Dating as far back as 700 B.C., dentures were crafted using materials we might find surprising today—like ivory from hippos or elephants. These early dentures were carved with great precision to replace missing teeth, even incorporating animal and human teeth to complete the set. Fast forward to 14th-century Japan, where wooden dentures made their mark, and you have a fascinating glimpse into early solutions to tooth loss. A nun named Hotokehime was one of the first recorded to wear wooden dentures in Japan. But what if those early users could see the leaps made today? Now, we’re talking about titanium implants—jaw-dropping advancements that anchor your dentures firmly in place. The concept of Fix-on-Six, where a full set of dentures are secured with mini dental implants, would have sounded like pure science fiction to our ancestors. Yet here we are, living in that future.
How Do You Feel About Your Dentures?
Let’s have an honest talk about your denture experience. If you’ve been wearing conventional dentures, chances are there’s something that bothers you. Is it how they fit? Do they feel loose, or do you find yourself constantly adjusting them? Maybe you’ve noticed that the once snug fit isn’t quite what it used to be. You’re not alone—many people feel the same way. These problems often have one major cause, and it’s not something you can easily see. It’s bone loss.
When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath doesn’t just sit there happily—it starts to shrink. This process, known as bone resorption, occurs when the bone no longer receives the stimulation it used to from your teeth. Without that regular pressure from chewing, the bone slowly loses mass, and over time, this causes your jaw to change shape.
What Do These Changes Mean for Your Dentures?
- Altered jaw shape: As your jawbone shrinks, it can no longer keep the same natural shape that once held your teeth perfectly in place. These changes make it tough for your dentures to sit as comfortably as they once did.
- Decreased stability: Think of your jawbone as the foundation of a house. If that foundation starts to crumble, the house isn’t going to be stable anymore. The same goes for your dentures. A shrinking jawbone gives less support, making dentures more likely to slip or shift around.
- Reduced retention: Dentures rely on a good amount of bone to stay secure. But when the bone shrinks, the dentures have less to “grip” onto.
Bone loss is the unseen culprit behind many denture issues. Fortunately, implant denture solutions can help address these problems by providing a stable, long-term solution that prevents further bone loss.
Fix-on-Six: An Upgrade From Your Current Denture
What is Fix-on-Six®, and how can it help you? First, let’s talk about the foundation: mini dental implants. These are small, screw-like posts made of titanium that Dr. Bashi carefully places into your jawbone. Think of them as anchors. Once these implants are in place, they fuse with your bone in a process called osseointegration. This process gives them rock-solid stability, allowing them to act as the new roots for your replacement teeth.
Now, where does the “fix” in Fix-on-Six come in? It refers to the semi-removable design. Once Dr. Bashi attaches the denture to those mini implants, it stays in place—you don’t have to pop it in and out like traditional dentures. The only person who can remove it is Dr. Bashi, and that’s for your routine cleanings and maintenance. While you gain all the benefits of a fixed solution, it can still be taken out by a professional when necessary for proper care.
As for the “six,” it’s all about how many mini implants support the denture. Typically, Dr. Bashi places around six to ten mini implants on the upper or lower jaw, ensuring the denture gets even, stable support. This even distribution means the denture feels secure no matter what you’re doing—whether you’re talking, eating, or smiling.
Finally, the denture attached to these implants is a roundhouse bridge. It’s shaped like a horseshoe, designed to fit the natural curve of your jaw. Unlike traditional dentures, it doesn’t need a bulky palate that covers the roof of your mouth. This design makes it more comfortable and allows for a natural feel. The bridge is custom-made to match the unique shape of your gums and jaw, giving you a set of teeth that looks and feels far more natural.
Mini Dental Implants: The Foundation of Fix-on-Six
Now, what’s the difference between traditional dental implants and mini dental implants? Traditional implants are about 5 millimeters in diameter—almost as wide as the eraser on a pencil. To place these larger implants, you need a significant amount of healthy jawbone to support them. But here’s the catch: not everyone has enough bone, especially if they have experienced that bone resorption we talked about. And even if the bone is there, placing traditional implants can be an invasive and lengthy process that some people just aren’t eager to go through.
Mini dental implants are much smaller, measuring less than 3 millimeters in diameter—around the size of a crayon tip. Because of their smaller size, Dr. Bashi can place mini implants using a minimally invasive technique. This benefit means fewer steps, less healing time, and a smoother process than traditional implants. You don’t need as much healthy bone to get the same stable results, making mini implants a great option for many people.
Experience Unmatched Stability With Fix-on-Six
Your smile deserves the best solution, not just a temporary fix. If you’re tired of the discomfort or insecurity of traditional dentures, it’s time to explore what modern advancements like Fix-on-Six® can offer. Whether you’ve struggled with bone loss or simply want a more permanent, reliable solution, Fix-on-Six can make life easier. Your next step is a free consultation—because a confident, secure smile is closer than you think.
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