Choosing The Right Dentures For Your Age and Needs

WHEN SHOULD I GET DENTURES?
Even though many people think of dentures as something for older people, like their grandparents or parents, they can be used to help anyone who needs them. Patients as young as 30 years old can get dentures after they’ve lost teeth from advanced gum disease or decay. Some medical issues, such as acid reflux, may also make dentures necessary for younger patients. Other people may lose several teeth after an accident. No matter how old you are or why you need dentures, getting them can help restore confidence in your smile as well as the health and function of your mouth. If you might need dentures, visit DentalWorks in Durham, NC to discover the options in dentures so you can choose which fits your needs and goals.

STATE-OF-THE-ART DENTURES
If you’re avoiding dentures because you imagine a bulky device full of teeth that look fake and slip out of place, you need to learn more about the options you have in dentures today. Advanced tools and stronger materials allow dentures to be natural-looking. When fitted properly by a qualified dentist, you can feel confident wearing dentures. These days, there are lots of choices when you get dentures, which means you can pick the dentures that match your needs, wants, and budget. A big choice once you decide to get dentures is removable or implanted dentures.

• TRADITIONAL DENTURES
  Removable dentures are the traditional option and they can be used to replace the top and/or bottom arches of your teeth. Traditional dentures are adhered to your gums using special dental glue and can be removed at night. DentalWorks in Durham, NC offers traditional dentures that are custom made from high-quality materials to fit comfortably and look natural. Traditional dentures should be flossed and brushed two times a day, at least, then kept in water at night. You do need to avoid certain foods when you’re wearing dentures so you don’t damage them. Traditional dentures can feel odd initially, but with a custom fit plus a little time, you will be confidently eating, speaking, and smiling.
• IMPLANT-SUPPORTED DENTURES
  Thanks to modern dental technology, dentures may be supported with implants so they don’t need to be removed. The metal posts are placed at several points in your jawbone and gums. When your gums and jaw have integrated with the implants, the posts can attach to your dentures. Just like traditional dentures, implanted dentures can replace one or both arches of your teeth; however, unlike removable dentures, implant-supported dentures don’t require soaking or adhesives. Implant-supported dentures are not removable, so they need to be flossed and brushed just like natural teeth at least twice a day. A lot of younger people like implant-supported dentures because they are easier to care for and have fewer food restrictions. Before implant surgery, your dentist will check to make sure your jawbone and gums are strong enough to securely hold implants. When you have missing teeth or have worn removable dentures for too long, your jaw or gums may atrophy until they are not strong enough to hold an implant. If this has happened, bone and/or gum grafts may be needed to prepare your mouth for implant surgery.

PARTIALS OR A FULL DENTURE?
Along with choosing between traditional and implant-supported dentures, you can get partial or full dentures. Despite what you might believe, dentures can be used even if you still have some of your natural teeth.

• FULL DENTURES
  When you imagine dentures, you’re probably seeing a full set of removable dentures. A full denture is used to replace an entire arch. You can get a full restoration for your lower arch, upper arch, or a set of both if you are missing all your teeth. Before you get full dentures, any remaining teeth may need to be pulled or you might consider…
• PARTIAL DENTURES
  When you have a few of your teeth and they’re strong and healthy, you might be a good candidate to get a partial denture. Similar to a dental bridge, a partial denture supports the false teeth with your natural teeth. Partials at DentalWorks in Durham, NC are custom made to blend with your remaining teeth and look natural.

BEST CANDIDATES FOR DENTURES?
If you have several missing teeth, you are a candidate for dentures. Although many patients want to get dentures to improve their smile, there’s many other reasons to choose dentures. To begin, missing teeth will make it harder for your mouth to complete its main jobs — speaking and eating. Every time you loose a tooth, it is more difficult to speak clearly and chew. Also, lost teeth impact your whole mouth. Spaces left by lost teeth allow the remaining teeth to move and become misaligned. Also, if your jawbone and gum tissue aren’t working to hold a tooth, atrophy can occur. This can cause other issues and may make it hard to hold dentures or other restorations. Finally, large gaps in your smile can impact your confidence and might have negative repercussions in your professional or personal life.

TAKE BACK YOUR SMILE WITH DENTURES
No matter your age, dental needs, and wants, dentures are designed to restore the function and appearance of your mouth. When you decide to get dentures, you need to look for a reputable dental practice in Durham, NC with skill and experience in dentures so your results look natural, fit well, function properly, and last as long as possible. For more information about dentures, visit DentalWorks in Durham, NC. Once we have heard your concerns and goals, the dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw so we can discuss which dentures are ideal for you. Our office uses top-quality materials and every restoration is custom made so they look natural and fit securely.