New treatment for denture-wearers

Feb. 14, 2012 - PRLog -- An estimated 37 million Americans are edentulous - without teeth in one or both arches. People with dentures often suffer from self-consciousness and insecurity when socializing or eating due to fear of their dentures slipping out of place.

Now, Ronald Goers, DDS, with his practice in Darien, offers denture patients a new, two hour treatment that can dramatically increase denture stability.

Mini dental implants (MDIs) provide an affordable and minimally invasive way for denture-wearers to firmly anchor their dentures in the mouth.

“The ability to firmly stabilize dentures can change lives, and that’s why I’m so enthusiastic about this procedure,” Dr. Goers said. “People can regain confidence and feel comfortable talking, smiling and eating things like corn on the cob, steaks and apples.”

In the past, denture wearers had few options. They could use adhesives which weren’t always effective, or they could have a new denture made to better fit their mouth.

Also, those with financial means could consider having full-size, dental implants placed to anchor their dentures. While effective, full-size dental implants are prohibitively expensive for many patients. In addition, many patients are not good candidates for the procedure due to lack of bone in the jaw or other health conditions.

MDIs, however, are different. Around 2 mm in size, these implants – usually four - can be placed in the dental office in a simple, two hour procedure. The patient’s existing denture can then be adapted to snap on to the implants.

The MDIs are a miniature titanium alloy implant that acts like the root of the tooth and a retaining fixture is incorporated into the base of the denture. The head of the implant is shaped like a ball, and the retaining fixture acts like a socket with a rubber O-ring. The O-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture firmly in place.

“Unlike full-size implants which require significant recovery time, MDIs can be put to use immediately,” Dr. Goers said. “The patient walks out of the office transformed.”

Dr. Goers is certified in the placement of 3M™ MDI Mini Dental Implants and is available to consult with denture patients about whether this treatment is right for them.

Goers Dental Care is at 6700 Route 83, Darien. For more information, call 630-789-0900 or visit http://www.goersdentalcare.com