Did you know that millions of Americans live with tooth loss? According to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and roughly 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth.
If you have missing teeth, you may have considered dentures. Dentures today aren’t like they were in years past. Modern dentures are the most common tooth replacement option available today, and they mimic the organic look and function of real teeth.
Countless patients choose dentures as their solution to tooth loss because of their lifelike nature, reliability, and comfort. Uptown Comprehensive Dentistry and Prosthodontics offers various tooth replacement options for patients of all ages, including modern dentures in Aurora.
Common Reasons for Tooth Loss
The ACP states that the most common reasons for one, several, or all teeth is dental decay, gum disease, trauma, or bone disease. Studies show that 15-20% of adults aged 33 to 44 have some form of gum disease, while 30% of adults aged 65 to 74 have no natural teeth.
You can reduce the risk of tooth loss by practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and eating a nutritious diet. Also, we strongly recommend visiting your dentist for routine dental examinations and cleanings.
During these checkups, your dentist can detect any potential risks, promptly treat concerns, and remove plaque and cavity-causing substances from the teeth.
What Are Dentures and How Do They Work?
Dentures are a realistic and reliable restoration used to replace missing teeth. There are several different types of dentures: full (complete), partials, implant-retained, and many more.
Each type of denture has its own unique characteristics and benefits, and your dentist will determine what kind of denture best satisfies your needs and preferences.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures restore full sets of teeth in the upper and/or lower arches of the mouth. The artificial teeth are attached to a flesh-colored acrylic or plastic base, which rests against the gums. Wearers use strong dental adhesives to keep the dentures in place.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures, commonly called partials, replace one or more missing teeth. We use partial dentures when a patient still has some of their natural teeth remaining. Like complete dentures, the teeth are affixed to a gum-colored base. However, partials sometimes have a flexible metal framework to support and stabilize the denture.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Unlike full and partial dentures, implant-retained dentures are permanent and cannot be removed without the assistance of a dental professional. This type of denture involves dental implant posts inserted into the jawbone, providing a solid foundation on which the denture sits. With implant-retained dentures, patients don’t have to worry about using sticky denture adhesives or potential slippage at inopportune times.
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures are a viable tooth replacement solution that can improve a person’s overall wellness and quality of life.
People find dentures beneficial because they:
- Are customized to accommodate your mouth’s specific shape, resulting in an exceptional fit
- Restore your bite and ability to chew food effectively and comfortably, promoting proper digestion
- Eliminate social awkwardness and boost your self-confidence
- Make clear speech and pronunciation possible
- Support your facial muscles, erasing years off your appearance and preventing premature aging
- Prevent excessive wear on remaining teeth (partials)
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting (partials)
- Are a cost-effective option for replacing missing teeth
- Create natural-looking and attractive smiles
Ultimately, dentures can improve your oral health, enhance your appearance, and restore your ability to chew, speak, laugh, and smile with comfort and ease.
Caring for Your Dentures
Dentures can last for several years, especially if they are well cared for. To prolong the lifespan of your dentures, we recommend doing the following:
- Handle your dentures with great care to avoid breaks, chips, or cracks.
- Brush your dentures twice daily with a soft-bristled denture brush. Brushing too hard or using abrasive cleaners can damage the denture. You can use an ADA-approved denture cleaner or ask Dr. Chen for specific brushing instructions.
- Floss your teeth at least once daily to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth.
- Safely store your dentures in water or denture-soaking solution to retain their shape and moisture.
- Rinse using denture-safe mouthwash to flush out remaining food particles.
- Drink plenty of water. Water moisturizes the mouth and promotes healthy saliva production.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles.
- Get routine dental checkups and cleanings.
- Visit your dentist if your denture breaks, gets damaged, or needs adjustment.
At your denture consultation, Dr. Chen will review proper care for your specific needs and the type of denture you use. Caring for your dentures will keep them in good condition, comfortable, and functional for many years to come.
Do You Need Dentures in South Aurora?
Dr. Chen and his friendly team treat each patient based on their unique dental needs, and we always make sure you feel comfortable in our care. Whether you would like to replace a complete set of teeth or only need partial tooth replacement, we can help restore your smile to its fullest potential.
Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Chen to learn more about your denture options and how we can help you reclaim your oral health.