In the past, the artificial teeth that make up dentures were made out of porcelain or plastic, but more modern dentures are generally made out of a hard resin. The materials used to make denture teeth are known to be more fragile than natural teeth and can easily chip or crack if dropped or otherwise uncared for. This material also wears down much quicker than natural teeth and thus must be replaced with a new set of dentures every five years or so.
At first, wearing dentures may require some getting used to in terms of talking and eating, as the dentures become “balanced” in the space formerly occupied by the teeth. But over time, the muscles, nerves and ligaments of the mouth learn to work in new ways, which allows these functions to occur normally. Dentures also help support the facial skeleton and the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks, which can help create a more youthful appearance.
Dental Bridges: A dental bridge refers to a single false tooth or span of up to three prosthetic teeth that are attached to adjacent natural teeth with metal and plastic connectors or dental crowns. Bridges help to preserve some of the mouth's structural integrity by leaving as many natural teeth in place as possible. However, patients that are missing the majority of their teeth are typically not good candidates for dental bridges. Good candidates for dental bridges must have healthy gums and some healthy natural teeth that can act as anchors.
When we say we’re changing the face of dentistry, we mean it in every sense. Wait until you see the difference that same-day service makes. It differentiates AD&I affiliated practices and Affordable Care and, most important of all, transforms the lives of patients. So you can expect to see smiles and to hear how you and your teammates have impacted their lives. And isn’t that why you do what you do?
When you see these low costs advertised, it is almost always a "bait and switch." With dentures, you get about what you pay for, but rarely would you find even average quality for $399-$599 and that is for each, not both. Since well-fitting dentures are essential for good health, to say nothing of cosmetics, one should not consider price alone. Low cost dentures use cheap and "soft" teeth that wear rapidly and look fake, while higher quality teeth last for many years. The pink denture base made of cheap material discolors, breaks easily and usually fits poorly. I would advise that, as with hand grenades and parachutes, don't always look for the lowest cost.
It is extremely important to practice healthy dental hygiene when wearing dentures. There is an increased risk of developing a more serious medical condition should oral irritation result from improper dental hygiene. These conditions include, but are not limited to, periodontal disease, leukoplakia (thickened white, potentially precancerous patches on the mucous membranes, also called smoker’s tongue) and fungal (denture stomatitis) infections.
In either case, as you are making the decision between dentures versus bridges, it is very important to speak with your dental professional. Contact Arkansas Family Dental if you have questions about dentures or bridges. You can also schedule an appointment with either Dr. Nichols or Dr. Mascagni for help deciding between your tooth replacement options.
Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.
Teeth can fall out for a number of reasons, ranging from genetics to drug abuse. Most commonly, teeth are removed or fall out on their own due to severe tooth decay. Neglect to upkeep oral hygiene or not seeking proper treatment for damaged teeth, can lead to the onset of decay which in turn leads to loss of teeth. Visiting you dentist in 6 month intervals is a good preventive measure to spot any early signs of decay.
