Dentures

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are a restorative solution that allows patients with missing teeth to enjoy a full, complete smile once again. Created with artificial teeth and a natural, gum-colored base, these prosthetics have come a long way from the days of George Washington and his wooden teeth. Fortunately, advancements in dentistry have made it possible for patients to embrace a completely natural look that is affordable, convenient, and long-lasting.

Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Potentially, anyone missing some or all of their adult teeth can benefit from dentures. However, that doesn’t make them the right solution for everyone’s unique circumstances. Before proceeding, you must consult with Dr. DeAngelo to ensure it’s the best treatment. If he finds issues preventing you from restoring your smile immediately, don’t lose hope! Often, other treatments are needed to improve your oral health so you can move forward.

Continue reading to learn more about who dentures can help, and feel free to contact us for additional information.

Effects of Missing Teeth

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, periodontal disease is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss. If plaque forms around your teeth, it can penetrate your gumline and cause an infection. As it progresses, your connective tissues start to recede to escape the illness, leaving your teeth without a strong foundation. Eventually, they become loose and can fall out. Other common issues include progressive tooth decay that weakens your jawbone or physical trauma that knocks a tooth out of its socket.

Whatever the reason for it, gaps in your grin can make it harder to chew food thoroughly or clearly enunciate different words. Also, your jawbone begins to thin without roots in place to stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down, which can change your facial structure.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

To remain put, dentures must either form a tight suction against the gum tissue over the ridges in your mouth or, for partial sets, clip to healthy teeth. That means you need to have a sufficient jawbone density to support them. If yours is too thin, a bone graft might be necessary to bulk it up.

You might also be a good candidate if you:

• Are committed to oral health.
• Experience tooth sensitivity.
• Have severe tooth decay.

Dr. DeAngelo will examine your mouth at your consultation appointment and recommend an appropriate solution based on his findings. Whether you need full, partial, or implant dentures, he can provide a lifelike prosthetic to rebuild your smile.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If we find that you’re not a good fit for dentures, there are other options to replace your missing teeth, including:

• Dental bridges. These are best for people who have lost one or several teeth in a row. They’re made of durable ceramic and contain the correct number of pontics (artificial teeth) with a dental crown at both ends. These attach either to healthy abutment teeth or surgically place dental implants on either side of the space in your smile to close the gap.
• Dental implants. These are the only restorations directly embedded into your jaw, giving them added strength and longevity. They tend to cost more upfront but last longer and require fewer repairs.

What is the Difference Between Full and Partial Dentures and the Benefits of Each?

Full and partial dentures are made of prosthetic teeth anchored to a gum-colored base. A partial replaces multiple teeth and fits in with existing teeth, much like a jigsaw puzzle. Full dentures, on the other hand, replace all teeth on the upper or lower jaw.

Usually, partials stay in place with clasps, while full dentures require adhesive cream for security. However, if you would prefer a partial or full denture that will not slip out of place, an overdenture with dental implants may be your best option.

No matter if you choose a full or partial denture, you can expect to see a noticeable difference in the look and feel of your new smile. While these prosthetics are removable and will require that you remain diligent in your oral hygiene routine, they are extremely affordable and allow patients with missing teeth to recapture a more youthful appearance and bite functionality than before. Not to mention, the restorations created today are far more natural in appearance and offer greater support than those created even 20 or 30 years ago!

Implant-Retained Dentures Aftercare

If you choose to have implant-retained dentures (overdentures) put into place, you can expect you will need to follow are a few simple rules to ensure your new restoration is a success. Some of these include:

• Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your overdenture. You may even wish to use an electric toothbrush. Not only will you want to clean your denture, but you will also want to make sure you are thoroughly cleaning around your implants.
• When removing your denture to clean your gums and implants, make sure to floss around the visible parts of your implants and just underneath the gum line to ensure food debris and bacteria do not accumulate.
• It is best if you rinse your mouth twice a day with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Make sure you’re brushing at least twice a day for two full minutes. It is often better if you brush after every meal.
• Allow them to soak overnight to eliminate any odors and bacteria.
• Keep your regular six-month appointments with Dr. DeAngelo to ensure your mouth remains healthy and your overdenture in optimal condition.