Northville, MI Tooth Implant Surgery Near You

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.

FAQs - Dental Information For Seniors

Q. Why do teeth seem to darken as people age?

A. Teeth may seem darker because plaque can build up faster and in larger amounts as one ages. Changes in dentin can cause teeth to appear a little darker as well.

Q. Why do some seniors lose their sense of taste?

A. Seniors tend to lose their sense of taste because age decreases the sense of taste and smell. Certain diseases, medications, and dentures also can contribute to a decreased sense of taste.

Q. Should seniors be worried about cavities?

A. Yes. The majority of seniors have tooth-root decay and are more susceptible to cavities.

Q. What is root decay?

A. Over time, tooth enamel can wear away in the crowns of teeth and around the tooth roots. Receding gums expose the roots, making them more prone to decay.

Q. What makes seniors more cavity-prone?

A. Seniors are more prone to root decay and gum recession. Additionally, many seniors have "dry mouth" (caused from medications or medical conditions), which increases the risk of cavities. Some also may have difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene due to physical limitations.

+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.