Guide to Understanding Dental Dentures in North Carolina

Summary:

A warm smile is the best way to approach someone! 

It not only helps in building healthy relationships but also makes you a social star among your colleagues and acquaintances. 

However, most people lack a perfect smile due to missing teeth or other dental issues. Missing teeth is common among adults and older adults. Stats suggest that over 178 million Americans miss one or few natural teeth. 

But how do they smile? Dentures are the answer; they can help you chew your food, speak with clarity, and even smile without hesitation. 

Dentists craft these implants as custom-made removable appliances to replace missing teeth and adjacent tissues, aiming to restore oral functionality and improve the aesthetic appearance of an individual’s smile.

In this article, we shall delve into topics like:

• The Concept of Dental Dentures – Explained
• Do You Need Oral Dentures – Is it Right For You?
• Types of Denture Options You Need to Know
• Are Dentures Safe For Diabetics?

Continue reading to learn more about oral North Carolina dentures in the following sections. 

The Concept of Dental Dentures – Explained

Dental dentures serve as customized prosthetic devices to address the absence of teeth and surrounding oral tissues. These appliances come in partial or complete forms, tailored to fit an individual’s mouth, depending on the extent of tooth loss. 

Professional dentists in Whiteville, NC, design durable acrylic bases resembling gum tissue and artificial teeth made from materials like porcelain or acrylic; dentures aim to restore both the aesthetic appearance and functional aspects of the oral cavity. 

By offering a removable solution, they contribute to improved chewing and speaking abilities for those experiencing tooth loss. 

Do You Need Oral Dentures – Is it Right For You?

Dental dentures play a crucial role in restoring oral function, enhancing aesthetics, and improving the overall quality of life for individuals who have experienced tooth loss. 

Several factors contribute to the need for artificial teeth, and understanding these aspects is essential for both patients and healthcare professionals. Let’s check them out in this section:

• Complete Tooth Loss: 

Individuals who have lost all of their natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw may require complete dentures. This situation can arise due to various reasons, including advanced periodontal disease, severe decay, or trauma.

• Partial Tooth Loss: 

Partial artificial teeth are recommended for those who have lost some, but not all, of their natural cavity. This could be a result of decay, injury, or extractions. They fill the gaps, preventing the remaining teeth from shifting and maintaining proper oral function.

• Better Chewing and Speech: 

Tooth loss can significantly impact a person’s ability to chew food properly, affecting their nutrition and overall health. Dentures restore the ability to bite and chew and also improve speech, as missing teeth can alter the pronunciation of certain sounds.

• Improved Aesthetics: 

They contribute to improved facial aesthetics by filling out the cheeks and lips, preventing the sagging appearance that often accompanies tooth loss. It can positively impact self-esteem and confidence, allowing individuals to smile and speak with assurance.

• Prevention of Oral Health Issues: 

Tooth loss can lead to various oral health issues, such as changes in bite alignment, shifting of remaining teeth, and an increased risk of gum disease. Tooth denture helps address such issues, promoting better oral health and preventing further complications.

• Customized Solutions: 

Dentists tailor this appliance to the unique needs of each individual. They design them to replicate the natural appearance of teeth, ensuring a comfortable fit and a natural-looking smile. This customization allows for optimal functionality and aesthetics.

• Affordability and Accessibility: 

Artificial teeth often provide a more affordable option compared to some alternative tooth replacement methods, such as dental implants. Additionally, they are more accessible to a broader range of individuals, making them a viable solution for many patients. 

Types of Denture Options You Need to Know

There’s a plethora of denture options that you might come across when consulting with a professional. Each of these appliance is designed to suit your needs and requirements. 

Here are some options that your oral expert might present to you upon consultation: 

Complete

Dentists use complete or full dentures when all-natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw are missing. It consists of a flesh-colored acrylic base that covers the gums and palate. The artificial teeth are usually made from porcelain or acrylic.

Partial

Your dentist suggests you removable partial dentures (RPDs) when only some teeth are missing. RPDs consist of replacement teeth attached to a metal or acrylic base. These appliances often include metal clasps to anchor onto your remaining teeth for stability.

Immediate

Immediate, complete dentures are designed to replace your natural tooth upon extraction. They provide continuous tooth functionality throughout the healing period. Your dentist may adjust these appliances as your jaw heals and changes.

Overdentures

Implant-supported dentures or overdentures are supported by dental implants rather than resting solely on the gums. When surgically placed into the jawbone, these appliances offer stability and prevent bone loss, providing improved retention and support.

Snap-in

Implant-supported snap-in dentures are similar to implant-supported appliances. They use dental implants for stability and can be removed effortlessly for cleaning, making them a more convenient option for some individuals.

Custom

Custom or precision dentures in North Carolina are tailored to fit your oral cavity more precisely. These appliances involve advanced techniques such as computer imaging and detailed impressions to suit your comfortably, improving their functionality.

Economy

Economy dentures are cost-effective options that use standard materials, basic appliances are more affordable. While lacking some advanced features of precision dentures, they effectively serve the purpose of replacing missing teeth.

Are Dentures Safe For Diabetics?

Dental dentures are safe for individuals suffering from diabetes. However, you must ensure excellent oral hygiene to maintain the treatment and success of the appliance. 

People with diabetes are at an increased risk of oral health issues, making regular dental check-ups and meticulous care essential. Proper blood sugar control is necessary to minimize infection risks and ensure the stability of artificial teeth. Vigilant oral care and collaboration with dentists for dentures can be a safe and effective option for restoring smiles for individuals with diabetes.

Takeaway

• Around 90% of the American population has one or a few missing teeth. These individuals rely on different denture types to complete their smile. 
• Individuals who have lost their natural teeth completely or partially can opt for artificial teeth or switch to full or partial dentures based on their requirements. 
• These appliances are safe for people with diabetes, provided that they maintain proper oral hygiene. 
• A flawless smile isn’t unattainable! Please make the most of your smile with our experts at Carolina Coast Family Dentistry today.