Missing teeth for a long time can lead to a flat jawbone due to a lack of stimulation from the roots. Over time, without any stimulation, your jawbone will slowly decrease in both height and shape. This results in ill-fitting or uncomfortable dentures for some people.
However, just because your jawbone appears flat doesn’t mean your dentures cannot be designed correctly. It means extra care is needed when designing dentures to ensure they fit correctly and distribute pressure and weight evenly.
Custom Dentures for a Flat Jawbone
Custom dentures for people with flatter-shaped jaws focus on precision rather than bulk. Modern designs for removable dentures utilise harmony between a person’s muscles, gums, and bite rather than relying solely on suction to keep the denture in place.
For instance, to develop the next phase of custom dentures in Greenbrier, TN, a precise, detailed impression of your mouth and accurate measurements of your jaw are taken. This provides an even foundation for the denture base, reducing pressure on specific areas of the jaw and allowing the denture to be worn comfortably for longer.
There are key design elements that will be included in any custom denture manufacturing process, particularly for people with flatter-shaped jaws:
- Broadening the denture base for improved weight distribution
- Creating a neutral zone in the denture base for a patient that corresponds to the location of the chewing muscles in their mouth
- Adjusting the bite location to improve stability during chewing.
Additional Options for Patients Requiring Support
Some patients may benefit from additional support options before or simultaneously with the development of custom dentures in Greenbrier, TN, including:
- Relining dentures to provide a better contact point between the denture and the gums
- Implant-supported stabilisation where indicated
- Bone-preserving methods, when appropriate
Each patient will be assessed holistically, with the patient’s comfort and long-term dental health as the highest priorities, rather than the urgency of immediate pressure relief.
As a Patient, What Should You Expect?
If you are experiencing changes in your jawbone, you will need time to adapt to its flatter shape, and the success of your care depends on early follow-up visits. The difference between a flat jaw and a standard jawbone shape is often minor adjustments that can make a big difference in your ability to communicate, eat, and feel confident about your new smile.
Your goal should not be absolute perfection on Day 1 with dentures, but rather to make consistent progress that appears both natural and sustainable.
Finding a Thoughtful Way to Live Comfortably
You don’t have to put yourself at risk of living uncomfortably because you have a flatter (or declining) jawbone. By planning thoughtfully and with realistic expectations, you can find custom dentures in Greenbrier, TN that will provide the same level of comfort and security as traditional denture options.
If you are considering various denture options for a flat jawbone and would like a no-pressure conversation to gain more clarity, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Greenbrier Dental Excellence to discuss your personal needs and find a solution that meets them.
FAQs
- Do dentures work for flat jawbones?
Yes, with appropriate design and fit adjustments, many patients can achieve daily stability in denture support.
- Are flat jawbones more common among older adults?
Yes, they are common due to long-term tooth loss at any age.
- Are dental implants necessary for flat jawbones?
Dental implants are optional and based on individual comfort goals.
- Will dentures feel bulky on a less supportive jawbone?
Modern designs are focused on balance, rather than simply getting thicker for added support.
- How long will it take to adjust to wearing dentures?
Currently, the average adjustment time is several weeks, with minor refinements.
- Can chewing be improved when wearing properly fitted dentures?
Your chewing ability can be significantly improved with proper bite alignment.
- Do denture relines provide benefits when a patient has a flat jawbone?
Yes, denture relines can help patients achieve greater comfort and improved contact between their gums and the denture base.