Did you know that more than 35 million people in the U.S.
and Canada are missing all of
their teeth on one or both arches. Also, it is estimated that an additional 30
million people have bad teeth and/or periodontal disease, and will face losing
all of their teeth in the near future. In the past, the only solution for these
patients has been full dentures.
|
 |
|
Replacing a full bottom arch
of teeth with a full denture.
(Illustration: Nobel Biocare) |
|
Nobody wants dentures
The traditional approach to replacing a full set of missing teeth has been to
use full dentures. A full denture is a set of artificial teeth that rests on the
gum line, and can often provide an excellent cosmetic result. However, dentures
have a number of key problems.
Dentures
are not fixed in place and tend to slip, move, and even fall out. This is why
there is such a huge market for denture adhesives and creams.
Dentures
can be very uncomfortable and painful, given that they rest on the gums.
Therefore, eating can be very unpleasant and difficult.
With
dentures, you have only about 25% of your natural chewing capacity. This greatly
restricts what and how you can eat.
Many
denture wearers report a lack of confidence because of their dentures. While
they can smile, they have trouble eating, singing, being active, and sometimes
even talking without fear that their dentures will slip or fall out. And
dentures can have a huge negative impact on your social and business
interactions.
Upper
dentures cover the roof of your mouth with plastic, which can be uncomfortable
and greatly inhibit your ability to enjoy food.
Also
important, dentures do not stop the problem of bone loss. Long-time denture
wearers often look much older than they really are because of the loss of bone
in their jaws.
|
|
|
Replacing a full bottom arch with permanent replacement teeth
with only 4 implants.
(Illustration: Nobel Biocare) |
|
Dental implants are the preferred solutionDental implants have proven to be an ideal solution for those missing all of
their teeth on one or both arches:
Dental
implants are fixed in place and do not move. Therefore, a permanent set of
replacement teeth can be attached to the implants, and will function almost like
natural teeth.
Dental
implant-supported teeth can give you back 95% of your natural biting and chewing
capability. You will be able to eat the foods you like without the embarrassment
of worrying about your teeth.
Dental
implants look and feel like natural teeth. You will have the complete confidence
to eat, speak, sing, laugh, be active, and do all the things you do with natural
teeth, knowing that you have a beautiful smile and fully functioning teeth.
Dental
implants address the problem of
bone loss. The implants are fixed into the bone and when you eat, the implants
exercise the bone and stimulate the growth and health of the bone. This is true
even when you have only 4 implants on an arch.
