Tag: Bedminster NJ cosmetic dentures

Change dentures more often so my face won’t sag

That’s what I heard. Is it true that if I change my dentures more often my face won’t sag? If so is there something like a frequent denture buyers’ plan I can get on so that the frequent change will be more affordable for me? It’s my 15th year of wearing dentures and I have to do something before it’s too late. I am only 62 yrs old and I feel like the sagging will make me look 10 yrs older. Are certain types of dentures better than others to control the sagging a bit? Thanks. Cynthia.

Cynthia – Facial sagging, or facial collapse, occurs when all of your teeth are missing. Missing teeth cause the jawbone to resorb, and the minerals from it are used elsewhere in the body. This process will continue to occur regardless of how frequently complete removable dentures are changed.

What will prevent facial sagging with dentures is to support the dentures with dental implants. As few as two dental implants can be used to support the dentures, but if it’s within your budget to receive more, that’s even better.

When dental implants are surgically implanted in your jawbone, the body allows the bone to remain there, and it won’t be resorbed. Your bone structure will continue to support your facial muscles and prevent sagging.

Before you receive a new set of dentures, speak with a skilled cosmetic dentist about getting natural-looking dentures that are supported with implants. Depending on the condition of your current dentures, it may be possible to adjust them to accommodate implants.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Is denture stomatitis automatic for diabetics?

Wait a minute. That’s a loaded question. What do diabetes, dentures, and your stomach (?) have to do with each other? We need a little clarification, don’t we? Let’s start with stomatitis. Stoma is a Greek word that means mouth or opening. Words that end in “itis” refer to inflammation. So denture stomatitis is inflammation and soreness in the mouth that can be aggravated by wearing dentures. The result is irritated and very red oral tissue beneath your dentures.

In 2013, a study published in The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry showed that people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience oral inflammation beneath their dentures than people who don’t have diabetes at all. 61% of type 2 diabetes patients were affected, while only 38% of non-diabetic denture wearers in the study had denture stomatitis.

What does all of this mean if you have diabetes and wear dentures?

You may know that diabetes increases your risk of skin and tissue irritation. Gum tissue is at risk also—particularly when dentures rub against your gums and irritate them.

So what can you do about it?

  • Ensure that you only receive custom dentures that fit properly and don’t irritate your gum tissue. If your dentures rest directly on your gums, it increases the chances of irritation.
  • Some patients choose dental implants, which are surgically implanted in the jawbone to support dentures and prevent them from resting on your gums. But not everyone can afford dental implants, and not all patients are candidates for them.
  • Good oral hygiene helps. Keep your mouth and your dentures clean. Whenever possible, rinse your mouth and dentures after meals to remove food debris. If food is left on or beneath your dentures, it can lead to bacteria and an infection. Smoking can also irritate your gums, and it encourages yeast infection in your mouth. Brush your dentures, mouth, tongue, and the roof of your mouth daily.
  • Don’t wear your dentures while you sleep. Instead, soak them in fresh water or denture-soaking solution. Your saliva production decreases while you sleep, which increases the chances of bacteria and plaque buildup on your dentures.
  • Drink plenty of water. It will keep your mouth moist and help wash away acid and bacteria from food that may otherwise collect in your mouth.
  • Keep your regularly scheduled dental appointments. Although you may not have natural teeth that need to be cleaned, a thorough examination by your dentist can result in early detection of any oral health issues that may be developing. Inform your dentist right away if you experience any irritation in your mouth or around your dentures.

Denture stomatitis is not automatic for people with diabetes. Insist on quality dentures that fit well, maintain good oral hygiene and how, and cooperate with your dentist to ensure that you maintain good oral health.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Full dentures or 2 partials?

Hi. I have 4 missing top teeth and 4 missing bottom teeth. The solution my dentist gave me is one I don’t like – top and bottom partial dentures. The thought of it sounds very uncomfortable. I am wondering if it’s just better to pull the rest of my teeth and just wear full dentures. Thanks Alexis

Alexis – It is best to keep your natural teeth as long as possible. If all of your teeth are extracted, your jawbone will begin to shrink.

When your jawbone shrinks, it is difficult for it to support a denture. Dentures make speaking and chewing more difficult. Eating won’t be as enjoyable. The dentures will begin to rub your jawbone and make it sore. Dental implants prevent jawbone shrinkage because they mimic natural teeth. Dentures can be supported with dental implants. They will be stable, and they won’t rest on your jawbone and irritate it. But if you still have most of your natural teeth, there is no need to remove them and replace them with dentures or dental implants.

For your eight teeth that are missing, dental implants, or an implant-supported bridge are alternatives to a partial denture, and they will prevent jawbone shrinkage. Ask your dentist if you are a candidate for dental implants or an implant-supported bridge, or schedule a consultation with a skilled implant dentist or periodontist to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by top NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley of Bedminster, NJ.

Why do my denture teeth keep falling out?

I’ve only had my dentures for less than a year and in that time 3 of the teeth have fallen out. One of the same 3 teeth just fell out again yesterday. This is very frustrating. My dentist keeps “fixing” them but I know the teeth should never fall out. Why is this happening? Todd

Todd – Denture teeth fall out when the dentures are poorly made. When denture teeth are securely bonded to the base, they won’t fall out.

A dentist who is experienced with dentures can examine yours and determine why the teeth keep falling out. He or she will let you know the quality of your dentures and what you can expect from them for the future. You may want to get a second opinion from another dentist.

Unfortunately, you probably need a new set of dentures. If that’s the case, we recommend that you find a dentist who can provide you with a quality base and high-quality denture teeth. You may have to pay a little more for your new dentures, but it will help you avoid the kind of problems that you are experiencing with your current ones.

This post is sponsored by top New Jersey dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

At 33 yrs old are dentures going to ruin my social life/dating?

I am 33 years old. Health issues beyond my control caused me to lose so many of my upper teeth that I now need dentures. I am single and would very much love to have someone in my life permanently. I have always been somewhat shy and now needing dentures I hope that my confidence level will not drop to zero. I am feeling way too young for dentures but there is nothing that I can do about it. How can I smile confidently at women my age when I am wearing fake teeth? – H.C. from Scotch Plains

H.C. Needing to replace your teeth at age 33 is a challenge. We understand your concerns. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help you to smile confidently.

When you are missing your teeth, dentures are just one option. But let’s discuss that first. If you receive your dentures from an expert cosmetic dentist, he or she will personalize your dentures so that they look completely natural and express your personality. You will not receive generic dentures that are given to just about anyone.

Additionally, your dentures can be secured with dental implants. Implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, and the dentures will be secured to them. Implant dentures will look and feel more natural. They will also make it easier for you to eat with dentures, and help you avoid embarrassment from dentures that slip or fall out.

An alternative to dentures is dental implants. Each tooth is individually replaced with an implant that mimics the structure of a natural tooth. A crown is placed on the implant, and the crown replicates the part of a tooth that shows when you smile.

We recommend that you find a few skilled cosmetic dentists in your area. Have a consultation with each of them to discuss your options. You will be surprised at how good you can look with restorations for your teeth—whether it’s dentures or dental implants.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.