Dentures – Rock Hill, SC
Bid Farewell to Gaps in Your Smile
Do you suffer from extensive tooth loss? You’re not alone. According to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), roughly 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and 40 million are missing all their teeth. If you contribute to either statistic, you understand just how much tooth loss can affect your quality of life. Fortunately, you don’t have to live that way forever. At Coombs, Ross and Sourlis Family Dentistry, our restorative dentist offers dentures to help rebuild your smile and recharge your confidence. If you’re ready to bid farewell to gaps in your smile, continue reading or schedule a consultation with our team today!
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Whether you’re missing several teeth or an entire arch, you may be eligible to get dentures. This method of tooth replacement is excellent for patients who want to enjoy a complete, functioning smile once again. During your consultation, your dentist in Rock Hill will conduct an oral examination to determine if this solution is right for you. It’s incredibly important that you have healthy gums to support your new prosthetics. That said, if you have problems like tooth decay or gum disease, you’ll need to work the appropriate care into your treatment before you can start the denture process.
Effects of Missing Teeth
If you’re considering dentures, you must first examine the causes and consequences of tooth loss. Reviewing this information will help reinforce the role prosthetic teeth can play in enhancing your smile.
Tooth loss occurs across all age groups for various reasons. Decay may deteriorate a tooth to the extent that it falls out or requires replacement. Similarly, gum disease can diminish the bone and tissue supporting your teeth, while dental injuries from accidents can result in teeth being knocked out.
Regardless of the cause, the effects of tooth loss are generally consistent. Those with missing teeth often encounter difficulties in speaking, eating, and smiling. Furthermore, untreated gaps in the smile can lead to jaw deterioration, potentially leading to facial collapse and further tooth loss.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Most patients are eligible for dentures simply due to their lack of teeth. However, other factors require consideration. For example, consider oral health. Having healthy gum and jaw tissues is crucial for candidacy, as insufficient strength in these areas may compromise denture support. Dentures not only replace missing teeth but can also address decayed ones.
The extent of tooth loss is another factor to consider. Depending on the number of missing teeth, either a partial or full denture may be necessary. A partial denture suits those with a few missing teeth, while a full denture is preferable for individuals missing all teeth along an arch.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
If dentures aren't the right option for you, don't worry – we offer alternatives. Here are two other procedures to consider:
- Dental Bridges – A dental bridge is a fixed restoration consisting of crowns attached to a pontic. It relies on neighboring teeth for support, making it suitable for patients missing one or a few teeth.
- Dental Implants – Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are artificial teeth inserted into your jawbone. Made of titanium, they gradually fuse with the jaw, providing a secure and permanent solution. While effective, dental implants are generally more expensive than other options.
Types of Dentures
During a consultation, our dentist will assess your goals and needs to narrow down the right type of denture for you. Based on their findings, they will recommend one of the following options:
Partial Dentures
If you’re only missing a few teeth, partial dentures may be the ideal option for you. They fit between the teeth, seamlessly closing gaps throughout your smile. The gum-colored base and custom-shaded teeth are held in place using small metal clasps that loop around the neighboring teeth.
Full Dentures
For patients missing an entire row of teeth, full dentures are an excellent solution to consider. They also have a discreet, gum-colored base and natural-looking teeth like partials. However, full dentures sit on top of the gums and are held in place using natural suction or a small amount of denture adhesive.
Implant Dentures
Do you want unmatched stability and durability? You might want to consider getting implant-retained dentures. A full or partial denture is attached to several dental implants that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Because the titanium posts are placed in the bone, they stimulate it to prevent deterioration, and your new teeth benefit from great stability. Additionally, you can expect to enjoy your new smile for several decades with proper care and maintenance!
The Benefits of Dentures
Patients who choose to get dentures in Rock Hill can expect numerous benefits, including:
- Renewed ability to eat a nutritious diet
- Natural-looking results
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Affordable and trusted method of tooth replacement
- Improved self-confidence
- Lifespan that extends well over a decade with proper care and maintenance
Denture FAQs
Reading through the above information will give you insight into the types of dentures in Rock Hill, as well as who is a candidate for dentures and their benefits. With that being said, it’s completely natural to still have a few questions on your mind. Since many of our patients prefer to do their research online, we’ve responded to a few of their most frequently asked questions below. As always, we’re just a phone call away if you’d prefer to speak directly with our team!
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Whether you are missing a few teeth or an entire arch, you may be a candidate for dentures. During your initial consultation, your denture dentist in Rock Hill will take the time to conduct an oral exam, ask you a few questions, and learn all about your smile goals. From there, he can determine your viability. The good news is most patients who are diligent about their oral health are rock-solid candidates! Even if an untreated condition like gum disease initially stands in your way, the appropriate restorative care can be worked into your treatment plan.
Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?
As your mouth adjusts to your new dentures, you may experience a bit of a learning curve. During this time, it’s important to be patient with yourself and take it slow. Try reading a magazine aloud and repeating the more difficult words (like “sixty”) until you’re able to say them without a lisp. You should also try biting down and swallowing before you speak to prevent slippage and excess saliva from messing up your speech. Remember: the more you practice, the faster the adjustment process will be.
What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?
Whether you’ve been struggling with tooth loss for years or a couple of months now, you know the detrimental impact it can have on your smile. Fortunately, dentures can help restore your bite force, allowing you to enjoy your meals pain-free again! Still, it is a good idea to avoid foods that can tug on them like peanut butter and gummy candies. Nuts, raw carrots, and other hard items pose a risk of damaging your restoration as well, which is why you should always exercise caution.
How Can I Reduce the Cost of Dentures?
If you have dental insurance, then you’ll be happy to know many plans cover at least a portion of the cost. Since we accept most providers here at Coombs, Ross and Sourlis Family Dentistry, let us help you maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket cost! We also happily accept flexible financing through CareCredit, which can break up the cost into manageable payments that fit into your monthly budget. Plus, our VIP Smile Club offers an array of benefits at no extra cost and 15 percent off the price of treatments like dentures. Don’t worry – our team will review all the various financial options with you in-depth at your consultation. That way, you can make an informed decision on which path is right for you.