Very few individuals, if any, have ever made the statement “I can’t wait for the day when I start wearing dentures.” But unfortunately, there are a number of you who are reading this content right now, and know that you will eventually need them. The need for dentures is attributed to tooth loss, a condition that typically affects individuals as they age, but can also affect younger adults as well. There are a number of reasons why some individuals suffer with this, including diet, genetics, and poor oral hygiene. If you have discolored and broken teeth, or are losing the teeth to old age and disease, you can get a partial or full denture, depending upon your requirement.

The Effects of Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can lead to a number of physical and psychological issues such as infected gums, poor self-confidence and self-esteem, and speech impairments. While some people will need to have all their teeth pulled and be fitted for a full set (upper and lower) of dentures, in the St. Louis area, others may need fewer pulled. For these individuals, partial dentures are the right option. Consequently most dentists will recommend trying to save as many of your natural teeth as possible. However, in many cases, it is impossible and that is why it becomes essential to get dentures painlessly. Not only are these more cost effective than dental implants, but they can be removed at will, making it comfortable when you sleep. In any case, Dr. Eric J. Aubert can provide full or partial dentures that will meet your specific needs.

Basic Types of Dentures

The two most common types of dentures that we fit patients with at Forest Park Dental are full sets, comprised of an upper and lower set of teeth, or partials. Of the two types, full dentures are the best option for those individuals who have lost all their teeth. The fitting process begins when we take impressions of your lower and upper jaw, so that they can be manufactured to fit your gums and jawline perfectly.

Signs Indicating the Need for Dentures

Although some patients have told us that they feel they have practiced good dental hygiene, we oftentimes find that they are potential candidates for getting full sets of dentures or partial dentures fitted and made in St. Louis. It is difficult to determine whether or not you are a candidate for these dental prosthetics, which is why you can rely on Dr. Eric J. Aubert and his many years of experience in dentistry.

One of the areas that he specializes in is dentures. He can easily determine this with an exam and an evaluation of your gums and teeth. The following is a list of warning signs that may indicate the need for dentures in your future:

• you are having a difficult time trying to eat chewy or hard foods
• you are too ashamed or embarrassed to smile
• you don’t see your dentist every 6 months
• you have already lost some of your teeth
• you have toothaches fairly regularly
• you often have bouts with indigestion
• your gums are bleeding, inflamed, swollen, and tender
• your teeth have gaps in between them that are wider than what is considered normal
• your teeth have loosened or are shifting

Dentures that are fitted properly will enable you to showcase your smile again. So if you’re looking for an ideal way to affordably restore your smile without complex surgery, you should consider full or partial dentures.

Naturally, there will be an adjustment period after you are fitted with your full set of dentures or your partial dentures, in St. Louis, and you will be restricted from consuming certain beverages and foods. However, you should be able to add more to your diet over time. If you have reached a point in your life where you are considering getting fitted for dentures, Dr. Eric J. Aubert and Forest Park Dental are here to assist you in the decision-making process. For more information regarding this, please contact our office today.