Affordable Dentures in Ocala
VIPcare Dental is the top destination for dentures in Ocala. Whether you’re interested in getting your first set of dentures or repairing your existing dentures, we can offer you affordable prices and unparalleled expertise.
Tooth loss makes it more difficult to eat and talk. Also, many people don’t like the appearance of their missing teeth. Even when your mouth is closed, missing teeth can change the shape of your lips and cheeks.
With dentures, those with missing teeth will be able to better enjoy their meals and conversations, and they can have a full smile again.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are devices used to replace natural teeth.
There are several types of dentures, including:
- Upper dentures which replace teeth on the maxillary arch (upper jaw).
- Lower dentures which replace teeth on the mandibular arch (lower jaw).
- Complete dentures which replace all the teeth on an arch.
- Partial dentures replace some teeth on an arch.
- Removable dentures can be taken out of the mouth.
- Fixed dentures can’t be taken out of the mouth. They require the installation of dental implants, which are metal posts that are attached to the jaw through the gums. Then, prosthetic teeth are attached to the implants.
Dentures can be made from different materials. Most dentures are made from acrylic because acrylic is malleable and can be dyed to replicate the appearance of gums.
The issue with acrylic dentures, though, is that they are brittle and susceptible to fracturing.
Nylon-based flexible dentures are an alternative to acrylic dentures. They’re more durable, and they look and feel more natural. Another advantage is that, unlike acrylic dentures, they cling to the gums without the help of adhesive or clasps. The drawback is that flexible dentures cost more than acrylic dentures.
Payment options
At VIPcare Dental you don’t have to think about what payment options are accepted. We accept cash, check, all major credit and debit cards. We work with a wide range of Insurance Policies. Please check here for the complete list.
Causes of Tooth Loss
The most common cause of tooth loss is a dental disease. Food debris sticks to teeth and hardens into plaque, which promotes bacterial growth.
Bacteria break down tooth enamel and create cavities. Cavities then develop into worse complications if left untreated. A tooth may become so damaged that it needs to be removed.
Bacteria also leads to gum disease. This can cause tooth loss as well, as it damages the connective tissue that holds the teeth in the gums.
People over the age of 65 are at high risk of dental disease and tooth loss. One reason for this is because gums naturally recede as people get older, which exposes more tooth surface to bacteria. Another reason is that saliva helps clear out food debris before it becomes plaque, and many people over the age of 65 take medication that has the side effect of drying out the mouth.
There are many people who find themselves living with dentures at a young age, too. While regular brushing and flossing protect against bacteria growth, dental diseases can’t always be prevented with rigorous oral hygiene.
Dentinogenesis imperfecta and other genetic diseases cause people to have weak teeth from birth, and blunt force trauma can cause people to lose teeth at any age.
Finally, pregnancy can lead to tooth loss. Women often experience morning sickness in the first trimester of pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones weaken the muscles that keep food in the stomach. This causes vomiting, which coats the teeth in acid, destroys the enamel, and creates cavities.
Adjusting to Dentures
Dentures are an effective replacement for missing teeth, but they’re still not the same as natural teeth.
Your brain isn’t wired to accept objects other than food being in the mouth for long periods of time. At first, your brain will treat your dentures like food, and you can expect to salivate heavily. The salivating should stop within 48 hours.
It will take some time for the muscles in your mouth to adjust to dentures. You need to train your tongue, lips, and cheeks to help you hold your dentures in place. If you have acrylic dentures, ask your dentist to recommend an adhesive product – you might need to experiment with multiple products to find the one that works best for you.
You may experience soreness in your first few days with dentures. It helps to take your dentures out every 4 hours to give your gums a rest. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water is another way to alleviate the soreness.
You’ll need to practice eating and talking with dentures. At first, start slow. Stick to soft foods, such as applesauce, oatmeal, or mashed potatoes, and work yourself up to crunchy foods like cereal, raw vegetables, and nuts. To learn how to talk with dentures, try singing along to your favorite songs until you get the hang of it.
After 30 days, you should be used to eating and talking with dentures. If you’re still having trouble, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Maintaining Dentures
You need to take care of your dentures in order to keep them fitting properly and looking good.
Just like with natural teeth, food debris will harden into plaque on dentures if it is not removed. You’ll also need to keep your dentures clean to avoid bad breath.
You should brush your dentures daily, but you must be gentler than you would be with natural teeth. Regular toothbrushes and toothpaste aren’t meant to be used on dentures.
Instead, use a brush and cleanser that’s specifically designed for dentures. Don’t brush too hard, or else you might cause damage.
When you’re brushing your dentures, be sure to do so over a towel, rather than a hard surface like a sink or counter. That way, if you drop your dentures while you’re brushing them, they’ll be less likely to break.
Removable dentures should be taken out and rinsed off after every meal. They should also be taken out every night before you go to bed and soaked in water or a denture solution. This gives your gums a break, and it prevents your dentures from drying out.
Remember to use cold water. Hot water will warp your dentures. And if your dentures have any metal parts, don’t use any solution that lists chlorine as an ingredient, as this can cause tarnishing.
The shape of your gums will change over time and eventually ruin the fit of your dentures. Loose dentures are more than just uncomfortable – they’re a hazard to your health because they can create sores that become infected. Treating an infection might require antibiotics or even hospitalization.
If your dentures start to slip, consult a dental professional as soon as possible. They can reline your dentures to make them fit like new.
Even if you’re not having any problems with your dentures, you should schedule appointments with your dentist regularly. They can clean your dentures professionally, and they’ll examine your mouth to ensure that your dentures aren’t causing any health problems.