Tooth loss affects millions of Americans. In fact, the CDC reports that one in six adults over age 65 has lost all their natural teeth. Facing this challenge can feel overwhelming, but dentures offer a practical solution that can transform both your appearance and quality of life.
Whether you've lost teeth due to aging, dental injury, or periodontal disease, dentures can help restore your smile and your confidence. But not everyone is an ideal candidate for every type of denture. Read on to learn from the best dentist in Los Gatos how to know if dentures are right for you and what factors dentists consider when making a recommendation.
Four Signs That Dentures Are Right for You
Today's dentures have come a long way in both appearance and comfort, with customized designs that closely mimic natural teeth and gums. However, it's important to understand what getting dentures entails so you can be sure that they are the best option for you.
1. You Have Missing or Damaged Teeth
The first sign you might need dentures is that you have multiple missing or damaged teeth. Dentists typically recommend full dentures or partial dentures when you're missing several teeth or when your remaining teeth have deteriorated beyond what dental fillings or dental crowns can fix. If you've lost all your teeth, full dentures can replace your entire smile, while partial dentures are designed for those missing just a few teeth by attaching to your remaining healthy teeth for support.
Many patients come to consider dentures after experiencing extensive tooth decay, gum disease, or dental trauma that has severely damaged their teeth. In these cases, your dentist might recommend tooth extractions for badly damaged teeth before fitting you for dentures to ensure a healthy foundation for your new smile.
2. You Have Good Jawbone Health and No Gum Disease
Healthy gums provide a stable foundation for dentures to rest on, minimizing irritation and discomfort during daily wear. When you visit your dentist for a denture consultation, they'll carefully examine your gum tissue for signs of periodontal disease or inflammation that could interfere with denture fit.
They'll also assess your jawbone density, as significant bone loss, which is common after teeth have been missing for a while, can make traditional dentures unstable or even uncomfortable. If bone loss is severe, your dentist might recommend bone grafting procedures or suggest implant-supported dentures that can provide better stability. Any existing gum disease will need to be treated before dentures are fitted to ensure the best possible outcome and prevent future complications.
3. You Are Looking for Non-Surgical Options for Teeth Replacement
Traditional dentures offer significant advantages if you prefer to avoid surgical procedures. Unlike dental implants, which require surgery to place metal posts in your jawbone, conventional dentures simply rest on your gums without any invasive procedures. This removable nature gives you practical benefits in your daily routine, such as taking them out at night while sleeping and removing them for thorough cleaning, which helps maintain good oral hygiene.
4. You Are Willing to Commit to Proper Denture Care
Dentures require a dedication to oral health to keep them functioning properly and looking their best:
- You'll need to clean them thoroughly every day, brushing with a soft denture brush and soaking in a cleaning solution, to remove food particles and prevent staining.
- When not in your mouth, dentures must be stored properly in water or cleaning solution to maintain their shape and prevent them from drying out and warping.
- Regular dental check-ups remain essential, as your dentist will need to examine your mouth for any changes and make adjustments to your dentures to ensure they continue fitting comfortably. Skipping these care routines isn't just about aesthetics. Neglected dentures can harbor harmful bacteria that cause persistent bad breath, painful gum irritation, and even fungal infections like thrush.
Before choosing dentures, consider whether you're ready to commit to this daily care routine to protect both your dentures and your overall oral health.
Alternative Tooth Replacement Options
Before deciding on traditional dentures, it's worth discussing all available tooth replacement options with your dentist:
- Dental implants: This treatment involves titanium posts surgically placed in your jawbone, providing a permanent foundation that looks and functions remarkably like natural teeth. While they require a more significant investment of time and money, including surgery and a healing period that can span several months, many patients find the stability and natural feel worth it.
- Fixed dental bridges: This treatment offers another alternative for replacing a few missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to your remaining natural teeth. For those wanting more stability than traditional dentures but less surgery than full implants, implant-supported dentures combine elements of both treatments, using just a few implants to secure a full denture.
Each option comes with its advantages in terms of comfort, function, appearance, and longevity. Having an honest conversation with your restorative dentist in Los Gatos about your dental health, lifestyle, and budget will help you determine which tooth replacement method best aligns with your unique situation.
Where to Find a Restorative Dentist who Offers the Best Dentures in Los Gatos
We understand that choosing dentures is a big decision, which is why we walk you through every step, from your first consultation to your final fitting, with clear communication and genuine support. At Smiles Los Gatos, we take a personalized approach to helping patients regain their smiles with dentures that feel natural, fit comfortably, and enhance daily life. At our modern dental clinic, our team is dedicated to combining advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship to create dentures that match your unique features, ensuring a look that feels authentic and confident.
Whether you’re looking for traditional full dentures, partial dentures, or implant-supported options, we create customized solutions that prioritize long-term comfort, function, and aesthetics.
Ready to restore your healthy smile with the best dentures in Los Gatos?