When Are Dentures the Best Solution?

February 4, 2016

An Asheville dentist shares the real deal on false teeth.

If you are missing teeth, you have a number of replacement options. Any Asheville dentist would tell you that you don’t have to gum your way through the rest of your life.

But some options are better than others. And an experienced Asheville dentist who has taken the time to get to know you, your lifestyle and your goals, can help you make the best decision for your circumstances. You may best be served with a partial denture, implants or a bridge.

When It’s All or Nothing

You’re more apt to need a full set of dentures, commonly referred to as false teeth, when:

  • You’ve experienced significant bone loss in your mouth.
  • The few teeth you have left are in poor condition.
  • You’re on a tight budget.

Complete dentures often are recommended when you’ve lost the majority of your teeth to:

  • An accident or some other trauma
  • Gum disease
  • Extensive tooth decay

When you consider your options, think about the reasons that you want a full set of teeth. Some of the considerations include:

  • The aesthetics — how you look
  • To aid in chewing
  • Making your speech clearer
  • Reducing your chance of developing gum disorders
  • Preventing your cheeks from sinking in

Finally, take into account:

  • Your finances, since dentures usually are more affordable than implants
  • Your health in general, since you may become malnourished if you can’t eat enough
  • The general health of your mouth, since it makes no sense to throw good money after bad to save teeth that won’t last much longer anyway

The Skinny on Dentures from an Asheville Dentist

A good dentist has training in replacing missing teeth and may work in concert with or refer you to a prosthodontist, a dental specialist in tooth replacement. Your dentures will be custom made, designed specifically to fit the contours of your mouth and jaw. Today, dentures look very life-like and natural. A well-fitted set of false teeth also can actually be quite comfortable too.

You can expect to visit your Asheville dentist multiple times to get fitted properly. Once you’ve made the decision to proceed, an assistant takes a mold of your mouth. These molds then are cast to create your new teeth. Multiple visits are needed to tweak the casts so they fit.

The Tough Decisions

While most Asheville dentists will do everything in their power to help you keep any permanent teeth you have left, the final decision rests with you, based on your goals and priorities. Your willingness to stick with the process determines your denture success because:

  • Dentures take a while to get used to.
  • They can create additional problems if you don’t take proper care of them.
  • They are not fixed in your mouth, so you have to take them out to clean them.
  • They are breakable.
  • They wear down and typically need to be replaced about every five years.
  • Dentures are made of plastic; you have to clean them with special ingredients.

—Dr. Perry Stamatiades