who does palateless dentures. He took some x-rays, reviewed my medical records, and said I could get the denture. I was excited because I have worn dentures for 20 years. I was very nervous because I had never had any oral surgery before last September when the dentist did four implants. I was under IV sedation, so the surgery went better than expected. Everything seemed to go okay until mid-January, when I felt something shift in my mouth. I returned to the dentist before my next scheduled appointment. He said that the denture might be loose, and he will check the implants next week. I am terrified of what the dentist might find and that I might lose all the implants. I don’t know if my anxiety will let me start all over again. Now, my trust level is down. What are some reasons that my palateless denture might be loose? – Thanks so much. Giada from Florida

Giada,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your denture and take a 3-D cone beam CT scan to identify the problem. But will explain some possible causes of your loose palateless dentures. But first, we will explain how a palateless denture works for any of our readers who are not familiar with it.

What Is a Palateless Denture?

Palateless upper denture prepared for dental implantsA palateless is shaped like an arch and has no upper plate that touches the roof of your mouth. A palateless implant denture snaps or screws onto dental implants. Dental implants are tiny screws that an implant dentist places in your jawbone. Two to six implants can keep your denture in place. After about four months of healing, your dentist will attach the final denture to the implants.

Palateless implant denture vs. traditional implant denture

  • Traditional denture – A traditional denture has a palate that touches the roof of your mouth. Suction from the top of your mouth keeps the denture in place. Many denture wearers find it uncomfortable. Some also say that it distorts the taste of food.
  • Palateless implant denture – Dental implants embedded in your jawbone can support a palateless denture. You will have a more comfortable experience wearing dentures that do not cup the roof of your mouth.

Why Is Your Palateless Denture Loose?

If your palateless implant denture is loose, perhaps the denture is not secured to the implants. Or, your implants and jawbone may not have fused. An examination and 3-D CT scan will provide the answer.

  • Denture not secured to the implants – If your palateless denture is loose, your dentist must determine the cause. Perhaps the denture base is misaligned with the implants. Or, maybe the connection between your denture and implants is unstable.
  • Jawbone and dental implant did not fuse – When your jawbone and implant do not fuse, the cause could be the location of the implants, inflammation around the implants, poor-quality implants, or other factors.

Get a Second Opinion Right Away

We recommend getting a second opinion right away. The American Society of Implant and Reconstructive dentistry cautions that if the implant connection is loose, it can have these effects:

  • Alter your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth)
  • Damage the implants
  • Cause bone loss

You mentioned that your dentist took some x-rays, but you did not say a 3-D cone beam CT scan. Did your implant dentist complete that scan? Search for an implant dentist with credentials (not membership only) from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the American Dental Implant Association. Schedule an appointment for a second opinion. You will need a comprehensive exam and a 3-D CT scan at some point.

Your anxiety is understandable, but an implant dentist will recommend sedation options to keep you relaxed while getting the care you need. We wish you a healthy resolution for your loose palateless denture.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooker is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Is It Too Late for Dental Implants?

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After wearing dentures for 18 years, is it too late for dental implants? My dentures won’t stay in, and my entire experience with wearing them has been disappointing and frustrating. It’s almost time for new dentures, and if I can minimize my misery, I would love it. Thanks. Vera from Biloxi, MS

 

Vera,

No, it’s not too late for dental implants. There isn’t a limit on how many years you can wear dentures before you’re not a candidate for implants, but you’ll need to be patient with the process. We’ll explain.

Dentures and Jawbone Resorption

The longer you wear complete removable dentures, the more your jawbone will shrink. Jawbone shrinkage occurs in areas where teeth are missing. And when all your teeth are missing, the entire surface of your jawbone shrinks. Your body takes the minerals from the bone and uses them elsewhere. As your jawbone shrinks, it’s more difficult for your denture to stay in place.

Dental Implants and Bone Volume

An implant dentist or oral surgeon places implants in your jawbone with the goal of the bone and implant fusing to anchor a denture or arch of teeth. If you have significant bone loss, your jawbone won’t support implants.

If You Don’t Have Enough Bone for Dental Implants

If you don’t have enough jawbone to support dental implants, implant dentists offer two treatment options—bone grafting and All-on-4 dental implants.

Bone grafting for dental implants

Bone grafting for dental implants is a procedure that takes bone from one part of your body, like your hip, to use it for building up your jawbone. As an alternative, a dentist might use sterilized or artificial bone. Depending on the type of bone used and the extent of bone loss, the Academy of Osseointegration says it can take four to twelve months for grafts to heal. After healing, you can receive dental implants. Your implant dentist will explain your options for grafting.

All-on-4 dental implants

Denture above dental implants ready to be screwed on

Dental implants secure dentures

All-on-4 dental implants are a system that angles implants in the front of your mouth. The bone in the front of your mouth is often thicker than other areas. And angling the implants increases contact with the bone and resistance to movement. Implant dentists use 3-D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to see your bone structure and identify a precise location for All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants. This process prevents the need for bone grafting. But your implant dentist will determine if you’re a candidate for this treatment.

For predictable results, look for an implant dentist who is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dentists with fellowship have advanced dental implant training and experience and have completed rigorous testing and examination of their patient cases by a review board.

You can receive implant-supported dentures and have a comfortable, confident smile at last.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is an accredited cosmetic dentist and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology. He completes implant surgery and restores implants with dental crowns or dentures.

Need Teeth Extracted Before Dentures? 3 Facts to Consider Before Visiting an Oral Surgeon

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I hate the thought of wearing dentures at 50, but most of my teeth are missing. The few that are left have deep decay. The drama with my teeth comes from years of neglect when I was younger. Now I’m stable and can afford to do something about my teeth and smile. I guess I have a little less anxiety about dental appointments than when I was younger, but I’m concerned about having any type of surgery. I’m wondering if I should see an oral surgeon first and get the remaining teeth pulled or if I should go to a dentist and let him refer me to an oral surgeon. Thanks. Brad from AR

Brad,

There dentists who can do both—extract your teeth and provide you with dentures. Extractions before dentures are not complicated, and many general dentists do both.

  • Search online for a dentist with at least several years of experience.
  • Call their offices and ask how the dentist handles cases when a patient needs extractions before dentures.
  • The office representative’s answer will explain if the dentist completes extractions and provides dentures.
  • If you choose a dentist who refers patients to an oral surgeon for extractions, he or she will coordinate your care.

Relieving Your Anxiety

As you call dental offices, ask an additional question: What does the dentist do to calm anxious patients? Many dentists are gentle and successful in helping patients relax and receive painless treatment. Others offer sedation dentistry, which is anti-anxiety medication—varying in different strengths depending on your anxiety and the procedure you’ll receive.

Some Advice on Stabilizing Your Dentures

A common source of anxiety about dentures is fear of them clicking, sliding around, or falling out. If your budget allows, consider stabilizing your dentures with dental implants.

What Are Implants?

Diagram of a snap-on denture. The denture is hovering above the jawbone that has two dental implants in it.

Affordable dental implants will secure your dentures

Implants are small screws that are embedded in your jawbone like tooth roots. But when all your teeth are missing, implants are used to support your denture. Your implant dentist can attach an arch of replacement teeth—or a denture—to at least two dental implants.

Benefits of Implant Overdentures

  • Minimize denture movement. Dental implants anchor a denture. And with four to six implants, you’ll have minimal movement with your denture, and it will feel more like your natural teeth. It’s much easier to bite and chew food with stable implant overdentures.
  • Preserve your facial features. You’re only 50 years old. The longer you wear dentures, the more your jawbone will shrink. Natural teeth stimulate the bone and prevent it from shrinking. But dentures don’t stimulate your jawbone; they put pressure on it and make it shrink faster. Dental implants rescue your jawbone from shrinking away and making your face sag prematurely.
  • Provide a better experience overall. Most fears about wearing dentures are related to how much they will move and shift in your mouth and how they will look. Cosmetic dentists are skilled at providing dentures that look like natural teeth.

If you search for and find an implant dentist with cosmetic dentistry skills, it will erase most—if not all—your worries about dentures.

Take time to find a dentist who will correctly and beautifully restore your smile.

Steven Brooksher, DDS is a cosmetic and implant dentist in Baton Rouge, LA. Read about his credentials and visit his smile gallery. It will give you ideas on what to look for in a dentist in your area.