Dentures – Putnam, CT

Effects of Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can impact more than just your appearance. Over time, tooth loss can lead to multiple issues, such as:

• Bone Loss: Without the stimulation from tooth roots, the jawbone begins to deteriorate.
• Shifting Teeth: Remaining teeth can shift into gaps left behind, leading to misalignment and bite issues.
• Difficulty Chewing and Speaking: Missing teeth can make it harder to eat your favorite foods or speak clearly.
• Facial Changes: Tooth loss can cause the facial muscles to sag, leading to a prematurely aged appearance.
• Mental Health Difficulties: Losing teeth isn’t easy physically or mentally. Many patients who lose teeth feel guilty or depressed about their smiles, leading to decreased self-esteem.

What Are the Qualities of a Great Candidate for Dentures?

So, what qualities does our practice look for in a great denture candidate? While most patients can get dentures, we often check for:

• Significant Tooth Loss: Whether you're missing most or all your teeth, dentures can help restore function and appearance.
• Healthy Gums: Dentures rely on healthy gums for support, so a good candidate should have firm, pink gums with no signs of disease.
• Sufficient Bone Structure: For implant-supported dentures, candidates need enough jawbone to anchor the implants. Even without implants, having good bone structure will help your prosthetics sit come comfortable and function easier.
• Commitment to Oral Hygiene: If you already have a great oral hygiene routine, that’s fantastic! However, even if you need some guidance, a can-do attitude when it comes to oral care goes a long way.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

While dentures are a popular and highly effective solution for tooth loss, there are other tooth-replacement options available, including:

• Dental Implants: These permanent, natural-feeling fixtures involve placing a titanium post into your jawbone to support a crown, bridge, or even a set of customized dentures!
• Dental Bridges: These prosthetics are ideal for patients missing only one or a few teeth, bridges anchor to surrounding teeth for a secure fit.

Each of these options has its own set of advantages. At Quiet Corner Dental, our team will help you explore all possibilities and choose the best treatment for your needs and lifestyle. Reach out to us today to schedule your consultation and discover how dentures can improve your quality of life.

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Partial Dentures

A partial replaces one to three teeth in a row and stays in place by clipping onto teeth that are adjacent to the space in your smile. Made of gum-colored acrylic, its base blends in with your natural gums, while artificial teeth help to fill in the gaps to create a full, complete smile.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are used to take the place of every tooth in the upper gums, lower gums, or even in the entire mouth. These maintain their spot with the help of suction and denture cream. Full dentures are made from the same materials are partial dentures, and they look and feel more natural than those created decades ago.

Implant Dentures

Implant dentures are unlike their traditional counterparts in that they are permanent because of the titanium posts that are implanted into the jawbone. Made to mimic natural tooth roots, these screw-like prosthetics fuse with the bone over several months through a process known as osseointegration. A customized denture is then placed on top and secured to the implant posts, allowing for improved functionality and aesthetics.