Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Dentures are a type of dental appliance used to replace missing teeth. They are held in place by remaining gum tissue and jaw bone along the dental arch, occasionally with help from denture creams and adhesives. While dentures can help both men and women regain a beautiful, confident smile, they are not suitable for all dental patients. Learn who is a good candidate for dentures. Ideal candidates for dentures are men or women who have experienced significant tooth loss. A good candidate is one that still has a sufficient amount of healthy gum tissue and jawbone. The extent of the person’s tooth loss also comes into question. If a person is only missing one or two teeth, a dental bridge may be the best option. Depending on the preference of the patient, a full or partial denture may be recommended if the person is missing a larger number of teeth. If you are not sure if you’re an eligible candidate, consult with your dentist. The number of teeth that you are missing will ultimately depend on which type of denture is best for you.

• Full dentures are recommended for people who are missing all of their teeth
• Partial dentures are the ideal choice if you are missing only some of your natural teeth
• Implant-retained dentures are a type of appliance stabilized by dental implants fused to the jaw bone
• Immediate dentures should be used for patients with extracted teeth who desire dentures placed the same day

Not sure whether you should get traditional or implant-support dentures? While the decision will ultimately come down to whether or not a patient is an eligible candidate for implant-supported dentures, there are other things that should be considered. Budget comes into play, as implant-supported dentures are more costly than traditional, and require oral surgery. Related: Recovering from a Root Canal: 5 Post-Treatment Care Tips While traditional dentures offer a comfortable, snug fit, implant-supported dentures have the benefit of being anchored to the jawbone, meaning that they will not shift or slip out of place. Implant-supported dentures are also more durable than traditional, often lasting a lifetime. While traditional dentures are also quite durable, they will most likely need to be replaced at some point. Once you get dentures, there are a few things you will need to adjust to before your comfortable wearing them daily. When you first begin to wear your dentures, it’s best to stick to small, soft foods, as harder, crunchier foods are often difficult to eat at first. It’s also important to avoid sticky foods that can stick to the appliance. It can also be hard to properly speak as you get used to your dentures, but this should soon subside. Still not sure if you’re a good candidate for dentures? Contact your Charlotte dentist to schedule a thorough consultation.