Dentures – Carrolton, TX
A Tried-and-True Fix for Tooth Loss
If you suffer from tooth loss, you know how awful the issue is. Lacking even a few teeth makes many everyday tasks – eating, speaking, etc. – much harder. Plus, this condition does long-term damage to your health and quality of life. The good news is that you can always trust dentures in Carrolton to restore your grin! At Flower Dental, these traditional tooth replacements can make your smile whole and lifelike. Learn more about them by reading below or book a consultation soon!
Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
To be honest, it doesn’t take much to qualify for dentures. Most adults with missing teeth (and the related effects of tooth loss) can get these prosthetics for their smiles. Still, not every patient who has such issues is well-suited for dentures. Someone may do better with a different treatment if they still have some teeth along an arch. A person’s gums could also lack the strength to support dentures.
All that said, you should consult Dr. Jordan before committing to dentures. He can perform a quick and close oral exam to see if the restorations suit you. If he believes they do, he’ll draft a custom treatment plan tailored to you.
Types of Dentures
Based on your consultation results, our office will likely suggest one of three major kinds of dentures. These three types are:
Partial Dentures
In line with their name, partial dentures only replace a few teeth. Most contain a thin metal framework that rests on your gums and allows for a smooth feel. Such frameworks let these dentures hold artificial teeth against acrylic, gum-colored bases and restore a patient’s smile. Each device further depends on suction or clasps to stay in place.
Full Dentures
Compared to a partial one, a full denture replaces an entire arch at once. That means it relies on suction force (no clasps) to remain secure and doesn’t alter your remaining teeth. That said, this object does use the same basic materials as a regular partial denture. It consists of a gum-colored acrylic base and porcelain or ceramic artificial teeth.
Implant Dentures
Patients who want a more permanent result should look into implant dentures. Unlike the other types, these restorations depend on dental implants – metal posts that fuse with your jaw. That means an implant denture remains stable and secure over time; it won’t slip or fall around. Better yet, it can keep your jawbone strong and prevent facial collapse.
The Benefits of Dentures
If you get dentures at our office, you can expect the following perks from treatment:
- A Gorgeous Grin – Current dentures use quality materials, so they restore your smile with lifelike and realistic teeth. They blend seamlessly with their surroundings and look very natural.
- More Confidence – By filling your smile gaps, dentures will give you a large boost in confidence. They should help you feel more assured among friends and family.
- A Better Diet – Since dentures improve your eating ability, they also expand your dietary options. The final result is a major improvement in your physical health.
- Cost-Effective Care – In general, dentures cost less than other tooth replacement options. They’re thus highly ideal for patients on tight budgets.
Dentures FAQs
What is the Average Age for Dentures?
As you might expect, the average age of denture users is usually around 40 and above. It's most often those in late middle age or their senior years who get these prosthetic teeth.
You see, tooth loss is more common among older folks than young adults. Surveys show that 2/3 of U.S. adults aged 40-64 lack at least one tooth compared to 1/3 of adults aged 20-39. As a result, you’re more likely to need partial or full dentures when over 40 years old. Even the American Dental Association agrees – it found that nearly 57% of people ages 65-74 wear dentures.
What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?
While dentures make eating easier, remember that they don’t work like natural teeth. You shouldn’t eat certain things with them, or else you’ll develop notable oral problems. So, denture users must make sure to avoid the following:
- Sticky Foods – Sticky foods like peanut butter and gummy candies can pull dentures out of place. This effect makes such food hard to chew, letting debris get beneath your restorations and irritate your gums.
- Foods with Small Pieces – Dentures can’t easily chew popcorn kernels, shelled nuts, and sesame seeds. Bits from these foods can get stuck around dentures and even damage them.
- Very Hard Foods – Apples, carrot sticks, corn on the cob, and other hard foods can damage dentures. They may be okay occasionally but should be avoided for the most part.
- Tough Meats – Tough meats like steak and pork chops require much chewing, which stresses your dentures and gums.
Why Do My Dentures Smell?
Dentures can start to smell when bacteria get trapped in their nooks and crannies. When enough microbes gather on them, the prosthetic teeth often produce a foul odor.
Bacteria may gather on your dentures for several reasons. For example, perhaps your restorations irritate your gums and cause an infection of your soft mouth tissues. Dry mouth is another possibility, as wearing dentures reduces the saliva levels that keep bacteria at bay.
Luckily, you can keep your dentures from smelling. Just remember to brush them daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and specialized cleaner. Also, don’t forget to brush your entire mouth – including gums, tongue, cheeks, and palate.
Can I Use Regular Toothpaste to Clean My Dentures?
While you ought to brush and rinse dentures daily, don’t use regular toothpaste. Toothpaste is abrasive enough to leave tiny scratches on your prosthetic teeth. Over time, these marks can seriously damage your dentures.
For similar reasons, you shouldn’t use a hard-bristled brush on dentures. Instead, always choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.