May 18, 2017

3 Essential Rules for Taking Care of Your Partial Dentures

Troubled and missing teeth has become a near epidemic across the United States. Experts estimate that more than 178 million American adults have at least one missing tooth. Fortunately, there are many cosmetic dentistry procedures that can correct one or more missing teeth. One common treatment is to find a dentist that can provide affordable partial dentures.

After you’ve been fitted with your new partial dentures, you will be able to enjoy the cosmetic and functional benefits of once again having a “complete set of functional teeth”. Naturally, you’ll want to make sure your new partial dentures last as long as possible. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you maintain your partial dentures:

Brush Your Dentures Every Day

Although partial dentures are technically “false teeth”, they don’t give you a license to skip proper daily oral care. Just like natural teeth, food debris may get wedged in between your dentures. This can promote the growth of bacteria to release more acid into your mouth and bloodstream, which can lead to further complications in your overall health. Therefore, we suggest that you clean your partial dentures with a toothbrush every day—just make sure you avoid using hard bristle brushes to prevent scratches and other forms of damage.

Create a “Safety Net”

Partial dentures are sensitive structures and can easily chip or break when dropped on a hard surface. Since it can be a little difficult to keep a good grip on your partial dentures as you clean them, the best course of action is to create a “safety net” around your sink using folded face towels. This simple solution helps cushion the impact if you accidentally drop your dentures, similar to how stuntmen use giant airbags when they fall off of buildings.

Leave Them in Warm Water at Night

It is not advised to sleep with your dentures in since that can cause irritation to the gums. When taking your dentures off at night, be sure to soak them in warm (hot/boiling water should never be used) water with a bit of cleaning solution. This helps remove stains, plaque, and bacteria from the dentures. Doing so also prevents dentures from drying out, which can leave your dentures brittle and prone to future damage.

In the event your affordable partial dentures become loose or sustain any type of damage, it’s best to set an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Dr. Searby, founder of ProDentures, can easily evaluate your current dentures and provide you with brand new partial dentures if needed.

Please give us a call today at 832-688-9726 to schedule a no-cost, free dental exam with x-rays.

Sources:

 Removable Partial Dentures, MouthHealthy.org

Taking Care Of A Partial Denture, Colgate.com

May 11, 2017

Affordable Dental Implants: Are You A Good Candidate for Implants?

Researchers with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry estimate that around 69 percent of Americans between the ages of 25 to 44 are missing at least one tooth. This can be problematic since missing even one tooth can lead to loss of bone density in the jaw line. In some cases, a missing tooth may lead to the development of TMJ disorders.

Fortunately, there are many options available to address a missing tooth. One of the most popular options available are to get an affordable dental implant which consists of a titanium post that acts as a tooth root and anchors down a false tooth. This is a very safe and effective procedure. Studies show that implants enjoy a 98 percent success rate.

Take note, however, that dental implants are not for everyone. Patients must satisfy several criteria before they may be eligible for dental implants. This is important because these criteria have a direct impact on the success rate of the dental implant. These criteria include:

At Least 18 Years Old

Ideally, candidates who are looking to get affordable dental implants should be at least 18 years old at the time of the procedure. This is because the jawbone of children and teenagers is still growing. Inserting an implant too early may cause the titanium post to shift out of place as the jawbone grows, which will only lead to further complications down the road.

Good Periodontal Health

To be cleared for dental implants, you will need to have strong, healthy gums. Gingivitis and other periodontal diseases may lead to infections around the site of the implant. In some cases, this may lead to the body rejecting the implant altogether. This issue can easily be resolved with a thorough periodontal cleaning prior to such a procedure.

Enough Bone Density

Your dentist will want to make sure that you still have enough bone in your jaw to support your dental implant. Bone density is important because it helps keep the implant in place, as well as provide stability to for the replacement tooth. You’ll also need enough bone density to encourage the titanium implant to fuse together with the surrounding bone.

In the event that you are not a viable candidate for dental implants, see your dentist anyway to consider other option such as a partial denture or dental bridge. Respected dentists, like Dr. Paul Searby who founded ProDentures, can advise the proper treatment to help satisfy your needs.  Give ProDentures a call today at 832-688-9726, we offer a free dental exam with X-rays along with a one-on-one doctor consultation.

Sources:

Dental Implants Facts and Figures, AAID.com
Who Is An Implant Candidate?, Colgate.com

May 4, 2017

Do You Need Replacement Dentures? 4 Reasons to Have New Ones Made

Dentures have been around since ancient times, yet they are still one of the best cosmetic dental options available today. In fact, a respected dentist like Dr Searby, founder of ProDentures, may recommend having a new set of dentures made to replace your missing teeth.

Dental technology has advanced rapidly over the years, making dentures more durable than ever before. However, this doesn’t mean your dentures are able to completely avoid wear and tear. Eventually, you will need to see your dentist about having replacement dentures made.

How do you know when that time has come?

Here are four signs you should be on the lookout for:

Affixed Teeth are Worn Down

As you speak, bite, and chew with your dentures, the prosthetics affixed to them are exposed to wear and tear. Eventually, you may begin to notice the teeth are beginning to be worn down. In some cases, the difference between the false teeth and your remaining natural teeth can be quite substantial. This situation is common, but easily remedied by seeing your dentist about replacement dentures.

Highly Noticeable Discoloration

The teeth affixed to your dentures are specially designed to look like your natural teeth. Unfortunately, this also means that your dentures are prone to discoloration as well. If you are a coffee or tea aficionado, you may have noticed that your beverage of choice has begun to stain the teeth attached to your dentures. Conventional teeth whitening is not advised, so you may need to have replacements made.

Your Current Dentures Shift Around

Over time, you may notice your dentures start to shift around as you speak and chew. This is due to reduced bone density in the jaw caused by your missing teeth. Loose dentures have a tendency to fall our as your mouth moves around, so you may want to see if your dentist can make adjustments for a better fit. Otherwise, you will have to request for a new set of replacement dentures.

You’re Developing Sores or Discomfort Around the Cheeks and/or Gums

On the opposite side of the spectrum, you may begin to notice that the wear and tear you subject your dentures to on a daily basis has roughed out certain sections of your dentures. As a result, you may begin to develop slight wounds or sores around your inner cheeks or along your natural gums. This is a cause for concern as these can easily become infected.

If you notice this, it’s best to see your dentist right away or call ProDentures at 832-688-9726 for an adjustment or replacement dentures as necessary.

Sources:

The 8 Best (And 8 Worst!) Foods For Dentures, Prevention.com

8 Signs You Might Need Dentures, Prevention.com