In our office, we encounter many people who are frustrated with their dentures and are looking for other replacement options. Below is a list of the most common complaints that we get from denture wearers:

• I cannot eat steak
• I have sore spots
• My dentures keep falling out
• I cannot taste food very well
• I gag while wearing my dentures

If you are a denture wearer, and are experiencing similar problems with your dentures, you are not alone. In previous articles, we discussed some of the reasons why people have trouble with dentures including continued bone loss after the loss of teeth and movement of the tongue in their mouth. Hence, the nature of dentures often makes them very difficult to utilize. As dentists, we frequently hear stories from individuals about their negative experiences with dentures. My colleague shared a story with me about a patient who lost his denture on his honeymoon while on a cruise after enjoying some beers. The patient was in his early forties and hadn’t told his newly wed wife about this denture. Needless to say, it was quite an embarrassing moment for him. Another patient shared a story about how his denture fell out of his mouth while he was blowing out the candles on his birthday cake. These are scenarios that dentists are happy to eliminate for patients by offering the option of dental implants.

Often enough, dental implants are the ideal solution for many denture patients, so it is a common recommendation I make for my denture patients. Sometimes they respond saying, “But doctor, I have heard that implants are expensive”.

Yes, implants can be an additional cost, But you will be surprised to know that there are many affordable options available. In many cases, you will get significant improvements over your current dentures with a fee equivalent to or often less than what you would pay for a vacation down south. With monthly payment options that are offered by many dentists, you will be surprised how affordable dental implant therapy can be. Just imagine going on vacation and being able to eat all the foods you want without worrying about your loose dentures. Consider dental implant therapy and you could be smiling confidently all vacation long.