X
Patients Call: 847-884-8484

What Do I Need to Know About Extractions and Dentures?

Posted on by .

I’m wondering if I should give up the last two upper teeth I have and get dentures. The two teeth are still healthy. I still have all except two of my bottom teeth. Is it best to extract or keep the two upper teeth before I get dentures? I’m currently wearing a cheap partial denture for my top teeth. I’ve always hated the feel of my partial denture. Will a full upper denture be more comfortable than my partial denture even if I keep the two teeth? I really don’t want to spend more than $5000 or $6000, but I think it’s worth it because at 62 years old, I have an active social life.

Thank you,

Curtis

 

Curtis,

A dentist, like Dr. William Becker, would need to examine your mouth, teeth, x-rays, and other diagnostics to give you an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis. But we’ll give you some principles to help decide comfortably.

It’s better to save natural teeth

  • Almost always, it’s best to save natural teeth that won’t harm your oral or overall health
  • A dental implant is the closest match to a natural tooth, but teeth that aren’t anchored—like dentures—will have some movement
  • When most of your upper or lower teeth are missing, eating—and the force of the upper or lower teeth they touch when you bite or chew—puts a lot of stress on them.

A full upper denture is more comfortable than a lower one

  • Suction holds a full upper denture in place, so it doesn’t move around as much as a lower denture.
  • A well-made upper complete removable denture is gentler on your teeth than a partial denture and a few remaining natural teeth.
  • Severe underbite puts more stress on lower teeth.

Your jawbone resorbs when all your teeth are missing.

  • Teeth stimulate the jawbone and keep it intact. When all your teeth are missing, without stimulation, the jawbone resorbs.
  • When your lower jawbone shrinks, sharp ridges form that make wearing a denture uncomfortable. An upper denture—even with severe bone loss—is more comfortable. You’ll still have the suction to keep the denture in place.
  • Within 10 to 20 years, there isn’t enough jawbone to support your facial muscles, and your face will sag.

What Can You Expect from Treatment Options?

Remember, Dr. Srinivasan’s is basing her explanation on the information you provided. She hasn’t examined your mouth or teeth or seen your x-rays. You’ll need to schedule an appointment with an implant dentist for an examination and 3-D x-rays to determine your treatment options.

  • Best clinical treatment – A dentist can replace your missing upper teeth with an implant-supported denture. But the cost will exceed your budget. Dental implants will anchor your denture and stimulate your jawbone to prevent further shrinkage. Your denture will feel stable and comfortable.
  • Alternative treatment – Your dentist can extract your remaining upper teeth and replace them with a complete removable denture. It will look and feel better than your partial denture. It will be easier to speak and eat with a complete denture, too. If your budget allows it, in the future, you can receive two or more dental implants to secure your denture.

This post is sponsored by Hoffman Estate dentist, Dr. William Becker, of Poplar Crossing Dental.

Fastest Way to Improve My Smile

Posted on by .

I have a 30-year class reunion coming up. What is a great way for me to improve my smile quickly? My teeth, like the rest of me, are beginning to show my age. While I can’t get cosmetic surgery, I am thinking there is something I can do with my smile. What are your recommendations?

Catherine

Dear Catherine,

Head-and-shoulders photo of brunette woman with long hair smiling and looking over her right shoulder, for information on porcelain veneers from Hoffman Estates cosmetic dentist Dr. William Becker.

You have a couple of great options. I don’t know specifically what you want to improve about your teeth, but I’ll give some general ideas.

If they are otherwise in good condition but have just developed stains, the most affordable solution which can make a dramatic difference is to get them whitened. That alone will make you look years younger. You can do it slowly (and by that I mean over a period of a few weeks) with traditional teeth whitening. If you want it done sooner than that, you can have it done in one appointment with a dentist who offers Zoom Whitening.

The great thing about whitening your teeth is you don’t need to go to a cosmetic dentist. Any family dentist can do that.

If your teeth need some orthodontic work, Invisalign is a wonderful treatment for adults. It works in half the time as traditional braces. Plus, it’s invisible even at a conversational distance. Plus, they have the additional benefit of the Invisalign aligners being able to double as teeth whitening trays which allows you to do both procedures simultaneously.

When You Want the Top of the Line Smile Makeover

There is a procedure which can change just about anything you want with your smile. Porcelain veneers are what give you a “celebrity smile”. They can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth all at once. You will need an excellent cosmetic dentist for this. It can’t be done by your average family dentist.

Check out their smile galleries, to see what type of results they have gotten in other cases they’ve done. This has a higher price tag, but when done well, the results are absolutely stunning.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.