Most patients we speak with are not happy with their mandibular or “bottom” dentures. The children of elderly parents assume that their mothers and fathers have accepted their “plates” since they don’t seem to complain.   Many tell us that their parents dental health condition is just a sign of the times and places they grew up in. Unfortunately they dont know any better! The widespread use of denture cream is one indication that these prostheses are inadequate for many denture wearers. Our patients that come in wearing conventional dentures claim that they cannot eat many foods, particular those that are hard or tough. This forces them to change their eating habits in unhealthy ways and in turn creates nutritional patterns that are poorer than that of people with natural teeth. In an article written in The Miami Herald dated February 19, 2010, Poligrip denture cream accounted for more than $520 million in sales last year alone! GlaxoSmithKline will stop making and marketing Super Poligrip Original, Ultra Fresh and Extra Care products in the United States. Apparently the zinc in the formula has caused neurological damage and blood problems in denture wearers, allegedly crippling some.

 With the safe and simple placement of only 2 implants, lower dentures have been shown to be superior to conventional dentures in randomized and non-randomized clinical trials that ranged in duration from 6 months to 9 years. The patients in these studies are significantly more satisfied with 2-implant over dentures than with new conventional dentures. Implant over dentures are incredibly more stable, and chewing various foods is significantly easier.

There is also preliminary evidence that this improves their nutritional state. Such improvements may have a strong positive impact on general health, particularly for senior adults who are vulnerable to malnutrition. Call us at 305.447.1447 to schedule a free implant consult to learn more about these important developments in our population.