In case you didn’t already know, not every denture is the same. Some look completely fake, some are entirely natural-looking and fool everyone who sees them. Some dentures are custom-made and some are cookie-cutter. One type of dentures that is completely different than the leading economy dentures is neuromuscular dentures. Neuromuscular dentures apply neuromuscular aspects to the design and manufacturing process to ensure the patient’s jaw rests in it’s most comfortable and relaxed position.
Types of Dentures
One of the best ways to explain what Neuromuscular Dentures are is by explaining what they aren’t. So first let’s talk about “other” dentures.
These other dentures basically fall into two categories: Economy & Traditional.
Economy Dentures – These types of dentures are the “made in the same day” type of dentures that you see advertised on TV, newspaper, and on the radio. These are very basic dentures. We’re not against economy dentures. They are a great solution for some people who otherwise wouldn’t have any teeth at all. It’s just that some people can’t live with economy dentures because they either don’t fit well enough, or they don’t look good enough. The cost of economy dentures usually runs around $1000.
Traditional Dentures – These are the main types of dentures that are made by most general dentists. They will fit better than economy dentures and will usually look better than economy dentures. There is a huge variation in how well they look and fit, and this is usually due to the experience of the dentist who is making them. Generally, the cost of high-quality traditional dentures is around $4000 – $6000.
What are Neuromuscular Dentures?
That is an explanation of what Neuromuscular Dentures are NOT. So, what are the differences between Neuromuscular Dentures and those listed above? It can be distilled down to two main differences. One, the way the impressions are made, and two, the position of the lower jaw.
Most economy dentures are made from a single impression of your gums. Traditional dentures will usually be made from primary and secondary impressions of your gums. However, Neuromuscular Dentures are made from a three-stage impression protocol. Each impression is more accurate than the last. This is important because the more accurate we can make your impression, the better your dentures will fit.
Furthermore, while the impression material is hardening, a neuromuscular impression will capture your muscles and ligaments as they “flex”. Then, our Savannah dentures dentist will use a TENS unit during your second and third stages of neuromuscular impressions. This TENS unit provides gentle electrical stimulation to your jaw muscles which causes them to twitch while the impression is hardening. These little muscle twitches cause small indentations into the impression material. When your final denture is made, it will have these “built-in” indentations of where your muscles are. This makes your dentures more stable while those muscles flex during eating, drinking, talking, and laughing.
Why is Jaw Position Important for Dentures?
Close your eyes and imagine this for a second. When someone takes out their dentures, their face looks “sunken in” when they over-close their jaw and bring their chin too close to their nose. Okay, now open your eyes. When your chin gets too close to your nose, the lower third of your face (between the chin and nose) squishes up. This creates wrinkles, thins the lips, and shortens the face. Proper jaw position will reduce the “sunk in” look, reduce wrinkles, increase the fullness of the lips, bring the face into a more youthful proportion, and more. Also, a proper jaw position greatly reduces the chances of getting TMJ problems, migraines, and tension headaches.
A Neuromuscular Denture is one that begins with the most accurate impression possible. Next, we establish proper jaw position by utilizing Neuromuscular Dental protocols which incorporate the use of a computerized bite analysis. This jaw position is a natural position that your jaw lives. Finally, a very accurate set of dentures are made so that when you put your dentures into your mouth and bite together, your jaw is in its relaxed, natural, unstrained position.
It’s art and science combined.
So what’s the average cost of Neuromuscular Dentures? You’ll have to schedule a consultation with us to find out. We can assure you though that they are absolutely worth the cost and won’t require as many visits or replacements as economy or traditional dentures will.
Are Neuromuscular Dentures in Savannah Right For You?
Neuromuscular dentures are an amazing solution that can not just replace your missing teeth but provide you with a secure and stable fit you won’t find with other dentures. These neuromuscular dentures fit comfortably, even after endless hours of wear. They also help prevent your facial structure from collapsing and, instead, help you look younger than ever.
Don’t waste more money on dentures that don’t make you feel confident in your smile. Schedule a consultation with our Savannah dentures dentist today to find out if neuromuscular dentures are right for you. Please call (912) 234-8282 to book an appointment.
