Dentures – Castle Rock, WA
Full Smiles, Reliable Prosthetics
Missing multiple teeth or an entire arch can make daily tasks feel impossible. Eating and speaking are often difficult, and smiling is often out of the question for many. If you are tired of living with an incomplete smile and are ready to embrace a better quality of life, let Dr. L. Blaine Kennington recommend dentures in Castle Rock. Considered one of the most reliable methods of tooth replacement, dentures have been around for centuries. Effective in their ability to restore oral function and appearance, these prosthetics continue to offer patients a second chance at a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your eligibility for dentures.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Those who are considered “good” candidates for dentures include individuals who possess enough jawbone to adequately support a full prosthetic. Also, the person must have good gum health, as inflammation and infection can negatively affect the fit and function of a denture. To determine if you are eligible for this type of tooth replacement, you will need to meet with Dr. Kennington for a full evaluation.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Living with missing teeth not only puts a damper on your physical appearance and confidence but also creates significant challenges when it comes to eating and speaking. You may not realize just how essential your teeth are when trying to say certain sounds or words, but over time, you’ll notice that you begin to slur your words because of your incomplete smile. Not to mention, eating some of your favorite meals may no longer be enjoyable because of the struggle to bite and chew.
Without a full set of teeth, you may begin to experience malnutrition, depression, lack of self-confidence, and other problems associated with your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
There are a few things that you need to be considered for dentures:
- Good general oral health (i.e., no signs of gum disease or existing tooth decay)
- Supportive jawbone
- Willingness to commit to taking care of your new artificial teeth
Most individuals who are without a full set of teeth can expect to be recommended for full, partial, or even implant dentures. Ultimately, the decision is based on your preferences, budget, and oral and overall health status.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
If you discover that traditional dentures are not right for you, there are other options to replace missing teeth:
- Dental Bridges – Using two dental crowns and free-standing replacement teeth that connect the two restorations, a dental bridge fills in the gaps of your smile using healthy abutment teeth on either side of the gap.
- Dental Implants – Made of titanium and capable of fusing with bone tissues, dental implants are placed within the jawbone and offer maximum support for customized partial and full dentures. Not to mention, their lifespan can range from 30 years to a lifetime!
What Are the Different Types of Dentures?
While discussing your eligibility, your dentist in Castle Rock will also explain the various types of dentures available:
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are great if you are only missing a few teeth from the upper or lower arch. Consisting of a gum-colored, acrylic base, artificial teeth are put into place along the prosthetic to fill in the gaps of your smile. It fits like a puzzle piece and is held into place with clasps or clips that connect to healthy existing teeth.
Full Dentures
If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, you have the option of receiving a full denture. These sit on top of the gums and require your natural suction to hold them in place. However, many patients apply a small amount of denture adhesive for added security. No matter if you need a top or bottom denture, or both, they are made from the same materials as a partial, which consists of a gum-colored acrylic base and artificial teeth (commonly made of porcelain).
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are a great option if you prefer a more permanent solution to tooth loss. Requiring significant jawbone density, the titanium posts are surgically placed within the bone to create a solid foundation. Customized dentures are then attached to the implant posts to create a complete, fully functional, and longer-lasting smile (30 years or longer).
Benefits of Dentures
Tooth loss may be treatable with other unique solutions, but choosing dentures will allow for greater benefits in the long run. From psychological improvements and better nutrition to expanded opportunities and greater oral health, these are just a few of the unique advantages you can expect when you decide to live life with dentures.
Psychological Benefits
A complete smile does more than just improve your appearance. It also enhances your mental and emotional health. When you’re pleased with what you see in the mirror, you’re likely to speak more positively about yourself, try new things, and feel empowered to take better care of your overall health and well-being.
Clear Enunciation
To speak clearly, the tongue needs teeth to make various sounds and words. Without something for the tongue to press against, the desire to engage in conversation with others decreases significantly. However, with custom dentures, you can expect to feel confident when talking with family, friends, and colleagues. Instead of slurring your words or forgoing discussions altogether, you can talk more freely than before.
Improves Nutrition
Dentures are known to improve your bite force, so instead of missing out on your favorite meals, you can freely eat without feeling embarrassed. Your new teeth will allow you to bite down and enjoy the taste of the foods you’re eating, and the denture adhesive that helps to hold them in place will minimize the potential of slippage during your meal. This positive impact will ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Preserves Oral Health
Missing teeth can have a negative impact on your oral health. Apart from jawbone resorption and possible dental drift (if you have any existing natural teeth), it can increase your chances of developing systemic conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and even diabetes. However, once you have dentures, you can expect your oral health to improve. The benefits you’ll experience will make you want to take proper care of your new smile for as long as possible.
Expands Opportunity
Dentures at any age are bound to help expand your opportunities. Whether you are working your way up the corporate ladder or enjoying a newfound retirement, your dentures will give you the confidence you need to try new things. From a job interview or presentation to meeting someone new in the hopes of reigniting a personal relationship, your new smile will help you along the way.
Dentures FAQs
If you’re excited about the prospect of recapturing your smile with the help of dentures in Castle Rock, you’re not alone. Millions of people turn to these reliable and time-tested prosthetics to regain their confidence. With a new smile comes many questions, however, and Dr. Kennington wants to make sure you and all other patients inquiring about dentures have the answers. Below you will find a list of commonly asked questions you are invited to review. When finished, please feel free to contact our office should you have additional inquiries about your upcoming treatment.
Can I Sleep With My Dentures?
You are strongly advised against sleeping in your dentures simply because your mouth needs a chance to rest. When wearing your prosthetics throughout the day, it is easy for the gums and bone to become fatigued. At night, while soaking your dentures, your mouth will be given the chance to breathe and attain vital nutrients commonly lost throughout the day.
Also, as more bacteria build underneath your dentures, your risk for potential pneumonia increases.
Keeping your teeth clean as well as your mouth can help minimize complications and keep your dentures looking and feeling their best.
Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?
Your tongue is more than just a large muscle inside your mouth. It is used to push food through the oral cavity and help you speak. However, once you receive dentures, you may notice some difficulty in forming certain words and syllables. This is normal, so do not be alarmed. A slight lisp might develop but may only last a short while.
To minimize the changes caused by your dentures, you’ll need to practice speaking slowly and thoroughly pronouncing certain words. You can do this by reading aloud to yourself or others as well as watching yourself talk in front of the mirror. Over time, the problem will go away once your tongue becomes accustomed to the new prosthetics.
Can I Use Regular Toothpaste to Clean My Dentures?
During your appointment with your denture dentist in Castle Rock, he will recommend that you do not use regular toothpaste to clean your dentures. The reason for this is that normal toothpaste brands are highly abrasive and can scratch the materials used to create your prosthetics. This is why it is best if you find non-abrasive products.
Dr. Kennington will be happy to recommend several options you can use at home to keep your dentures clean and bacteria-free.
Will Dentures Change the Shape of My Face?
When suffering from tooth loss, it is common for many individuals to experience what is referred to as “facial sagging or collapse.” When the lips turn inward, the jowls sag, and the nose dips further downward, it can create an aesthetic that causes you to appear older than you really are. Fortunately, by choosing dentures, these promising prosthetics fill in these areas of your facial structure, allowing you to look younger and feel better about your appearance.