Why denture choices must be made on an individual needs basis
Imagine this: you walk into a huge fashion store. You can buy anything you want; the choices are limitless. But despite the vast selection on offer, not everything you try on suits you. Well, the same applies to your dentures. It may not be fashion that floats your boat, it could be anything: a fishing rod, a watch, or even a car. You do the research and then make an informed decision on your denture choice.
The process for choosing dentures is no different, except you have a professional prosthetist in your corner, to help make the right choice for you.
Despite the wide selection of dentures on offer, not every option is the right one for every individual. Here’s why: we are all unique. We each bring different oral needs to the process of choosing the right dentures for us.
So, what factors must be considered to ensure the right choice?
Well, the first is our health which impacts our choices
If you have a healthy body, then there is a good chance your mouth will be healthy too. Good nutrition, attention to maintaining good oral health and regular professional oral care gives patients a better range of choices when it comes to dentures.
For those taking prescription medicines like blood pressure tablets, cholesterol-lowering tablets and anti-depressants, dry mouth (xerostomia) can be a result. Similarly, those having chemotherapy and radiation treatment for head and neck cancer will also experience the discomfort that comes with xerostomia.
Our prosthetist can advise on appropriate cleaning regimes to manage this problem and so avoid unpleasant side-effects like bad breath and poor hygiene leading to illness.
Secondly, age is a consideration
As we age changes take place, not just in our bodies but also in our mouths. Gums begin to recede, lips droop lower, faces begin to sag. Dentures that fitted perfectly years ago may no longer be as snug.
We may smoke, or enjoy a glass or two of wine, or a frequent cup of tea. These factors contribute to reduced saliva flow and this has consequences for our oral health. It may lead to tooth loss and the need for dentures if you don’t have them already.
Your prosthetist is familiar with these factors and will assist you with the best care and advice for your individual needs.
Thirdly, there is the question of what you can afford
What price would you put on your health? Yes, it’s true that oral health has a direct bearing on your overall health. “Research has shown that periodontal disease is associated with several other diseases. For a long time, it was thought that bacteria were the factor that linked periodontal disease to other disease in the body; however, more recent research demonstrates that inflammation may be responsible for the association. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions, including heart disease, diabetes” (ref), and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Are you beginning to see how crucial it is to have a healthy mouth? And that means not putting up with broken or missing teeth which may be causing inflammation. It means avoiding the premature aging that occurs when the facial structure is not properly supported by a denture in the absence of those teeth. It also means maintaining your overall oral health.
“That’s all very well,” I hear you say, “but these things cost money.” And of course, they do.
But, the cost of new dentures doesn’t have to be a burden. You can have a full set of dentures for as little as $1900.00 without compromising the quality of product or service. Partial dentures cost even less.
We understand the financial pressures of today’s economic climate which is why we offer our patients the option of a payment plan from as little as $25 a week.
Lastly, your aesthetic expectations are a factor
Are your expectations realistic? Do they take into consideration the other factors listed above?
As a highly trained professional, our prosthetist is the best person to help you sort through all the factors affecting your choice of denture. He can advise on the technical aspects of your specific needs. His extensive knowledge of how the mouth and face respond to a new denture will help allay any concerns you may have about whether you are making the right choice – whether it will look and feel ‘right’.
Making sure you have the very best denture for you can be a daunting prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. Let our prosthetist take the stress out of it for you. Let’s work together to enhance the uniqueness of you.
