Are You a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Assessing Your Eligibility for Dentures
Dentures are a popular solution for individuals who have lost teeth. However, before getting dentures, your dentist will help determine whether they’re the right option. The decision to get dentures is a personal one that requires careful consideration of your specific needs and circumstances.
Before receiving dentures, our Davie, FL dentist will assess your oral health and review your medical history to determine whether dentures are the best solution for you. Call (954) 434-3331 to learn more.
Dentures Candidacy 
Dentures can be an excellent option for individuals missing teeth, but not everyone is a good candidate for this type of dental appliance. Several factors can affect a person’s candidacy for dentures, including:
- Number of Missing Teeth: Dentures can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, but the extent of tooth loss may affect the type of denture recommended. For example, partial dentures are typically used when only a few teeth are missing, while full dentures are used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
- Jawbone Density: Good candidates for dentures typically have healthy gums and enough jawbone density to support the denture. If you have bone loss, you may require other treatments before receiving dentures.
- Good Oral Health: Patients should be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene practices and attending regular dental checkups with their dentist to ensure the longevity of their dentures.
- Gum disease: Patients with gum disease may require treatment before getting dentures. The dentist will evaluate the extent of the gum disease to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate.
- Expectations and Goals: Patients should have realistic expectations about what dentures can and cannot do. For example, dentures can improve the appearance of the smile and help with basic functions like chewing and speaking, but they may not feel or function exactly like natural teeth.
Cost can also be a factor in determining candidacy for dentures, as they can be a significant investment. However, many dental insurance plans do cover a portion of the cost of dentures, making them a more accessible option for some individuals.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if dentures are a suitable option for you is to consult with your dentist to evaluate your oral health and discuss your treatment options. They can also provide guidance on how to maintain and care for your dentures to ensure they last as long as possible.
Denture Alternatives
If dentures aren’t right for you, your dentist may recommend any of these alternatives:
- Dental implants: Implants are small titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone to provide a stable base for a replacement tooth or teeth. Dental implants are a popular alternative to dentures as they look and function like natural teeth and can last for years.
- Dental bridges: Bridges are artificial teeth anchored in place by neighboring teeth. They’re a good option for patients who are missing one or more teeth in a row but still have some natural teeth remaining. Dental bridges are less invasive than implants but may not last as long.
- Removable partial dentures: Partial dentures are similar to full dentures but are used to replace a smaller number of missing teeth. They’re typically made of a combination of metal and acrylic and are removable for cleaning and maintenance.
- Flipper: A flipper is a removable partial denture used as a temporary tooth replacement. It’s usually made of acrylic and is less expensive than other options, but it’s not a long-term solution.
- Resin-bonded bridges: Also known as Maryland bridges, these are a conservative option for patients who are missing one or two front teeth. The bridge is made of a porcelain tooth with metal wings bonded to the adjacent teeth. This option is less invasive than implants or traditional bridges but may not be as long-lasting.
Dental implants