Table of Contents

• What are Dental Prosthetics? 
• What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Prosthetics? 
• Factors to Consider Before Taking the Next Step
• Which Dental Prosthetic is Right for You? 
• How to Care for Your New Dental Prosthetics
• Let Hendersonville Family Dental Transform Your Smile
•  

When you’re experiencing insecurity about your smile, it can take a major toll on your day-to-day life. If you’ve been dealing with this insecurity for quite some time, you may consider investing in dental prosthetics. But you may also worry that you’re not in the best position to begin this process.

While not everyone is a good candidate for dental prosthetics, becoming one is within reach. With the right plan and the support of an expert dental team, reaching your smile goals is easier than you think. If you want to learn more about whether you’re a good candidate for dental prosthetics, keep reading. 

What are Dental Prosthetics? 

Dental prosthetics are semi-permanent and permanent solutions to help you deal with lost, damaged, or fragile teeth. They are a great option for anyone who wants to improve the appearance and function of their smile. Whether you’ve dealt with teeth that crack and break easily or want to address aesthetic changes from lost teeth, they’re a great way to improve your smile. Some of the most common dental prosthetics include:

• Dental Implants
• Bridges
• Crowns
• Dentures
• Veneers

What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Prosthetics? 

While you might believe dental prosthetics are the right choice for you, not everyone is a good candidate for these devices. If you are considering investing in one of these devices, your dental team will make sure you meet the proper criteria:

• Good Oral Hygiene: The first step to becoming a good candidate for prosthetics is a good oral hygiene routine. If you don’t brush twice daily and floss, you may not be able to support a prosthetic long-term. 
• Healthy Gums: Your gums play a vital role in supporting any dental prosthetics. If you are dealing with gingivitis or periodontal disease, you’ll need to improve your gum health before you can move forward with this process.
• Good Bone Density: If you’re considering a prosthetic like dental implants, you need plenty of bone to support the device. You may want to discuss a bone graft with your dental team if you’re considering implants. 
• No Underlying Conditions: In addition to your oral health, other health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, must be under control before your dental team will consider allowing you to receive prosthetics, as they may compromise healing. 
• A Non-Smoking Lifestyle: Using tobacco products regularly may be the biggest obstacle standing between you and prosthetics. These products slow healing, which can lead to major complications if you continue using them after the procedure. 

If you aren’t currently a good candidate for prosthetics, this doesn’t mean you can’t become one. Make sure to follow your dental team’s advice closely, and with regular exams and comprehensive at-home care, you can trust that you’re on the road to achieving the smile of your dreams. 

Factors to Consider Before Taking the Next Step

Several factors stand between a patient and their new dental prosthetic, including lifestyle and aesthetics. But one of the biggest factors is finances. Dental prosthetics can be an incredibly costly investment, and not everyone can afford them. While your insurance may provide some coverage, many plans don’t cover the entire cost of the device.

This lack of coverage means that some patients may end up spending thousands of dollars out of pocket for their new prosthetic. Because of this price, this isn’t the kind of decision you should make on a whim. You should consider whether you can justifiably afford your new implants, dentures, crowns, or bridge.

If financing is the biggest obstacle standing between you and your dream smile, don’t hesitate to talk to your trusted dental team. Many dental offices offer financing plans to help you turn your dream smile into reality without overwhelming your budget all at once. With these payment plans, you may be closer to reaching your smile goals than you realize. 

Which Dental Prosthetic is Right for You? 

Not all prosthetics are created equal, and you may be a better candidate for one than another. Your dental team will assess your current oral health and help you find a prosthetic that best fits your lifestyle, oral health condition, and goals.

• Dentures: This prosthetic is one of the lower-cost options, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to improve their smile without breaking their budget. They are also great for individuals with low bone density who cannot support implants. 
• Dental Bridge: Much like dentures, dental bridges are a great option for patients on a budget. If you are only missing a few teeth, but don’t have enough bone density for implants, a dental bridge is right for you. 
• Veneers: If you’re dealing with persistent discoloration, fragile teeth, or minor gaps and misalignments, but otherwise have good oral health, veneers are a great way to improve the appearance of your smile. 
• Implants: Dental implants are a more expensive prosthetic option, but are by far the most reliable. As long as you have good oral health and sufficient bone density, this prosthetic is a great option for improving your smile. 

How to Care for Your New Dental Prosthetics

Much like caring for your natural teeth, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene after getting dental prosthetics. Make sure to brush twice daily and floss at least once a day to remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Additionally, consider limiting your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages to protect the prosthetic. 

You may notice changes to your speech immediately after getting your prosthetic. This is a normal part of the transition. Consider practicing speaking by reading aloud to reduce temporary lisps and adjust to the new prosthetic. Finally, make sure to attend regular dental exams to ensure you’re recovering adequately from your recent dental procedure.

Let Hendersonville Family Dental Transform Your Smile

When you turn to our team at Hendersonville Family Dental for support, you can trust that we’re ready to help you transform your smile. Whether you’ve spent years dealing with fragile teeth, want to boost the appearance of your smile, or have recently experienced tooth loss, we have your back. With our expert support, you can trust that you’ll have the best dental prosthetics and a brand new smile you’ll love.

If you would like to learn more about dental prosthetics or schedule an appointment, contact our team today.