Things you didn’t know about Fort Smith, AR dentures

How to replace failing teeth is an important decision. Read 10 things you didn’t know about dentures from Fort Smith, AR general dentist, Dr. Gilbert Lopez.

According to the Centers for Disease control in Atlanta, 25 percent of American adults  over 60 are missing all of their natural teeth. Replacement is not simply a cosmetic issue, but a health and self-esteem concern, too. Fort Smith, AR dentures, crafted by Dr. Gilbert Lopez, conquer many of the consequences of gapped smiles.

What people should know about dentures

As a skilled general and cosmetic dentist in the Fort Smith, AR area, one of Dr. Lopez’s greatest passions is answering patient queries about how dentures impact health and lifestyle.He has compiled 10 facts regarding dentures, knowing that knowledge empowers patients to enjoy brighter, healthier and longer-lasting smiles.

Fact #1 Traditional dentures look like real teeth. Modern methods of imaging the patient’s mouth and of individually crafting dental prosthetics make dentures look very lifelike.

Fact #2 Dentures restore a good measure of efficient chewing and speaking. While there’s nothing like natural teeth, quality dentures allow patients to enjoy many of their favorite foods and to speak clearly, too.

Fact #3 Facial appearance improves with dentures. People who have lost most or all of their teeth experience gum and jawbone recession. Facial appearance takes on a collapsed look as the alveolar ridge, the part of the mandible which supports teeth, shrinks. Dentures restore what dentists call bite height, the natural-looking vertical dimension of the face.

Fact #4 It takes a while to adjust to dentures. Dr. Lopez tells his patients that biting, chewing and speaking feel very different with dentures, but facial muscles learn a new way of doing things.

Fact #5 Some patients elect to have dentures placed right after tooth extraction. This allows an individual to leave the office with a full set of teeth. However, as gums and bone recedes, “immediate dentures” must be relined or replaced.

Fact #6 With good care, quality dentures last 10 years or more. However, as the inside of the mouth changes over time, dentures frequently lose optimal fit and function and require relining or replacement.

Fact #7 Denture patients must practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing any remaining teeth, tongue, gums, roof of the mouth and so on. Dr. Lopez sees his denture patients every 6 months for an exam, cleaning and to check denture fit and condition. Patients should report any problems, such as sore spots, to Dr. Lopez right away.

Fact #8 Dentures may be supported by dental implants. These titanium anchors keep dentures from slipping and also keep the jaw bone strong and healthy.

Fact #9 Dentures are crafted from realistic-looking acrylic. Partial dentures have a metal frame with clasps to secure the appliance to neighboring teeth.

Fact #10 Receiving new dentures takes a few appointments. Dr. Lopez likes to “try in” new dentures before finalizing fit. This process ensures the best look, feel and function of these prosthetic teeth.

Do you have questions?

Fort Smith, AR dentist, Dr. Gilbert Lopez, and his team will answer all your questions about dentures. They want your experience to be as pleasant and successful. Please contact the office for a consultation.