Who Are the Best Candidates for Dentures?

If you're missing teeth or experiencing significant tooth decay, consider dentures to replace your natural teeth. However, only some are good candidates for dentures. So, who is the best candidate? Let's explore.

Generally, the best candidate for dentures is someone who has lost some or all of their teeth and is having trouble eating or speaking. It could be due to numerous reasons, such as advanced age, tooth decay, gum disease, or injury.

Dentures can help restore proper chewing function and speech and improve your smile's aesthetic. However, it's important to note that dentures may be better options for some. Before deciding if dentures are appropriate for you, consider factors such as bone density, gum health, and overall health. 

"Advances in denture technology, such as 3D printing, are making dentures more comfortable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing for patients. About 20 million Americans wear full or partial dentures". 

Dentures and Their Role in Preserving Dental Health 

Dentures are essential for people who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. While they are often considered purely cosmetic, dentures are crucial in preserving dental health. By replacing missing teeth and restoring the ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently, dentures can help prevent a host of oral health issues. 

When teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can shift and move out of place, leading to bite problems and even more tooth loss. Dentures help maintain the alignment of the remaining teeth, keeping them in their proper position and preventing further damage. 

Additionally, dentures distribute the forces of chewing evenly throughout the mouth, reducing the stress on individual teeth and preventing premature wear and tear. In addition to these physical benefits, dentures can also have psychological benefits for people who have lost their natural teeth. 

Dentures are essential to oral health care and can help preserve dental health for years. By restoring the ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently, dentures can help improve self-esteem and quality of life. It, in turn, can lead to better overall health outcomes and a greater sense of well-being.

Benefits of Dentures 

• Dentures are a helpful solution to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position. 
• Dentures can be customized to fit each individual's unique oral anatomy and made from various materials to suit their needs. 
• You can easily remove dentures for cleaning and maintenance, which can help prevent gum disease and other oral health issues. 
• Dentures can be cost-effective for replacing missing teeth, especially compared to more complex procedures such as dental implants. 
• Dentures can help preserve facial structure and prevent the sunken-in appearance when teeth are missing for extended periods. 

Who are Ideal Candidates for Dentures? 

Overall, the ideal candidate for dentures is someone with missing teeth and good oral health, with adequate bone density to support the dentures. The candidate for dentures should be willing and able to commit to proper denture care and have realistic expectations about the look and feel of their dentures. Here is a list of brief descriptions of denture eligibility criteria for your help.  

• Missing teeth: The ideal candidate for dentures will have one or more missing teeth that need replacement. Dentures help replace individual teeth or entire arches of teeth, depending on the patient's needs. 
• Good oral health: While dentures can help prevent oral health issues, the candidate must have adequate oral health before getting dentures. It includes healthy gums and not having dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease. However, if they are present, the dentist must address them before denture placement. 
• Adequate bone density: For dentures to be successful, the candidate should have sufficient bone density in their jaw to support the dentures. If there has been significant bone loss due to missing teeth, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be necessary. 
• Willingness to commit to denture care: Proper care and maintenance of dentures are crucial for longevity and effectiveness. The ideal denture candidate should be willing to do daily care, cleaning, and regular checkups with the dentist.
• Realistic expectations: The candidate needs to have realistic expectations about the look and feel of their dentures. While advances in denture technology have made them more comfortable and natural-looking, they are different from natural teeth and may take some time to get used to. 
• Financial considerations: Dentures can be a cost-effective option for replacing missing teeth, but the ideal candidate should also consider the financial aspects of denture placement, including initial costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.

Can Everyone Who Lose Their Teeth Wear Dentures? 

Regarding dental health, many options are available to those who need to replace missing teeth. Dentures are popular due to their affordability, versatility, and ease of use. However, only some are suitable candidates for dentures. Let's look closer at who may not be a good fit for this type of dental treatment. 

• Firstly, if a candidate has many natural teeth remaining, other options, such as dental bridges or partial dentures, are better for replacing missing teeth. These treatments can provide better stability and function than complete dentures, which rely on suction and adhesive to stay in place. 
• Another factor to consider is gum disease. If a candidate has uncontrolled gum disease, it can cause inflammation, bone loss, and other oral health issues that can affect the success of denture placement. In such cases, the candidate may undergo treatment and improve their oral health before considering dentures. 
• Jawbone structure is another critical consideration. If the candidate has a significantly deteriorated jawbone structure, they may be unable to support dentures effectively. In such cases, alternative options, such as dental implants or bone grafting, may be necessary. 
• Additionally, candidates must be willing and able to commit to the proper care and maintenance of their dentures. It includes daily cleaning and regular checkups with their dentist. If a candidate is unwilling or unable to commit to this level of care, they may not be a suitable candidate for dentures. 
• Finally, candidates with certain medical conditions, such as severe diabetes, immune disorders, or bleeding disorders, may not be able to undergo denture placement due to the risk of complications. 

A thorough consultation with the dentist is essential to determine if they are the right choice for you. By carefully considering all factors, you can make an informed decision and achieve the best possible outcome for your dental health. 

What is the Success Rate of Dentures? 

The success rate of dentures can vary depending on several factors, including the patient's oral health, the quality of the denture itself, and how well the patient cares for their dentures. However, dentures generally have a high success rate and significantly improve a patient's quality of life. 

According to a study, the success rate of complete dentures is approximately 90% after five years of use. Partial dentures have an even higher success rate of 95.6%. 

How to Care for Your Dentures? 

• Remove and rinse dentures after eating: Thoroughly rinse and remove any food particles or debris from them with water. 
• Clean your dentures daily: Use a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner to gently scrub your dentures and remove any plaque or stains. 
• Soak dentures overnight: Soak them in water or a denture cleaning solution overnight to keep them moist and prevent warping. 
• Handle with care: Always handle your dentures gently and avoid dropping them, as they can easily break or become damaged. 
• Clean your mouth: Brush your gums, tongue, and remaining teeth with a soft-bristled brush to remove bacteria and maintain good oral hygiene. 
• Schedule regular checkups: Visit your dentist regularly to check and adjust your dentures if necessary and ensure that your oral health is in good condition. 
• Avoid using toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners: Toothpaste and other abrasive cleaners can damage dentures, so using products specifically designed for denture care is recommended. 

Conclusion 

Dentures are a valuable treatment option for individuals with missing teeth and can significantly improve oral health and overall quality of life. The ideal candidates for dentures are those missing multiple teeth or an entire arch of teeth and looking for a non-invasive, cost-effective solution. The patient should also have good oral and overall health and be committed to proper care and maintenance of their dentures. 

Individuals with significant jawbone loss, gum disease, or other oral health issues may need to explore alternative treatment options. Consult your dentist to know whether or not dentures are a good fit for your dental health needs.

To know if you are the best Candidate for Dentures, Contact your Dentist in Walnut Creek, Dr. Tiziana Procopio Towle, DDS, at Procopio Towle Dental Office.

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How do you make your dentures last long?

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition*