Why dentures could be the best choice for your patients

As people live longer and retain their natural teeth, the dental profession faces new challenges. We hear why dentures could be the answer.

Although tooth retention may be greater as we age, 73% of people are missing one or more back teeth and 7.6% have one or more front teeththe digitization of dentistry has raised the bar in the oral rehabilitation of edentulous and partially edentulous patients.

Dental implants are now widely considered the gold standard for replacement. But there are always obstacles to healing. The patient’s perception of benefits versus price is very important – especially in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

Socio-economic inequalities can often mean that the less financially able suffer the most tooth loss, but they are often the ones who rely on the affordability of dentures.

Others may wish to avoid more invasive surgery or prefer the removable nature of dentures, allowing them to follow less demanding cleaning protocols while reducing the number of follow-up appointments.

Best choice for patients

Flexibility and affordability, it seems, can trump aesthetics if they mean a simpler life, accessibility to tooth replacement, and a simpler oral care regimen.

And, of course, there are the clinical challenges that limit patient eligibility. Dentures may be a better option for patients with poor bone density or for those with medical conditions or medications that interfere with the healing process.

Oral Health Foundation published the results of a study, conducted in 19 countries, which revealed that an average of 19% of the population wears some form of dentures. So while we have seen fewer people experiencing tooth loss, there is still a burden on the profession to help these patients cope with partial edentulousness.

Another recent study it also lends weight to the belief that dentures can have a negative impact on overall nutrition. The research study found that people with dentures had a significant decline in nutrition indices, while people who did not wear dentures did not experience this decline.

Losing teeth and fitting dentures can have a significant emotional and psychological impact, especially if patients struggle to adjust to their wear, meaning dentures can negatively impact overall well-being.

Erratic movement and separation of the denture from the lower jaw during eating can also cause discomfort and tissue trauma.

What this has traditionally meant for dental professionals tasked with creating and fitting patients with dentures is a plethora of challenges.

However, manufacturers continue to innovate, refine and improve the patient experience as the market develops and grows.

The legacy of the pandemic

So while there is still a group of patients for whom getting implants is not an option, it is important to respect the choices and use best practices and tools that help limit any negative physical and psychological effects.

Ricky Price is a clinical dental technician who works with his father, James, in their family clinics – Herne Bay Dentures and Dover Dentures. Qualified for eight years, he has seen a recent increase in the number of patients needing dentures – the legacy of the pandemic continues to pay off.

“2020 was a terrible year. We had to close it for a lot, so patients were without access. The pandemic then caused horrendous delays in appointments. By the time we saw patients again, some had become afraid of attending or were unable to make appointments.

“What we are seeing now is the result of that. From 2021, we are very busy. Dentists are catching up on exams and now we’re seeing patients needing extractions and needing tooth replacement treatment.’

They mostly take referrals from local dentists in Kent – ​​and it’s easy to underestimate the variety of patients that come through their doors. Every patient comes to dentistry with a different story, perspective and their own unique challenges. Some, Ricky says, have hidden the fact that they are wearing a prosthesis.

Communication at the core

“As well as elderly patients, we also make dentures for younger people. These patients may have lost teeth due to eating disorders, neglected their oral hygiene during Covid-19, or lost teeth in a sports accident.

“Some patients will skip getting implants to avoid the quarterly routine maintenance and cleaning visits. Others do not want surgery. But whatever the circumstances, we always tailor our conversations to fully engage with each patient.

“We have to build good relationships to identify their needs and understand what is important to them. Without good communication, we cannot give them the service they expect.”

He adds: “Some patients tell us that they have kept it a secret from their loved ones that they wear dentures, while it is important to ensure that their new teeth look as natural and comfortable as possible, it is also important to give them the best advice on discreet and safe wear and soothes fears of embarrassment.

“We always take different approaches and strategies – from a 90-year-old patient who is boneless and unsuitable for implants to someone younger who cannot afford implants. Everyone wants to replace teeth quickly in a way they can afford – fitting dentures is still attractive, so it’s important to respect their choices and support them accordingly.”

And while it is up to the dental profession to remove any stigma for patients surrounding the use of dentures, recommending the best products to ensure comfort and confidence is key to their efforts.

A huge blessing

For Ricky, Fixodent has been a huge benefit to his patients.

“I generally recommend Fixodent Professional because of its firm hold and antibacterial aspect. The adhesives are antibacterial, helping to keep them clean too, creating a food seal that helps prevent food particles from getting under the dentures and protects against gum irritation. The fine nozzle also offers precise, hassle-free application.’

Ricky adds: “Dentures have developed so much in the last decade and the higher ones are so natural looking. I’ve been recommending Fixodent since 2015 and it’s great for patient confidence – especially for younger patients who generally don’t want people to know they’re wearing it.

“A good denture adhesive can make a huge difference in ensuring stability and enhancing the patient’s perception of fit and comfort. It helps with retention, of course, but a lot of it is psychological, so patients feel more secure and can laugh without covering up their smile.”

“We always take the time to show patients how to properly use the fixative and get the seal. Giving patients this time is essential. We want patients to feel confident and enjoy the simplest things without self-consciousness. If they sometimes forget they’re wearing dentures, then even better.’

For more information or to order samples, visit www.oralbprofessional.co.uk/s.