Many patients dread the idea of looking into dentures, but it doesn’t have to be a frustrating process. Our team with Dr. Cynthia J. Mikula, DDS, in Bay Village, OH, is here to help answer your questions. We believe when patients know what to expect, it helps them feel more empowered and relaxed about their treatment options. If you have remaining questions by the end of this article, feel free to reach out to us and ask them!
What Is the Best Age for Getting Dentures?
A Versatile Solution
In general, it’s more common for patients over the age of 45 to seek out dentures. Patients who have suffered from periodontal disease, or have lost many of their teeth will often look into different denture options. They’re an excellent way to complete your smile again.
While 45 and up might be the most common age range, that doesn’t mean younger patients can’t get dentures. They’re versatile and can be a good solution for patients of almost any age. There are patients in their 20s and 30s who are benefitting from artificial teeth. In the end, there’s no hard rule about how old you need to be.
There Is No “Normal”
The idea of “normal” can be a problem since some patients get hung up on avoiding treatments that make them feel older. The most important thing is to find the right treatment for your needs, rather than focusing on what’s “normal.” What should be considered normal is making sure you’re feeling comfortable and confident with your smile.
Some Considerations
As you’re looking into treatment, you will find there are various options. A full set of prosthetic teeth can be used for patients who are missing all, or almost all of their teeth. These are usually attached with dental glue. A partial set is meant to only replace some of your teeth. There are many different denture sets that can be customized for your smile.
How Do I Tell When It’s Time for Dentures?
Discuss Your Options
Meeting with us in person can help us give you personalized advice. We may have some options or ideas that you didn’t know about before. For instance, if you’re only missing a single tooth, you may want to look into different treatment options. Restorative treatments like a bridge or a dental implant can be a good call for those who are looking to fill small gaps in their smile.
Watch for Signs
There are a few signs that can help indicate that it’s time to consider a set of artificial teeth. The first is if you struggle with severe periodontal disease, which can include symptoms like swollen and bleeding gums. It’s crucial to have this treated as quickly as possible, but if it’s something that’s ongoing, you may end up needing a set of replacement teeth in the future.
If your teeth are loose or beginning to shift, it might be time to set up a consultation to discuss your options. Finally, if you’re already missing teeth, replacing them can help restore chewing functionality and confidence in your smile.
What Is AvaDent?
A Time-Saver
Getting artificial teeth can often feel like a long, frustrating process. There can be so many different hoops to jump through. AvaDent combines effectiveness and convenience, so we can save our patients valuable time.
This next-level technology allows us to produce a custom-made, computer-designed, digitally manufactured denture. The great news is we can do this in as little as two appointments, while a traditional denture process often takes five or more appointments to complete.
Comfort and Quality
When patients hear how fast AvaDent products can be made, they may find themselves wondering if any corners are cut when it comes to quality. On the contrary, AvaDent uses some of the strongest denture materials available. While strong, they aren’t bulky. They’re meant to be thin and easy to wear. This helps them feel lightweight, comfortable, and secure.
Easy To Replace
When you come in for your appointment, we’ll create a 3D digital file for you. When it’s time for a replacement, we’ll be able to access your file from our database. This will allow us to whip up a replacement for you as quickly as possible.
Our team is one of the few offices that offer this comprehensive and exciting new technology, and we can’t wait to show our patients the benefits of AvaDent.
What Are Some Other Common Questions?
1. Can Denture Material Be Whitened?
Since dentures are made of plastic, they can’t be whitened the same way natural teeth can. It’s important to take daily care of your artificial teeth, much like you would for natural teeth. This can help prevent staining. Some people don’t realize that even artificial teeth can get plaque. Removing plaque and bits of food will not only help your artificial teeth look their best, but it can also help you maintain good oral hygiene.
If you find yourself dealing with stains, don’t panic. There are products specifically designed to remove denture stains. Particularly stubborn stains can be removed professionally.
2. How Do I Brush Them?
A soft, moistened toothbrush with some denture paste or non-abrasive soap should do the trick nicely. Regular toothpaste is often considered too abrasive and can be harmful to denture material. As you brush, make sure you gently clean both the inner and outer surfaces.
3. What About Cleaning My Mouth?
Even if you don’t have any natural teeth, we still recommend cleaning your gums to encourage good gum health. Gently brushing your gums, palate, and tongue can help you stimulate healthy circulation and get rid of plaque at the same time.
4. Can I Fix a Crack at Home?
A little crack may seem like an easy fix, but it’s not a good idea to try to tackle this yourself. First off, it’s crucial that any material used to fix the crack is safe for your body. Since you’re wearing your artificial teeth consistently and using them to eat, you don’t want to accidentally use an unsafe material to fix them.
Secondly, an incorrect repair could lead to sore spots or problems with denture functionality and longevity. Many cracks can be repaired, but some cracks could be an indicator that your artificial teeth aren’t fitting your gums correctly anymore. In that case, it may be time for a new fit.
5. Can I Keep Them In at Night?
Ideally, dentures should be stored in water at night after you clean them. This also gives your gums a break, which can be helpful for many patients. However, it is possible to wear them through the night if you prefer to.
If you choose to do this, you’ll need to make sure you still remove them for a thorough cleaning at some point during the day. In fact, if you know you’d like to keep them in at night, you may want to consider taking them out for a few hours beforehand. That way your gums still get a little break.
6. Will a Partial Denture Match My Remaining Teeth?
Denture technology has come a very long way, and partials are no exception to that. Our highly trained team knows how important it is that your partials match your teeth. Color and shade matching is used to carefully match partials to the patient’s teeth, so they can blend right in.
7. What Happens if a Denture Feels Loose?
If you find that your fit isn’t as ideal as it used to be, there are a couple of things that can be done. First, you may be able to get a relining. Relinings are often carried out every few years, and it can be an easy way to correct the fit. However, if the bases have worn out too much, it might be time for a replacement set.
8. What Are the Benefits of Getting a Partial Denture?
Many patients seek out partials for cosmetic reasons, but that’s not the only reason to consider them. After tooth loss, remaining teeth tend to shift towards the new gap. Teeth help hold each other in place, and without the support that your teeth are accustomed to, they can begin to migrate.
This could not only affect your bite, but it could weaken the integrity of your remaining teeth. By filling the gap with a partial, you can help keep your remaining teeth in place.
We Can Answer Your Other Questions
Having a one-on-one talk is often the best way for people to get the information they need. By setting up a consultation with us, we can gather information about what you’re looking for, and you can bring any of your questions and concerns to us. If you’re ready to learn more about our services, contact our team with Dr. Cynthia J. Mikula, DDS, in Bay Village, OH, to set up that consultation today.
