Dentures & Implants
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Alizah Shahar, MS, CCC-
SLP/OMT/CS
Myofunctional Therapy & Speech Therapy
located in Houston, TX
Implanted supported dentures may be the ideal alternative if you require dentures but don't want to worry about how they fit. If you have an oromyofunctional condition that prevents you from receiving denture implants, Alizah Shahar, MS, CCC-SLP/OMT/CS of TASL Speech Treatment Consultants offers a solution for you: adult myofunctional therapy. Call our clinic in Memorial City and Hedwig Village, Houston, Texas, or schedule an appointment online to learn more about how this therapy can help you receive the dentures you need.
Denture Implants Q & A
What are denture implants, and how do they work?
A dental implant is a biocompatible metal rod that replaces the missing tooth's natural root. The bone grows around the implant and attaches to it after your dental implants it in your jaw, creating a solid anchor for a new prosthetic tooth.
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You can obtain implant-supported dentures or denture implants in addition to single-tooth implants. Your dentures are attached to the implants after your provider inserts four or more strategically positioned implants.
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Dentures that snap on and off the implants are available, as well as dentures that are permanently cemented to the implants.
Team Effort: Prosthodontist, Speech Pathologist/Oral Myologist, Oral Surgeon
What are the effects of orofacial myofunctional abnormalities on denture implants?
To support dental implants, you'll need a strong, healthy jaw bone. Bone loss is caused by missing teeth and osteoporosis, which weakens your jawbones. However, if you have an orofacial myofunctional condition, you may lose bone.
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When your tongue, lips, soft palate, and jaw muscles move abnormally, you have orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). As a result, whether you swallow, chew, or speak, your tongue does not rest in the appropriate position or move normally. Bone loss behind the gum line may result from these odd movements.
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Furthermore, atypical tongue movement and misaligned teeth or jaws put too much strain on the dentures. The constant strain on the dentures may cause the implant to deteriorate and fail.
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Problems with your orofacial muscles might change the form of your face and jaw over time. These alterations may have an impact on how well your denture implants fit.
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What role does orofacial myofunctional therapy have in the maintenance of denture implants?
If you desire denture-supported implants but your dentist detects you have an OMD, you only have one option: orofacial myofunctional treatment.
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Ms. Shahar devises a therapy strategy to address your specific functional issue. She then retrains the muscles with a variety of exercises. You won't have to worry about inappropriate pressure on your denture implants or continuous bone loss due to OMDs as your tongue and jaw muscle power increases.
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Call TASL Speech Therapy Consultants or schedule an appointment online to learn more about orofacial myofunctional therapy for denture implants.
