Are Dentures Right for You?
It’s a widespread occurrence for adults, especially those over 65, to experience tooth loss. Approximately 25% of individuals in this age group are missing some teeth. Although there’s no reason to feel embarrassed about one’s appearance, it’s vital to replace missing teeth to preserve oral health and improve mouth function.
Misch Implant Dentistry caters to various needs by offering both full and partial dentures. This ensures that whether you have lost a few or all of your teeth, you can find a suitable replacement solution.
You may want to consider dentures if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- You need to replace several or all of your teeth
- You don’t smoke or use tobacco products
- You have a healthy jawbone
- You don’t suffer from dry mouth
- You’re committed to attending regular teeth cleanings
Do Dentures Look Fake?
We custom-craft our dentures based on the appearance of your natural teeth and mouth shape. That means our dentures not only feel natural in your mouth, but they look natural as well. The material we use is comparable in strength to natural teeth and is intended to perform exactly as your natural teeth might, so you won’t have to worry about your dentures chipping or breaking.
How to Take Care of Your Dentures
One of the key benefits of dentures is their straightforward maintenance. Treat them just like your natural teeth by brushing and flossing daily, and continuing with regular dental appointments. To ensure they stay free of bacteria and retain their shape, immerse your dentures in a cleaning solution overnight.
Here are a few more tips for taking care of your dentures:
- Remove dentures overnight to let your mouth rest
- Soak dentures in warm water
- Use a good denture cleanser
- Do not soak dentures with metal clasps in anything but warm water
- When not wearing dentures, keep them in water so they don’t dry out and warp
- NEVER soak dentures in hot water.
- With dentures removed, clean and massage your gums
- If you have partial dentures, brush your natural teeth as usual
- Brush with a soft-bristled brush
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner
The Denture Process
Dental Exam
Starting your journey towards getting dentures involves an initial consultation at our Sarasota clinic. In this session, our doctor will explore treatment options with you and conduct a thorough examination of your gums and teeth to verify their readiness for dentures. Once it’s confirmed that you are a suitable candidate for dentures, we will proceed to the subsequent phase of the process.
Making an Impression
For those needing partial dentures, the process begins with our doctor taking an impression of your existing teeth. This impression is then forwarded to a specialized lab, where it serves as a guide to create partial dentures that precisely match the size and shape of your natural teeth.
The Fitting
After your dentures are crafted, they are returned to our office. We will then schedule an appointment for your fitting. In this session, the doctor will ensure that your dentures fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth, without any slipping or gum irritation. Should any fitting issues arise, our specialists are on hand to make the necessary adjustments right then and there during your appointment.
Contact Us Today
to schedule an implant denture consultation & exam.
Your journey to a new smile starts with a denture consultation. Even if you’re just seeking a second opinion or if you are coming to us by your dentist’s recommendation, we are happy to help. Getting a well-fitting and beautiful denture can be a daunting journey, but we’ll make it as easy as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re missing just a few teeth, a dental bridge could be a suitable option. Alternatively, for multiple missing teeth, you might consider an implant-supported bridge. This type of bridge uses dental implants for support and can effectively fill larger gaps. For more extensive needs, such as replacing an entire upper or lower set of teeth, a full arch bridge supported by dental implants is also available.
With proper maintenance, a denture can serve you well for up to ten years. However, its lifespan might be shorter if there are changes in your mouth’s structure before the denture itself wears out. In such cases, it’s necessary to have your denture adjusted or relined for a proper fit. On the other hand, a full-arch dental implant bridge can potentially last a lifetime, as it doesn’t undergo the same kind of wear as a denture.
Accidentally sleeping with your dentures once in a while is generally harmless, but it’s advisable not to turn it into a regular habit. This is because saliva production decreases during sleep, leading to a drier mouth which can become a breeding ground for bacteria, potentially causing bad breath and infections. It’s a good practice to remove your dentures at night, even those attached to implants. Soak them in a glass of water to allow your gums some time to rest and ‘breathe’ while you sleep.
Upper dentures are supposed to fit snugly to the roof of your mouth without feeling tight. Lower dentures feel much looser as they simply rest on the ridge of your jaw and rely on gravity to keep them in place. If an upper or lower denture regularly shifts out of place or pinches or chafes your gums, then that’s a sign you need to have something adjusted. Dental implants can help your denture to stay in place, especially for lower dentures.
Once you have a denture, you’ll be able to enjoy almost any food. Initially, it may take some time to gain confidence and adapt to chewing with a denture, but this becomes easier with practice. However, it’s advisable to be cautious with certain foods. Sticky or hard items, such as bubble gum, caramel, raw carrots, or chewy meats, should be consumed in moderation as they can dislodge your denture and potentially irritate your mouth.
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