You may think it would never happen to you, but the truth is that around 40 million adults in the U.S. will need dentures by 2020. Those statistics are scary, but many adults are unknowingly skipping tooth loss prevention strategies. If you do end up needing dentures it is not the end of the world. Speak to a dentist today if you feel you may need dentures and dental services.
What Exactly Are Dentures and How Are They Made
Dentures are essentially custom-made false teeth placed in a frame that fits in the area of where they will be placed. They can be either fixed or removable. Full dentures restore all teeth and missing bone when the arch has lost all teeth. Partial dentures replace missing teeth that were otherwise surrounded by healthy teeth that can support the denture.
False teeth can be made of either high-quality acrylic resin or porcelain. High-quality acrylic resins are the most popular choice for both types of dentures, as porcelain can damage surrounding healthy teeth over time. However, porcelain is popularly used for front teeth because it looks the most like natural tooth enamel. Denture frames can be made of metal alloys such as chromium or nobelium, but plastic materials have become much more popular due to the fact that they are lightweight, easily repaired, more adjustable, and pretty much indestructible.
Signs You May Need Dentures
It’s no secret that tooth loss is the cause of most denture need, but what are the signs leading up to tooth loss and eventually your need for dentures?
Approximately 70% of tooth loss is caused by gum disease. Signs of gingivitis that can advance to periodontitis are:
- Chronic toothache
- Major plaque buildup
- Gum inflammation, redness, and tenderness
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Shifting, loose teeth with increased gaps
- Difficulty eating chewy or hard foods
Gum disease can be prevented by proper care of teeth (brushing teeth and flossing twice daily) and making a trip to a dentist at least twice a year.
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