You Don't Have to Compromise Facial Appearance When Deciding on Dental Prosthetics, New Study Finds

CHICAGO, March 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Maintaining lip support is a concern for many dental patients. However, a new study finds there is no significant difference in an individual's facial appearance, especially in regards to the lips, if they are wearing either removable dentures or a permanent ("fixed") bridge with dental implants.

Before this study, it was believed that individuals with no upper teeth of their own needed a full removable denture so their upper lip would rest normally. On that basis, many dental professionals recommended removable dentures instead of a permanent bridge anchored by four to six dental implants. However, a new four-part study published in the Journal of Prosthodontics has determined this long-held belief may be inaccurate.

A team of five prosthodontists, led by Avinash Bidra, DDS, MS, FACP, studied over 30 patients with no upper teeth. The team took photos of the patients with their mouths closed with normal dentures in place, and then again with dentures mimicking the appearance of a dental implant. Researchers concluded that there was no clinically significant difference in an individual's appearance when wearing the two types of prosthetics – a groundbreaking conclusion.

"Patients who are missing all their teeth and seeking a solution don't have to worry about any compromises to their facial appearance, especially related to the lips," said Dr. Bidra, director of the Prosthodontics Residency Program at University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. "This finding challenges a commonly held notion that treatment with permanent implant bridges, such as the All-on-4^® treatment, may alter facial appearance and lip projection."

Now, prosthodontists and patients have more options for long-lasting, visually appealing dental treatments.

This first-of-its-kind study is titled "Differences in Lip Support with and without Labial Flanges in a Maxillary Edentulous Population."

About Prosthodontists
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist focused on the restoration and replacement of missing teeth and other oral or facial issues. Prosthodontists help patients with implants, dentures and veneers, all the way to full mouth and jaw reconstructions.

About the ACP
The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is the only ADA recognized organization for the specialty of prosthodontics. The ACP is dedicated to advancing the art and science of prosthodontics and promoting the specialty to the public and dental professionals. For more information, visit GoToAPro.org and Prosthodontics.org.

Evan Summers
(312)573-8791
[email protected]

SOURCE American College of Prosthodontists

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http://GoToAPro.org