Local Elgin, IL Denture Care - Valplast Partial Denture

The Art of Good Replacement Teeth

Some affordable dentures - sort of "ready to wear" - are stamped out of denture material, and resemble not so much real teeth as the surface of your bathtub.

False teeth that look and work best are more complicated. There are a hundred clinical and esthetic choices - about material, light, color - to achieve the most natural look and function. And every individual has different requirements.

How does a denturist decide just how to construct your prosthodontics? How do they know what tooth "size" you wear?

Some of the considerations:

Base material. Some bases absorb more moisture, which can affect the fit. Color should range from coral near teeth to pinkish near the base.

Tooth shape, length, edge. Depending on age - and even gender - there are differences in the shape and color of teeth. Generally, the front teeth are lighter than the cuspids next door. Some dentists work from photographs or your old denture to construct the nearest thing to your natural dentition.

Texture. Rather than smooth as glass, replacement teeth should have some texture on the surface, especially "uppers," to work properly when you eat and speak. How much texture is yet another factor in the fit?

Good false teeth are a labor of love. Then again, most dentists believe that good denture care is both a science and an art.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Dental Health and Caring for Seniors

Seniors are the fastest-growing age group in the U.S., in part because medical advances and preventive care are extending life and the quality of it. As the baby boomer generation ages, the senior population is swelling, along with their interest in maintaining healthy bodies and lifestyles. Good dental health is important to overall health and seniors must stay on top of their dental care. It is now possible to keep natural teeth and good dental hygiene plays a vital role.

Dental Decay and Gum Disease

Talk to your dentist about the proper care of your teeth and dental health. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly are the most important steps you can take to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If age is causing your gums to recede, clean your teeth thoroughly, but be careful not to irritate or tear the gums. A receding gum line may also expose sensitive portions of teeth; careful brushing is important, as are toothpastes that offer sensitivity protection. If you have difficulty using a toothbrush or floss because arthritis or a stroke has impaired your agility, ask your dentist to recommend commercial products that will make the tasks easier. Bleeding or sensitive gums, constant bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth are all symptoms of gum disease, which can hasten tooth loss. If you spot these symptoms, talk with your dentist about them before they cause pain and deterioration.

Watch Your Mouth!

After a lifetime of chewing and biting, many seniors have dentures, bridges, crowns, and, of course, their fair share of fillings. Over time, even the best dental hardware can wear out. If you feel changes in your mouth, particularly when you are eating, brushing, or flossing, bring them to your dentist's attention. You may take medications or have a medical condition that results in dry mouth. Saliva production is important to good dental health: it keeps the mouth moist, washes away food particles, and protects against decay from plaque. Enlist the help of your dentist, and ask about artificial saliva products.

Maintaining Your Investment In Dentistry

Don't stop caring for your teeth and mouth at this stage of the game! Keeping your teeth healthy means greater comfort and enjoyment as you eat, laugh, and speak. Good preventive care will give you something to really smile about and help to maintain your dental health!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.