An estimated 50 million Americans have lost all their teeth, and 69 percent of adults are missing at least one tooth. This can lead to alignment problems, dietary limitations, and self-esteem concerns. Fortunately, with modern dentures, your dentist can help restore both your appearance and your oral health.
What are dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth. Full dentures cover the upper, lower, or both arches of your mouth with artificial teeth. If you still have some natural teeth remaining, your dentist may recommend partial dentures to fill the gaps in your smile, fitting seamlessly into the empty spaces.
How do dentures feel?
It’s normal to experience some discomfort or awkwardness when first wearing dentures, as your mouth will need time to adjust. In the beginning, you may find it difficult to pronounce certain words, but this is temporary and will improve with practice.
Do dentures need to be replaced?
As we age, our mouth’s structure changes. Over time, dentures may need to be realigned, repositioned, or replaced entirely. It’s important never to attempt adjusting the dentures on your own; instead, consult with your dentist if you notice anything unusual.
How do I care for my dentures?
Proper care is essential to prolong the lifespan of your dentures. Handle them carefully to avoid damage, and always store them safely in a case when not in use. Clean your dentures gently with mild soap and water to remove bacteria and food particles. Keep them out of reach from pets and small children.
Should I still brush my gums if I have dentures?
Yes! Even though you have dentures, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your gums twice daily to keep the soft tissue healthy and prevent any irritation or infection.
We offer dentures at our Longview dental office.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how dentures can improve both your appearance and oral health.
If your teeth are badly damaged from decay or facial trauma, or if you have several missing teeth, your dentist may recommend removable prosthodontics to solve your dental problems. Periodontitis (advanced gum disease), bone loss, or serious tooth decay can make you a poor candidate for restorative options such as dental crowns, dental bridges, or dental implants. Removable prosthodontics can restore your smile so that it looks and functions as it should, while also boosting your confidence as you eat, smile, and laugh.
Just hearing the word “dentures” might give you pause, reminding you of your older relatives, but advancements in dental restorative therapies now allow your dentist to craft a removable prosthodontic that not only looks but also feels like your natural smile.
Types of Removable Prosthodontics:
Partial Dentures:
Partial dentures correct gaps when only a few of your natural teeth are missing. A partial denture may be the best choice if your remaining teeth aren’t strong enough to support a dental bridge.
Overdentures:
Overdentures provide restorations when one or more of your natural teeth are in place in an arch – typically two teeth for a bottom overdenture and four teeth for an upper overdenture.
Immediate Dentures:
Immediate dentures are placed immediately after an extraction, allowing the bone and gums to heal while preventing adjacent teeth from collapsing into the empty space and affecting your bite.
Complete Dentures:
Complete dentures are designed for edentulous patients (patients with no teeth at all) and replace all of the teeth in one or both arches of your mouth, restoring your smile and your ability to eat and speak clearly.
Because of advancements in materials and techniques, many dentures today are so lifelike that they can be mistaken for natural teeth. Only you – and your prosthodontist – will know your secret. Talk to your prosthodontist today to see what removable prosthodontics can do for you. Don’t wait to start enjoying your life with your new, healthy smile.
Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our Longview dental office!
If you have been living with a mouth full of badly decayed teeth, infected gums, or painful tooth infections, your dentist may have discussed how dentures can transform your smile. While no one looks forward to extracting all of their teeth, if your natural teeth have been a source of pain and embarrassment for years, having a beautiful new set of dentures could genuinely change your life.
Dentures are highly natural-looking replacements for an entire mouth of missing teeth and gum tissue. Unlike dental crowns or dental bridges that are permanently affixed, dentures are removable and can be thoroughly cleaned daily.
Badly decayed teeth and other oral issues often lead to chronic pain that radiates from the mouth to the face, head, and neck. This discomfort can disrupt your life, leaving you irritable, moody, and withdrawn. Pain medications might make you feel groggy or unsteady, impacting your interactions and daily activities. Once the problematic teeth are removed and underlying infections treated, the relief can be transformative. The absence of persistent pain will feel like a weight lifted, allowing you to experience life without discomfort.
Years of poor oral health might have left you self-conscious about smiling, hesitant to speak publicly, or uncomfortable eating and drinking in social settings. You may have avoided friends, family, or new relationships altogether. After replacing your damaged teeth with dentures, you will rediscover confidence and joy. The bright, flawless smile reflected in the mirror might remind you of a movie star’s grin, but it’s all yours. With your new dentures, you can embrace life with renewed assurance.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Longview dental office now and experience personalized care.
once the best available for restoring functionality and appearance, modern advancements in dental technology have introduced dental implants, which offer a superior alternative. One of the primary limitations of dentures and bridges is that they often fall short of mimicking the natural look and feel of real teeth. Chewing tougher foods can also be challenging. Dental implants, however, deliver exceptional results by closely replicating the appearance, strength, and performance of natural teeth.
Dental implants are crafted from titanium, a lightweight yet durable material. These implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, where they act as secure anchors for replacement teeth. After the healing process is complete, custom crowns are attached to the implants, providing a seamless solution for missing teeth. A single implant can support multiple crowns, allowing flexibility in restoring several teeth at once.
Because dental implants are designed to resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function, they are virtually indistinguishable from your original teeth. They integrate securely with the jawbone, giving you the confidence to eat, chew, and smile freely without concern. Unlike bridges, which rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants are self-sufficient and do not place unnecessary strain on adjacent teeth. This reduces the risk of damage to healthy teeth while offering a long-lasting and comfortable solution.
With dental implants, you can achieve a functional, natural-looking smile that improves your quality of life, helping you enjoy your favorite foods and smile with confidence.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Longview dental office to schedule your consultation!
You may expect you won’t need dentures because you take good care of your teeth. However, dentures are more prevalent than you may think. The number of adults in the United States needing dentures is expected to increase from 33 million in 1991 to 37 million in 2020. If you are wondering how likely you are to keep your teeth, here are some warning signs that may indicate dentures are in your future.
- You don’t visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and routine cleaning. Gum disease and tooth decay are the leading causes of tooth loss; therefore, it is critical to be proactive with dental care to prevent problems that could cause the need for extraction.
- You have gums that are swollen, tender, red, or bleeding which are indications of periodontal disease. Left untreated, gum disease is the primary cause of adult tooth loss.
- Your teeth have become loose, are shifting, or have developed wider gaps between them that can indicate bone loss from gum disease.
- You have severe tooth pain that could be a sign that decay has progressed and is attacking the nerve at the center of the tooth. Once tooth decay has advanced, it is more likely your tooth will need to be removed.
- You are already missing several of your teeth. If you are missing more than two teeth, it is important to replace them with some sort of prosthesis to keep pressure off of your remaining teeth.
- It is difficult for you to eat hard candy or chewy foods, which may indicate a cracked tooth, cavities, or gum disease.
- If you suffer from recurring stomach aches or indigestion, it may be a sign of dental problems. When you can’t chew properly, you end up swallowing larger pieces of food which is hard on your digestion.
Tooth loss does not happen overnight. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, you may be able to avoid or delay the need for dentures in your future.
We look forward to seeing you in our Longview dental office
Dentures have improved dramatically over the past several years. Whether it’s your first set of dentures or your fifth set, you probably have questions. Below are some commonly asked questions and answers about dentures:
- Will dentures change how I look? Today’s dentures are personalized to your mouth, making their appearance more natural than ever. Dentures also support your cheeks and lips, making you look years younger.
- Will dentures change how I feel? After a period of adjustment, dentures should make you feel more confident than ever.
- Will dentures alter my speech? While speaking may be difficult initially, with practice, your speech should quickly return to normal. Practicing reading and counting out loud will help to speed up the adjustment.
- Will dentures affect how I eat? Eating may take some practice, and you should start with a soft food diet while you adjust to the differences between eating with your natural teeth and dentures. Take small bites and try to chew on both sides of your mouth at the same time. Avoid hard, crunchy or chewy foods that can damage your dentures.
- How do I care for my dentures? Clean dentures daily, brushing immediately after every meal if possible. Use a soft brush and gentle cleanser, taking care to avoid hard abrasives. Be careful when they are out of your mouth not to drop them or clean them on hard surfaces.
- Once I have dentures, will I still need to see the dentist? Regular dental examinations and professional denture cleanings are vital to maintaining your oral health. Have your dentist periodically check the fit of your dentures to ensure they are comfortable and last for as long as possible.
- When will I need to replace my dentures? With care, dentures typically last 5-10 years. Because your mouth continues to change shape as you age and denture teeth wear down, you should have them checked yearly to avoid any significant problems.
Consult with your dental professional about any additional questions or concerns you may have about your future with dentures and your potential for a bright, new smile.
Our dental office is located in Longview
