THE EVOLUTION OF ALTERNATIVE RETENTION SYSTEMS
Since the very first denture was made, possibly carved out of wood, we have been searching and experimenting with ways to make dentures fit tighter. This is particularly true of lower dentures which tend to have little or no suction and are most often the more difficult of the two to adjust to. Here are a few of the more creative but not always as successful ideas that have been tried.
1. Lead Weights
There was a theory going around for a time that if the core of a lower denture was filled with lead, gravity would hold the denture in place. Unfortunately the force of gravity on a denture is not very strong compared to the ability of the mouth to dislodge it. Not to mention the health concerns of placing anything lead in the mouth.
2. Suction Cups
More commonly seen on upper dentures, the idea was simply hollow out an area in the denture and place small suction cups. Initially they might have actually provided some suction but in a short period of time the soft mucosal tissue would be reshaped into the depressions and its value diminished quickly.
3. Magnets
This was a technique were magnets of opposing forces were placed in an upper and lower denture. Supposedly pushing the dentures away from each other and on to your ridges. One can imagine if magnets actually generated enough force to truly secure dentures ones jaw would tire quickly struggling against these forces.
4. Springs
This one can still be found. Spring loaded hinges are placed on an upper or lower denture and as you close, pressure from the spring would force the denture down on to the ridge.
5. Myloc Bars
These are also still available but not commonly seen. The surface of a lower denture facing the tongue is fitted with small bars shaped like wings. These wings lay underneath the tongue providing a pruchase point to help stabilize the denture. For some patients this actually does help.
6. Adhesives
Pastes and powders designed to be placed inside a denture bonding it to your oral tissue. No question with enough of this you can glue a denture in, however it can be somewhat messy and difficult to clean off oral tissues and dentures. If not completely cleansed away daily it can present a hygiene concern.
7. Implants
Certainly the most expensive, but no question the most effective. Small anchors that are surgically attached to your bone which dentures can clip on to. Provided you have adequate bone mass to support this system it has proven itself very reliable with dentures snapping firmly into place.