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The tooth replacement method the patient chooses depends on their unique situation. One should examine all their options when making this decision. Our team can offer the guidance you need in deciding if dentures are right for you.
Dentures and partial dentures are most commonly associated with seniors, but many young people wear them too. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, adult tooth loss has been on the decline since the 1960s. Even so, many Americans rely on dentures to improve not just their smiles but also their speech and ability to chew food comfortably. Dentures and partial dentures are available at Bellagio Dental Implant Center in North Palm Beach and the surrounding area. Dentures and partial dentures fill any tooth loss gaps with false teeth. We offer a range of tooth replacement options.
Dentures are not the only tooth replacement option. Implants have become more popular in recent years. However, not every tooth replacement option is the right choice for every patient. Here are several reasons people may prefer dentures to other tooth replacement options:
Other tooth replacement options tend to cost more, usually contingent upon the insurance provider. Traditional full dentures and partial dentures are typically more cost-efficient than the alternatives. This is true even when factoring in the cost of replacing the dentures every 5-10 years.
The patient prefers to avoid the risk of a potentially painful bridge failure. Dental implants require more invasive surgery, by nature making them riskier. Age and potential bone loss can increase risk.
The denture process typically takes less time than implant procedures. Dental implants may take a year or more to complete. Healing periods between steps may last for up to six months.
The tooth replacement method the patient chooses depends on their unique situation. One should examine all their options when making this decision. Our team can offer the guidance you need in deciding if dentures are right for you.
Typically, the process starts with taking an impression of the mouth. From that, the dentist creates a model using dental stone as a cast. Our team may ask the patient to try several different sets of sterilized dentures to determine the ideal fit and the preferred color and size of teeth. After these selections, the dentist may make some adjustments to the cast. Then, it is sent to a dental laboratory for completion.
At the dental laboratory, technicians may create a wax version of the gum line. These technicians make the replacement teeth from a material that closely resembles real teeth known as resin. Virtually, all labs seek approval from the patient and dentist before proceeding with the finishing touches.
Following approval, the technician removes the wax and replaces it with acrylic. This looks far more realistic. This process entails boiling the wax out, drilling holes in the teeth, and injecting the acrylic. Finally, technicians clean up the teeth and polish the appliance. The entire process may require the patient to visit the dentist’s office four to five times.
Dentures do require ongoing maintenance outside of the typical oral hygiene routine. Many people believe they can set dentures down by the side of the bed. However, this can lead to warping and cracking over time. Patients should soak dentures overnight. Avoid hot water, as this may also cause warping. Never use a denture solution directly in the mouth. Patients who use denture solutions should rinse thoroughly before placing dentures in the mouth because denture solutions should not be ingested. Our team can help you determine if a solution is right for your regimen. It is also important to note that dentures require cleaning, just like regular teeth do. Whenever possible, remove dentures after eating or drinking and rinse them to get rid of food particles. Patients should brush dentures at least once per day. Dentists recommend a soft-bristled brush as a more abrasive brush may cause damage over time. Even if no teeth remain, continued dental hygiene is essential. Brush the teeth and gums and floss any remaining teeth. Patients may use gauze or a soft bristled toothbrush to clean the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and the tongue. Finally, people who use adhesives should take care to remove it.
When considering dentures, patients can choose between full and partial dentures. In fact, over the past few years, dentists created hybrids with other dental treatments to provide patients with even more options. Here is a shortlist of denture options one can consider:
Most commonly used by seniors, these dentures replace a complete set of teeth. They sit directly on top of the gums. Some patients are good candidates for immediate placement. In this instance, the dentist places the previously made dentures immediately after the extraction of the teeth. For everyone else, the dentist may recommend waiting eight to 12 weeks after teeth removal.
If the patient still has a number of healthy teeth left, the dentist may recommend partial dentures. This usually requires the use of a metal piece to which a pink-colored base is attached. The metal helps to anchor the false teeth to the natural teeth to prevent movement.
This method blends dental implants with dentures. Instead of anchoring all the teeth in place individually, the dentist may add several dental implants that hold the full upper and/or lower set in place. Dentists may use this for partial dentures too. These dentures are not removable once in place. Please note that not all patients are good candidates for these.
When patients prefer to retain the ability to remove dentures, but like the stability of implants, they may opt for overdentures. These are handy in instances where a person has no teeth, as the dental implants provide an anchor that the teeth can sit on. For even more excellent stability, patients may opt for snap-in dentures. In this case, the implants have locator receptors, and the dentures have attachments. These work together to snap the dentures into place for a snug fit.
When patients lose their teeth, the bone loss may begin to cause the cheek to look hollow and sunken. Dentures can help to fill out space and retain the face’s original shape. Having a full set of teeth that look beautiful and healthy also improves a person’s appearance and overall confidence.
Eating with dentures may feel uncomfortable for a few weeks, just as when people get braces for the first time. However, over time, it becomes easier. In the beginning, try to stay away from foods that meet any of the following criteria:
A 2015 study published by the National Institute of Health found that seniors who wore dentures while they slept long-term faced a higher risk of developing pneumonia. A study published in the Journal of Prosthodontics found that dentures may negatively affect nutrition. They attribute this to denture wearers eating less nutritious food as a result of natural tooth loss.
Patients who have lost all their natural teeth may require adhesives, while others may not. Even so, patients with only partial tooth loss may choose to use adhesives for additional support. It may also assist people suffering from neurological disabilities, dry mouth, or who take certain medications.
Dentures tend to be more affordable than other tooth replacement options. Each case is different, and the individual selections a patient makes can affect the cost. Generally speaking, dentures offer the most cost-effective full tooth replacement. When patients choose hybrid options that involve implants, the price may increase for each implant added.
Experience world-class dental care in a comfortable, modern setting. Our friendly team is ready to help you achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve.
517 Northlake Blvd, Suite 3
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
(561) 705-0045
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