If you’re missing several teeth already, you may be tempted to have the rest of them removed and get dentures. It seems like the easier option, right? Perhaps it would be, but possibly not.
Who Should Get Dentures?
Traditional dentures are a good option for some people, including those in the following categories:
All Of Your Teeth Are “Bad”
If you are already missing several teeth and the ones that you have left are in bad shape, then dentures just might be the best solution for you. For example, if you have gum disease and severe bone loss with little tooth support, then it may be in your best interest to get a full denture.
You Don’t Qualify for Dental Implants
Getting implants is the best tooth replacement option that’s available today, however, this isn’t a realistic treatment for every individual. Implants do require a financial investment. Also, you need to have enough healthy bone to place the implants. For some people, ー especially those who have been missing teeth for a long time ー they may not have the amount of bone support that’s necessary for implant installation. In these cases, getting traditional dentures is the logical choice.
Who Shouldn’t Get Dentures?
If you fall into the following categories, then it may not be best that you get dentures:
You Have Healthy Teeth Remaining
If your teeth are healthy and our Long Island dentist feels that they have a good lifespan left in them, then it’s best to avoid removing them and getting a denture.
Perhaps, in this case, a partial denture would be the best solution. A partial is a removeable appliance like a full denture, but it’s custom-made to only replace the teeth that are missing. The teeth that we select for the partial will match the size, shape, and shade of your natural teeth.
You Have A Strong Gag Reflex
Dentures are fairly large appliances that certain people do not tolerate very well. Such as those with a strong gag reflex.
A better option for someone who has this condition would be dental implants with bridges. Since these prosthetics are smaller and more streamlined, they seem to be better tolerated by people with sensitive gag reflexes.
If You Are Young
Once you lose your teeth, your bone ridge starts to deteriorate and it continues to do so over time. This makes removable dentures feel looser and looser over the years. Your ridge can diminish to the point where your prosthesis won’t even stay in your mouth and are constantly falling out.
Also, not having any teeth makes you look older than what you really are. Your cheeks and lips sink in, and facial wrinkles are more prominent.
If you’re young, it’s best to wait to get dentures until you have no other accessible option available.
Dentures in Suffolk County
Do you think that it might be the right time for you to get dentures? Call Sachem Dental Group in Long Island to schedule an appointment to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you.
