Implant dentures: Prosthodontic—Unfavorable

Abstract

In my discussion of the unfavorable prosthodontic aspects of implant dentures, I have avoided reference to the surgical techniques and consequences which are being discussed by others. I have only touched upon what I believe to be disadvantages or deficiencies of the procedures. The most serious disadvantage is that the procedure cannot be used for those who need it most. It is not advised for aged, infirm, or unhealthy people. Soft tissue-borne dentures can be and are made for these people, and if they are carefully and precisely constructed, these dentures do provide teeth which are comfortable and usable. Judging by the implant dentures I have seen and by many illustrations in books and periodicals, insufficient attention has been paid to jaw relations and occlusion. These are phases of construction techniques that could be corrected easily, however, if more attention was paid to them. The illustrations I have seen of upper implant dentures indicate that too little consideration has been given to phonetics. The shape of the maxillae and mandible is altered by resorption. This resorption may occur under soft tissue-borne dentures and implant dentures alike. It is more disastrous when it occurs under implant dentures. The expense of treatment of edentulous patients by implant dentures makes the procedure unavailable to many people who might be benefited by it. The time involved in treatment of edentulous patients by implant dentures makes the procedure unavailable to most edentulous patients because there are not enough dentists to provide the service, even if all other unfavorable considerations were eliminated. This discussion is not intended to discourage sincere workers from further experimentation in this field of prosthodontics. Instead, I hope that it may point the way to an improvement of implant denture service.