Full Dentures If you are missing multiple teeth, you are well-familiar with the inconvenience and embarrassment of an incomplete smile. Thankfully, modern dentistry offers a number of ways to fill in those gaps and give you back a confident, healthy grin. Dentures in Cocoa Beach, FL may be the ideal treatment for you.
Why Choose Nawrocki Dental of Cocoa Beach for Dentures?
In-House Dental Implant Placement
State of the Art Dental Technology
Long-Lasting, Natural-Looking Prosthetics
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
No matter how many teeth you are missing, dentures can be a reliable option for tooth replacement. Before receiving these prosthetics, though, you must schedule a consultation with Dr. Nawrocki. This visit will allow him to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. Although some individuals do not require additional services, your dentist may recommend that you receive gum disease treatment, tooth extraction, or bone grafting should the health of your teeth, gums, or jawbone need to be restored.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Some of the most common reasons for tooth include:
Poor oral hygiene
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) that leads to bone and tooth loss
Facial trauma (i.e., knocked-out tooth)
Smoking or using tobacco products
The American Academy of Periodontology reports that the effects of missing teeth can include facial collapse or sagging, difficulty eating and speaking, and a lack of self-esteem. When these problems arise, it is not just the physical components of tooth loss that can take a toll. It is also the mental and emotional decline a person can experience over time.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Dr. Nawrocki’s dedication to helping patients enjoy life with full, functional, and healthy smiles is why he meets with each individual to discuss the benefits, processes, and results associated with customized dentures. Patients must be committed to taking care of their new teeth if they want to ensure they last as long as possible. Doing so will help improve their facial appearance as well as their ability to comfortably eat and speak once again.
When examining a patient’s smile, Dr. Nawrocki will determine how many teeth are missing before recommending a full, partial, or implant denture. Depending on the individual’s preference, budget, and oral health, one solution may be better than another.
Alternative Tooth Replacement Options
Patients who are not considered good candidates for dentures, though, can still receive help by pursuing one of our alternative tooth replacement options. These include:
Dental Bridges – These prosthetics are great for patients who have multiple missing teeth along an arch and are side by side. When considering this option, Dr. Nawrocki will need to check the health of the abutment teeth on either side of the gap to ensure they are in good shape to support the custom bridge.
Dental Implants – A healthy jawbone is necessary to receive dental implants, as the titanium posts that make up the “roots” of these prosthetics must fuse with the bone to create a strong foundation. Once in place, these new teeth can deliver exceptional stability and longevity, but they are costlier than traditional dentures.
Your Options for Dentures
There is not just one kind of denture available. Some are meant to replace an entire arch of teeth while others only fill in a few gaps. Some are permanently attached to dental implants while others are removable. The kind of personalized denture you get will reflect your unique needs.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. They consist of a gum-colored base and artificial teeth that are made out of porcelain or acrylic. Natural suction or a denture adhesive helps them to stay in place throughout eating and speaking. When they fit well, full dentures can be quite comfortable and restore your ability to enjoy many of your favorite foods. You can expect your prosthesis to last for five to eight years before you need to replace it.
Dental Implant-Retained Dentures
Rather than using natural suction or an adhesive to stay in the mouth, implant-retained dentures are anchored in place via small titanium cylinders that are surgically placed below the jaw line. This offers superior comfort and a bite force that is comparable with that of natural teeth. Implant-retained dentures may last for decades before they require replacement. Although they tend to cost more than other treatment options, many patients agree that they are well worth the price.
As their name implies, partial dentures do not replace an entire arch of teeth. Rather, they serve to replace multiple teeth at various places throughout an arch. You can think of a partial denture as a puzzle piece; it might have an odd shape, but it fits in exactly where it is needed. This type of prosthesis may need special clips or attachments to hold it in place.
The Benefits of Dentures
Some of the most outstanding benefits of dentures include:
They can look extremely natural.
They are easy to care for.
They enable you to eat almost anything. Implant-retained dentures in particular offer the ability to enjoy most foods without worry.
Non-implant full and partial dentures are a relatively quick and inexpensive way to replace missing teeth.
Most people who have suffered significant tooth loss are candidates for some type of denture.
Adjusting to Life with Dentures
When you first receive your denture, it may feel quite foreign in your mouth. As a result, you might produce more saliva than usual, and it could be difficult for you to enunciate certain sounds. Eating may also pose a challenge. With practice, however, you should get the hang of life with dentures within a few weeks. Here are a few tips to help you out:
Take small bites of food and distribute it evenly across your mouth.
Practicing speaking as much as possible.
Suck on sugar-free candy to encourage swallowing.
Caring for Your Dentures
To care for your dentures, you should:
Keep them moist when they are not in your mouth (special denture soaking solutions are available at most grocery stores and pharmacies).
Brush them daily.
Use a soft cloth to keep your gums clean.
Always handle your dentures carefully; they may break if you drop them.
Call your dentist in Cocoa Beach if you are ever concerned about how your dentures fit or function.
The Cost of Dentures
The cost of your dentures will depend on the type of denture you receive, the material the dentures are made out of, and whether your insurance will cover your treatment. When you visit our dental office, we can give you an estimate of how much your restored smile will cost and help you explore your treatment options.
Denture Frequently Asked Questions
Are you looking forward to getting dentures in Cocoa Beach? If you ever have any concerns about the way that your restorations fit or work, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office. You can also read below to find some answers to the most common questions that we receive from our patients about their dentures.
How often should I replace my dentures?
Unfortunately, full and partial dentures can’t last forever. This is due to factors such as a changing jawbone and facial shape after sustaining tooth loss for long periods of time. On average, dentures should typically be replaced every five to eight years and regularly brought in to our dental office to be adjusted and examined. As your jaw begins to change in shape, you may notice that your dentures become loose or start to shift in your mouth and make it difficult to eat and speak. This is a tell-tale sign that they need to be examined and possibly replaced.
Can I sleep in my dentures?
It’s not recommended that you sleep in your dentures for several reasons. First, your gums need a rest after supporting your restorations all day, and the best way to do this is by taking them out at night. Secondly, your dentures need to be soaked overnight in a denture solution or room temperature water in order to preserve their shape. If they aren’t, they could dry out and become difficult to wear. And lastly, you should never go a full 24 hours without taking out your dentures to clean them and your mouth. This will help you avoid additional instances of tooth loss.
How can I tell if I need my dentures adjusted?
Bringing your dentures in for adjustments and repairs is completely normal. Accidents happen, and with a timely fix, you can preserve your oral health and continue using your restorations like normal. Here are some signs that could signal that you need to visit your dentist:
Cracked dentures
A persistent odor or stains
Change in speech pattern
Oral sores
Gum irritation
Changes in the fit of your dentures
General oral discomfort
Difficulty chewing
If you notice any of these, be sure to contact our dental office so we can schedule an appointment for you as soon as possible.
Do I still need to visit my dentist every six months if I have dentures?
Even though your restorations can’t develop oral health problems, it’s still important for you to visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Without the proper dental care, you may face an increased risk of tooth loss or gum irritation, which could impact your ability to wear your restorations.
