Living with multiple failing teeth is discouraging. It can be challenging and even painful to eat the foods you once enjoyed, and you might feel embarrassed interacting with others due to the appearance of your teeth.
Unfortunately, the loss of one or more teeth tends to lead to more tooth loss as your jawbone begins to deteriorate when your roots are lost. Surrounding teeth may also begin to shift into the open space left by missing teeth, and this may result in bite misalignment.
The good news is that full and partial dentures are an excellent option for restoring multiple and even an entire arch of missing teeth. Here’s what you should know about dentures in Tullahoma.
Dentures are ideal for those who have experienced significant tooth loss. Depending on the number of teeth you have lost and where they are located in the mouth, a customized treatment plan can be made just for you. One of the great things about dentures is that most adults are good candidates. Continue reading to learn about the effects of missing teeth and what qualifies you for dentures.
There are a variety of factors that can lead to tooth loss. The most common causes include tooth decay, gum disease, and injury. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, missing teeth have several negative consequences, like facial sagging, difficulty speaking, trouble eating, and low self-esteem. The good news is that dentures can positively impact all of these areas, therefore improving your quality of life.
The majority of adults can get dentures. They are great for those who are missing several, most of, or all of their teeth. It is important that denture-wearers maintain healthy gum tissue and have a sufficient jawbone. This can become an issue for those who have been missing teeth for a long time, as the jawbone begins to be reabsorbed by the body. If you have any dental problems, like gum disease or tooth decay, these will need to be eliminated before you can start wearing dentures.
The number of teeth that you are missing will ultimately determine which type of denture you need. One of the great things about dentures is that they are much more affordable than other tooth replacement options, like dental implants. This makes them a great solution for those who are unable to invest a lot of money into their smile at this time.
If you aren’t a good candidate for dentures, or they aren’t something that you are interested in, there are some other tooth replacement options that you might want to consider. Here are some of the ones that we offer.
Dentures are able to restore both function and aesthetics to your smile. They also restore the appearance of your face as missing teeth tend to give it a more sunken appearance and may make you look older than you are.
Implant retained dentures provide the added benefit of keeping your jawbone healthy and stimulated for bone regrowth. This ensures better longevity for your denture and protects against the bone deterioration that occurs with traditional dentures.
A partial denture works like a puzzle piece and fills in the open spaces in your smile with prosthetic teeth. It uses metal clasps to anchor to healthy teeth and fits much like a retainer. Partials are removeable and can easily be taken out at night for cleaning.
A full denture is made of acrylic and designed by your dentist in Tullahoma to restore an entire arch of teeth. It relies on suction and a secure fit to stay in place.
You may be picturing the dentures your grandma wore; however today’s dentures not only complement your skin tone, but they also restore your facial structure. Many patients feel that their dentures take years off of their appearance.
Dental implants can be used to anchor full dentures and provide a more secure and stable fit for denture wearers. A few dental implants are strategically placed into your jawbone and the denture is designed to “snap” into place. Implants prevent the chance of any movement or slippage when you talk or eat.
The cost of dentures varies greatly with each patient’s unique circumstances and the complexity of their case. The best way to determine how much your denture will be is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Petty so he can evaluate all the factors of your case such as what type of denture is needed, how many teeth will be extracted, and if implants are right for your needs.
Dr. Petty will be able to quote you an exact price for your denture and all the necessary procedures involved during your consultation. Our knowledgeable and helpful treatment coordinator can help you review insurance coverage for dentures and determine how to comfortably fit your treatment into your budget.
Learn More About the Cost of Dentures
Contact Petty Dental today to schedule your consultation and learn more about the possibilities for your smile!
Restoring your smile with dentures can help boost your confidence and improve the quality of your day-to-day life by making it easier to do simple tasks like eating and speaking. To learn more about what you can expect from your dentures, we’ve answered some common questions that we receive from our patients below.
Dentures can’t last a lifetime due to a variety of reasons, such as your changing facial structure due to jawbone deterioration. Because of this, you may notice that after about five to seven years of wearing them, they don’t fit the same as they used to. Here are some signs that you may need to replace your dentures:
If you notice any of these, don’t hesitate to contact our office immediately.
Some patients can use denture adhesive to help improve the stability of their restorations. However, for patients who have never used this before, it can be confusing to apply. Here are some directions to help:
If you have any issues with using adhesive, you can always ask us!
Unfortunately, it’s not recommended to sleep in your dentures for a couple of reasons. First, it’s important to give your gums a rest after supporting your restorations all day. Secondly, you need to store your dentures in room temperature water or a special denture solution to help them retain their shape and continue to fit your mouth properly.
The cost of your dentures depends on several different factors. Some of these include:
Our team works to maximize your insurance benefits and help make restoring your smile as cost-effective as possible.