Am I a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Dentures are one of the oldest and most popular options for replacing missing teeth. They come in multiple types, including full and partial, and they fit and look much better now than they ever have.

But how do you know if dentures are right for you? How do you know if you are a good candidate for a dental prosthesis?

What are dentures?

Dentures are usually made of resin and polymer, though they can be formed from alloys like chromium-cobalt. Either way, they are fitted into an acrylic base that is shaped and colored to resemble natural gums. Partial dentures cover a small gap and are attached to existing teeth (though they are still removable). Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth, or all the teeth in the mouth if necessary. They are usually held on by suction, adhesive or both. Snap-on dentures are a third kind that actually lock into jaw implants or existing teeth but still cover an entire arch like full dentures.

Am I a good candidate for dentures?

The following are a few reasons why someone may be a good candidate for dentures:

Missing more than one tooth

If only a single tooth is missing, it would be wise to consider either a dental bridge or a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. If only part of the tooth is missing, sometimes a crown or veneer can do the job with far less trouble. However, those missing multiple or all of their teeth should consider partial or full dentures.

The jaw bone is too deteriorated

Dental implants are great because they are strong, with posts sunk right into the jawbone. However, whether through age, gum disease or genetics, sometimes the jawbone is not strong enough to hold the post that the implant attaches to.

In that case, if there are too many teeth missing for a bridge, the dentist may recommend dentures.

Suffering from gum disease

Severe gum disease can loosen multiple teeth (sometimes all teeth), especially when it has gone untreated for a long period of time. Should the damage be severe enough, simply removing all the teeth and replacing them with complete dentures (either on the top, the bottom or both) may be a wiser decision in the long run.

Improving self-image

If a large number of teeth are decaying, crooked, loose, cracked or otherwise damaged, it can have a huge impact on how the sufferer feels about themselves. This can lower confidence, cause depression and even affect the patient’s romantic and professional life.

If smiling has become a problem and repair is difficult or impossible, consider dentures to literally turn that frown upside down.

Who should not get dentures?

Generally, anyone diagnosed with diabetes or who has a compromised immune system can have trouble with dentures, especially if they keep them in their mouth most of the time. Dentures that are rarely removed can sometimes create little tears and sores along the gumline, which could become easily infected for someone with a compromised immune system.

Consider dentures today

Better to start looking into dentures today than to allow a bad dental situation to become worse. Dentures are more comfortable and more customized than ever before, meaning you can be back to smiling and eating with confidence in no time.

Are you considering dentures in the Coral Gables area? Get more denture information at https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com.