DENTURES

Today’s dentist goes to great lengths to save every tooth possible, but with tooth loss, wearing full or partial dentures is a daily reality for millions of Americans. A common and potentially harmful misconception is that once you have dentures, visiting the dentist regularly is no longer necessary. But regular dental visits and good home care are essential to keep dentures functioning and looking their best, and since signs of serious diseases, like cancer and diabetes often first appear in the mouth, an exam twice each year is vitally important.

For hundreds of years, dentures have been the treatment option to replace missing teeth due to trauma, decay, or periodontal disease. Today’s modern materials and techniques have come a long way since George Washington wore false wood and ivory choppers. But even with our modern advances, many people find dentures uncomfortable since their mouths seem filled with artificial material. With dentures properly fitted and maintained in our office, very few restrictions should exist in diet or social interactions. Eating and talking should be comfortable.

A removable partial denture may be recommended if you don’t have strong enough supporting teeth on either side of your missing teeth to support a fixed bridge. A removable bridge can help to preserve the health of your remaining teeth by keeping your teeth from drifting. Using precision attachments, removable dentures can look very natural. Precision attachments "hook" your partial denture to crowns on your existing teeth without showing any claps or wires.

(Typical full upper denture model)

Many denture wearers have opted for advanced implant systems which create a physical connection to the jaws. With multiple implants, or hader-bar systems, the dentures are connected to implants embedded in the jaws, and not simply floating on the gums. Implants, or implant denture systems are more expensive than traditional dentures, but are well worth considering due to improved function and a more natural feeling. Ask us about which system will give you the best result.

The need for dentures is another reason to develop good preventive home care habits, and to keep your cleaning and exam appointment at least twice a year.