Dentures – Lancaster, PA
A Time-Tested Way to Replace Your Teeth
If or when you lose teeth, you’ll suffer a drop in your quality of life. That’s pretty normal – just missing a tooth or two can ruin your looks, make daily tasks harder, and more. The good news is that you don’t need to live with unseemly smile gaps from lost teeth. Here at Dentistry for Life, we’ll gladly give you top-tier dentures from our Lancaster practice! Just keep reading or book a visit to learn about them and their features.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
All in all, almost any healthy adult can qualify for dentures. Most patients who suffer the effects of tooth loss meet the prosthetics’ requirements. Still, not everyone with missing teeth is a good candidate for dentures. Some patients may benefit from other options, and those with unhealthy gums and jaws can’t support this restoration.
Due to the facts above, please consult us to see if dentures suit you. Drs. Herres and Votilla will give you an oral exam to check whether treatment would help your smile. Depending on the exam’s findings, we’ll tailor a custom treatment plan just for you!
Effects of Missing Teeth
Sometimes teeth fall out due to poor oral hygiene. Inconsistent brushing and flossing routines can quickly lead to bacteria buildup, and these harmful troublemakers will eat away at your pearly white and dental supports. Gum disease and tooth decay are common examples of this. Other times, injury knocks teeth loose, or damages them to the point where they need to be extracted to preserve the patient’s oral health.
No matter the reason for your missing teeth, we’ll treat you without judgement and with the best care we can provide. Smile gaps can put a strain on someone’s confidence, which is a problem worth fixing in and of itself. But you should know they can also cause long-term oral complications, such as:
- Accelerated jawbone loss
- Shifting teeth
- Bite misalignment
- Jaw pain
- Trouble eating and chewing
- Difficulty speaking
By providing dental structure, dentures can help prevent these issues – and spare you from needing to spend money on more costly treatments later!
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Whether you’re missing all of your teeth or just a few, dentures can be a good replacement option for any age. Modern dental advancements have made them a truly versatile restoration that comes in many different shapes and sizes.
While dentures are customizable, they can’t function properly if your oral health is poor. Issues like gum disease and infection will make it difficult for your mouth to support them. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck, though! We’ll conduct a thorough investigation of your oral health so we can provide you with the treatment you need for successful dentures.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
Many patients love their dentures, but if you find yourself wishing there was an alternative option, you might be more interested in dental implants. This breakthrough restoration involves fashioning a tooth-colored prosthetic from durable materials. We’ll anchor each individual implant to your jawbone, providing maximum stability and strength.
Dental implants are typically more costly than dentures, but a worthwhile investment for those who might prefer a permanent replacement solution. To learn more, you can contact our office or visit our dental implant page for further details.
Types of Dentures
If we believe dentures would help you, we suggest you try one of three possible kinds. These types differ in their designs, features, and effects, so it’s worth considering them in detail. They are:
Partial Dentures
A partial denture (per its name) only replaces a few teeth. For that reason, it fits over your gumline with suction or clasps onto nearby teeth (i.e., abutments) for support. The device then uses its pink acrylic base and color-matched teeth to blend with your smile.
Full Dentures
Unlike the partial kind, a full denture replaces an entire arch (i.e., a row) of teeth at once. That means it doesn’t use clasps to secure itself; it only relies on suction force (or store-bought adhesives) for stability. Of course, it’s still customized to sit snugly over your gums and blend seamlessly with its surroundings.
Implant Dentures
You’ll want to look into implant dentures if you need a more permanent or lasting option. Distinct from other kinds, they secure themselves with dental implants – posts that fuse with your jawbone. The result is that they remain stable and neither slip nor fall like other dentures can. Instead, you can trust them to work like natural teeth for years (given proper care).
The Benefits of Dentures
If you choose to get our practice’s dentures, you’ll enjoy perks like:
- A Gorgeous Grin – Modern dentures look beautiful and lifelike due to their quality materials. In other words, they’ll blend with your smile and enhance your looks!
- More Confidence – Dentures should boost your confidence by “filling” your smile gaps. You’ll then feel self-assured in your looks, speech, and eating ability as you mingle with others.
- Better Nutrition – Since dentures provide you with more teeth, they help you chew more foods and thus improve your nutrition.
- Cost-Effective Care – Compared to other restorations, dentures don't cost as much and work well. They’re very well-suited for people with small budgets.