Types of Dental Crowns

What are dental crowns made of? Dental crowns can be fabricated from a variety of materials, which vary in appearance and strength. 

Porcelain-based ceramic is popular because it looks like natural teeth, but this material’s weakness lies in its ability to withstand wear and tear with dentures or other prostheses being inserted. 

Gold alloys have an advantage over porcelain due to their metal properties that offer increased durability against scratches as well as corrosion resistance for the longevity of your restoration. 

But what about allergies? This factor should always come into consideration when considering gold alloy restorations since reactions may occur even after many years if you’ve developed sensitivities during treatment such as gum swelling or tooth discoloration; so talk with your dentist.

What Affects The Lifespan Of A Crown?

You might be surprised to learn that even brushing your teeth can damage the dental work on crowns. That’s why it is important for you, as a patient who has received this treatment, to take note of some things to protect your investment and keep yourself healthy.

Bad Habits

More than just a way to get through the day, grinding or clenching your teeth can cause serious damage. 

A night guard is an excellent preventive measure for protecting you and all of your other teeth from these unthinkable consequences. Prevent any future problems by avoiding ice and hard food items as much as possible.

Oral Hygiene

Neglecting your dental hygiene is one way that could lead to the early loss of that expensive smile enhancement.

All of your teeth need proper care and decay can develop in the natural tooth structure below the crown. This leaves you at risk for future infections, root canal treatments, dentures, etc.

Materials Used

When it comes to dental crowns, metal is a better option than porcelain or ceramic. Porcelain is more commonly used for aesthetic purposes on anterior teeth, especially in front of the mouth where people can easily see them.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last? 

Dental crowns can last for many years, but they are not designed to be permanent. With proper care, you should expect dental patients to need a replacement within 10-20 years. One study found that more than 90% of teeth with restorations lasted five or fewer years without requiring treatment and 50%-80% lasting 15 – 20+ years before needing replacements.

Katy Dental Experts is your go-to for all of your dental needs. Whether you need something as simple as a routine cleaning or are experiencing problems with any crowns, we’ll be able to get it taken care of quickly and affordably! To book an appointment today, give us a call at (832) 321-5799.

What Causes Oral Thrush?

Thrush can be triggered by a variety of factors, including existing medical conditions and poor oral health – so make sure you’re brushing twice daily to prevent this from happening.

Antibiotics

The effectiveness of antibiotics has the potential to do more harm than good. This is due in large part because these drugs kill off not only harmful bacteria but also some harmless ones as well. What’s worse? Your body becomes weaker and vulnerable after taking them!

Even though they are effective at fighting an illness like a bacterial infection, people who take antibiotics risk developing thrush symptoms that come from weakened immune systems creating a perfect environment for Candida fungus to thrive.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a common condition that may stem from insufficient saliva production. This increases the risk of oral thrush, which can lead to bacterial infection and inflammation of soft tissues around the throat or tongue.

Poor Oral Hygiene

If you use the same toothbrush for years, the fungus could build up and lead to oral thrush. It is recommended that one should change their toothbrushes or brush tips every three months at least to keep bacteria from spreading too far into your mouth.

Pregnancy and Yeast Infections

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing oral candidiasis. This is due to extreme changes in hormones. If she has an infection with yeast while giving birth, the same can happen during labor for her baby as well!

Uncontrolled Diabetes

Diabetics who neglect to monitor their blood sugar are at a greater risk of developing yeast infections, but that is easily avoidable. By simply eating carefully and checking your glucose levels on an hourly basis you can prevent this from happening.

How to Prevent Oral Thrush?

The best way to prevent thrush is by practicing good oral hygiene. Children and adults should brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, visit the dentist every six months for teeth cleanings, or use mouthwash on an as-needed basis. Eating unsweetened yogurt can also help reduce symptoms of candida infections if taken daily.

Thrush is a common infection that can be resolved easily with the right treatment from a reputable dental clinic. If you’re experiencing symptoms, call your dentist before it gets worse and becomes more serious!

This condition typically resolves within two weeks but in rare cases might take up to 2 months (severe cases). Call Katy Dental Experts today at (832) 321-5799 so we can help make sure this doesn’t become an issue!

Crown is Old

Crowns typically last between 10 to 12 years before the material begins breaking down. This is a normal occurrence and can be fixed during your next visit with our friendly dentist who will examine it for any damage or areas that need repair. 

If there are only minor damages, they may simply re-cement them in place – but if you’re experiencing larger issues like chipping of some teeth or fractures on the edge then we’ll likely recommend installing an entirely new crown.

Tooth Decay

In some cases, a loose crown could be due to tooth decay. If someone has poor oral hygiene and food particles accumulate under the crown or on the root surface of their teeth, they can experience sensitivity discomfort from time to time as well as chronic pain. 

Luckily for them, it is an easy fix that ends up being more advantageous than painful because if left unchecked cavities grow larger over time which leads to much bigger problems in your mouth such as infection!

Poorly Fitted Crown

Dental cement is not the only thing that holds a crown in place. It can be knocked loose if it was incorrectly placed and/or even just nudged out of position while cementing sets around it. 

You will know your crown has become loose when you notice something different about how your tooth feels after being examined by an oral surgeon, such as more pain or itching than normal for up to two weeks following a visit to the dental office.

Damaged Crown

It’s not just the mouth that can be affected by injury. It is possible to lose teeth because of a car accident, for instance. 

One way this happens is when loose dental restorations like crowns are knocked off after an incident and there wasn’t the time or access to have them reattached before they fell out

Consuming Too Many Sticky Food

Refrain from eating any type of sugary gums or candies as they are known to weaken tooth enamel while at work or school where there is an increased likelihood that someone might bump into our teeth with their objects such as pens and pencils causing potential damage.

Can a Loose Crown Be Repaired?

Depending on the severity of damages to your tooth, a loose dental crown can be repaired relatively quickly by your dentist. 

Once they have examined and determined that you require such repairs, they will begin with repairing or re-cementing any lost cement to ensure it stays securely fastened for long-term use.

This process may take anywhere from one visit up to ten visits depending on the extent of damage done. Call us today at (832) 321-5799 to book an appointment with our licensed dentist.

Avoid Highly Processed Foods and Beverages

Fermentable carbohydrates can form harmful and dangerous acids on your teeth. When combined with bacteria, those acids will start to break down the enamel. This starts “demineralizing” your enamel by eating away at natural minerals that are produced in it over time.

Highly processed foods like breakfast cereals and crackers should be avoided because they have high levels of fermentable which cause these types of acid reactions in our mouths that fight tooth decay or cavities from happening around us.

Brush and Floss Correctly

After a long day of work, you want to spend as little time in your bathroom brushing and flossing. However, this is the most important step for maintaining oral health!

So instead of spending hours, every night on teeth care tasks that could be completed much quicker with some practice–check out our article today about quick tricks that will make it easier than ever before. 

Avoid Over-Brushing

You should not eat anything for up to an hour after brushing your teeth. If you do, the food might damage enamel and make it easier on toothbrush bristles that can scrape against them too hard. 

You could also wear down this protective layer of natural minerals by scrubbing with a brush at a 45-degree angle or more quickly than is appropriate if you want to keep healthy teeth intact!

Remineralize your Diet

Choosing an appropriate meal plan for good dental health sounds like it should be complicated, but in reality, there are some safe options you can choose from when considering what types of foods will protect against weakened tooth enamel.

For instance, our ancestors who lived over 10 thousand years ago show very few signs of damage to their teeth despite having consumed food that was far coarser and grainier than anything most modern people consume these days; this means that sourcing high-quality nutrients such as calcium-rich vegetables or certain minerals containing iron may provide protection.

Avoid Grinding Your Teeth

Some people grind their teeth together, especially at night. Over time it can wear down the enamel on your teeth! Talk to your dentist if you’re worried about this habit – they might have an affordable solution for protecting those pearly whites with a custom-fitted mouthguard that will work just perfect for you and what’s going on in your dental life!

Get Regular Check-Ups

To avoid tooth decay and gum disease, see your dentist every six months for a checkup. They will be able to spot warning signs of trouble such as cavities or teeth grinding before they do too much damage! 

If you’re looking for the best dentist in Katy, Texas, look no further than Katy Dental Experts. Call us today at (832) 321-5799 to book an appointment with one of our dentists.

How Much do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

The prices of porcelain veneers can vary greatly depending on what the dentist deems appropriate for their patients. The price ranges from $800 to upwards of $3,000 and that is mostly due to some cosmetic dentists having trendy clientele living in popular areas or catering more towards specific needs such as a discounted rate if you are getting several different treatments at once.

Two important factors to consider when looking into porcelain veneers are the number of teeth being covered, and what material you’re using. Porcelain veneer prices vary depending on these two input components. 

Porcelain veneers are a subtle way to make the most of your smile. Without drastically changing how you look, they can be used for things like restoring chipped teeth and improving symmetry between upper and lower sets. 

As one of the first features people notice about someone else’s face, it impacts nearly everything in life from career opportunities to being trusted more by others–which is why these costs may seem worthwhile at first glance but could wind up costing you much more than anticipated if not done properly.

Are Veneers Still Expensive Even with Insurance?

Porcelain veneers are not really expensive when compared to other dental procedures, but a lot of patients have the misconception that they’re cheaper. Most people with dental insurance can get their teeth repaired for much less than the full price because most providers cover part or all of each procedure. 

Porcelain veneers are usually considered cosmetic treatments by those who perform them so it’s understandable how many find them pricey even though there is typically significant coverage from your provider if you have an accident or need treatment done on time before something major happens like losing some tooth structure to avoid more costly and invasive work down the line.

Ways to Save Money on Veneers

Saving money can be challenging when it comes to improving one’s oral health and appearance. However, fortunately for those of us who live on tighter budgets, there is an easy solution: porcelain veneers! 

Not only do these beautifying devices offer significant savings over other options like cosmetic surgery or tooth implants but they also provide patients relief from constant dental problems such as pain or sensitivity caused by worn-out enamel while still looking good without taking up too much time- something doctors say everyone needs more of nowadays. 

When you’re looking for a dentist in the Katy area, choose one that provides competitive prices and convenience. With Katy Dental Experts, veneers won’t be as expensive as they may seem to you or what your friends tell you. 

The results are worth it! We have talented dental professionals who can install porcelain veneers that will look natural while improving the appearance of your teeth on top of making them more aesthetically pleasing with their near-perfect color match and smooth surface feel. 

Call us today at (832) 321-5799 to schedule an appointment so we can help make all those childhood dreams come true by giving back self-confidence through a beautiful smile!

Types of Dental Veneers

Currently, there are two types of veneers, namely:

• • • Composite Veneers

Composite dental veneers near you are manufactured in the dental office and applied right away, directly to the teeth. You only need one appointment to complete composite veneers’ application; then you can start to use your teeth.

• • • Porcelain Veneers

They serve a similar purpose with composite veneers, but porcelain veneers are manufactured in the laboratory. You will require two appointments, one to prepare the tooth being treated and taking the impression of the existing teeth, and the other to cement the veneers into place.

• • • Other types

Other types include no-prep dental veneers that don’t require any tooth preparation on which the veneers are being placed. No-prep veneers have options such as Lumineers ad Vivaneeres. These options take less time, and the application is less invasive.

Traditional veneers require some part of the tooth to be ground down to create enough room for the coming device. With non-prep veneers, only minimal tooth preparation is needed and only involves the tooth enamel. This is unlike traditional veneers where layers of the tooth, even below the enamel have to be ground out.

Preparation before the procedure.

Before getting your dental veneers near 77450, there will be a preliminary appointment with your Katy Dental Experts orthodontist to discuss on that options best suit you. You will also determine the number of veneers to be put. In other cases, if your teeth are so crooked or misshapen, the dentist can issue braces before using the veneers.

At this stage, x-rays may be taken to evaluate any signs of oral diseases and dental decay, or if you might need root canal therapy. If you have any gum condition or decay, then you are not an eligible candidate for veneers.

During the next appointment, ½ of a millimetre is trimmed from your enamel using a special grinding tool. Afterwards, a mould is taken and sent to the lab for creation of your veneers.

During the Procedure

Application of dental veneers in Katy, TX, takes about a week or two after the mold has been made.

Once your veneers are ready, you schedule an appointment with your dentist for placement. Here, the dentist will determine how well they fit, their shape and colour, to make sure they are the perfect fit for you.

Before placement, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth to fend off bacteria from being trapped under the veneer, which can cause decay. Next, the dentist uses a grinding tool to roughen each tooth where the veneer will hold.

After the roughening, it’s time to cement the veneer onto your teeth. A dental adhesive/cement is used to stick your newly acquired veneers on your teeth; then an ultraviolet light used to harden the cement into place. After this, you can leave the office and go with your perfect smile.

The second appointment of placing the veneers doesn’t take more than two hours. You might need an extra thirty if your dentist uses a local anaesthetic.

Caring for Your Veneers

The recovery process doesn’t take a lot of time compared to other dental procedures. Once the anaesthetic fades off, and the cement is hardened, you can chew food as usual.

In some cases, there is a feeling of roughness after the veneer is applied. These rough spots result for the extra dental cement. This should fade off in several days of eating and regular brushing or smoothed out by your dentist.

Taking care of your veneers can ensure the longest lifespan. Take the precautions below:

• • • Avoid chewing on hard objects like plastics, ice and fingernails
    • Never open packaging materials using your veneered teeth
    • Use only back teeth to chew harder food. Don’t stress the front teeth
    • Use a retainer at night if you clench your teeth
    • Always wear a mouthguard when playing sports

Why Must You Consider Visiting a General Dentistry Practice for Routine Matters?

General dentists receive the same education and training as all other dental professionals. The so-called specialists offering various treatments also qualify initially as general dentists. However, the specialists prefer to get additional training and qualifications, spending another two to three years in a residency program to be eligible as pediatric dentists, orthodontists, Endodontists, and periodontists.

Professionals working in general dentistry in 77450 begin practicing immediately after completing dental school. It is no way to indicate they are less qualified to treat routine matters and are the professionals you must visit for most dental care needs.

You may consider receiving all dental treatments from specialists because they have acquired additional training. However, it will help if you understood most specialists are concentrating in the field they have qualified and have little or no time at their disposal to treat minor issues like dental cleanings and exams. Under the circumstances, it will be better for you to contact general dentistry professional for your routine care needs instead of searching for specialists.

What Kind of Treatments Are Provided by General Dentistry?

First of all, you will benefit by understanding general dentistry in Katy, TX, and the dental professionals at the facility treat patients of all ages, including children and elderly members. These professionals are aware it is essential to keep your teeth clean and healthy to ensure overall well-being.

You can schedule an appointment with general dentistry near you for routine exams and cleanings confidentially. The facility has arrangements for taking x-rays besides all equipment or tools necessary to ensure they detect and resolve any potential dental issues in your mouth before they assume critical proportions.

If you are affected by tooth decay and are fearful of cavities, the general dentist can detect the issues during a dental exam by looking at the plaque buildup on your teeth. If tooth decay has already eroded your enamel to cause cavities, the dentist recommends prompt treatment with fillings and accomplishes the procedure in the dental facility within the hour. They also recommend brushing and flossing regularly to ensure plaque buildup is removed before it hardens into tartar.

Routine cleanings and exams are not the only procedure performed by general dentistry. The professionals are qualified to perform oral cancer screenings, identify signs of teeth clenching and grinding, sleep apnea issues, and even offer treatments for temporomandibular joint disorders. Therefore you mustn’t overlook the qualities of general dentistry because the professionals providing the treatments offer you the convenience of receiving dental care in your vicinity without concerns.

You may have an elderly member in your family needing repairs to dentures or your spouse needing some cosmetic enhancements to their teeth. You may consider researching different specialists to get the treatments they need. However, contact general dentistry in Katy. You may receive the treatments your family members want at the facility, or you will receive referrals to reputable clinics providing denture repair services or cosmetic enhancements.

General dentistry services are facilities that provide all kinds of treatments to everyone. If your child needs orthodontic treatments, a general dentist can evaluate the child’s needs and then refer them to an orthodontist who provides appropriate treatment. General dentistry services should be your first point of contact for any dental needs, regardless of whether you need exams and cleanings or have dental implants to replace lost or missing teeth. You will find your dental health benefiting immensely when you contact general dentistry services for advice frequently, or whenever required.

What is Covered in Dental Emergency?

Common dental visits often follow a schedule. The case is different when it comes to dental emergencies. These are situations that call for an urgent dental visit regardless of the time of day. Here are some of the situations that we handle in emergency dentistry.

Knocked-Out Teeth

Serious accidents are the leading cause of this dental issue. This is a situation that calls for emergency dental care. The first thing you should do is call your dentist to let them know you are coming in. Calling your dentist immediately is also important as they will guide you on what to do before reaching the clinic.

If the tooth fell on the ground, rinse it without scrubbing. You should then try to reinsert it in the socket. If you can’t reinsert it, put the tooth in milk and go to the dentist. Reattachment can be possible if the tooth is immediately placed in milk.

Abscessed Tooth

You should visit our emergency dentist in Katy, TX if you have an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth can cause tooth sensitivity and severe pain. It is important to take care of the pain and swelling before reaching the clinic. This dental issue requires an urgent dental visit since it can cause complications if you wait.

You risk losing the abscessed tooth if you don’t visit a dentist on time. Contact our emergency dentist in 77450 once you notice abscesses and swelling.

Broken Jaw

At times, a broken jaw can necessitate emergency dental care. Although not common, a broken jaw can also cause complications. Contact our dentist if you have a broken jaw from an accident.

Severe Toothache

It is important to note that not all toothaches qualify as an emergency. Toothaches that are not severe can wait as they usually don’t last long. But, if the toothache is persistent and severe, you will need emergency dental care. Persistent and severe toothache is a sign that there is an underlying dental issue.

Some of the issues that could be causing the pain are gum infections, exposed roots, and tooth decay. Call our emergency dentist in Katy, TX, for tips on how to take care of the situation before your treatment.

Damaged Bridge or Crown

Injuries to the face can damage your bridge or crown. The injuries can cause your crown to crack, fall out of place or dislocate. Severely decayed teeth can also cause the crown to fall out of place. When this happens, emergency dental care is what you need. Common signs of damage to the crown include severe pain and pressure when biting.

What To Do To Avoid Dental Emergencies

Many dental emergencies are a result of accidents. Avoiding these emergencies is possible in many cases. Quitting dangerous habits that cause emergencies will also help. These tips are important and will help you avoid dental emergencies.

• • • Always wear a mouthguard when participating in sport events
    • Avoid using your teeth to bite hard things or to tear strong packages
    • Practice good oral hygiene to keep gum diseases at bay
    • Visit your dentist twice a year for a check-up
    • Treat tooth cavities early before they advance

Katy Dental Experts

At Katy Dental Experts, we help to treat dental emergencies. Even if you don’t have an emergency, getting yourself checked helps in maintaining your oral health. Contact us today for a consultation. We are open during the holiday season.

The periodontal disease develops in stages:

• • • • Gum inflammation or gingivitis

Gingivitis often goes unnoticed because it has no symptoms. However, as the inflammation begins to spread, you may notice bleeding of the gums, bad breath, bright, swollen, and tender gums.

• • • • Periodontitis

It is the advanced stage of gum inflammation, and it causes receding of gums, loose teeth, pain when chewing, and accumulation of pus between the teeth and gums. Your teeth may also start to abnormally fit together as you bite something.

Without proper treatment, periodontitis can cause the loss of teeth.

What are the Forms of Periodontal Treatment Available?

Several periodontal treatments in Katy are available and are recommended based on the gum disease stage, the state of your health, and previous treatments that have been used. The treatments can either be non-surgical or surgical.

1. 1. Non-surgical treatments

The primary goal of the non-surgical treatments is to control bacterial growth, and they include:

• • • • • Professional dental cleaning.

Our dentist in Katy, TX, performs this procedure during your routine dental checkup. Professional cleaning involves removing the plaque buildup from the gum line and underneath the teeth. If you have suffered from gum disease before or are at risk, the dentist may recommend professional cleaning more than the standard two times a year. But, remember, a professional dental cleaning is not a treatment for active periodontal disease.

• • • • • Scaling and root planing

This is a deep cleaning procedure done under local anesthesia. The dentist will remove the tartar buildup from above and below the gums. Next, the gum pockets are cleaned, the rough spots on the teeth smoothened, and the gums reattached. 

2. Surgical treatments

The surgical treatments are done to restore the connective tissues, and they include:

• • • • • Pocket reduction surgery

During the flap surgery procedure, the dentist will remove the tartar and smoothen the damaged bone’s irregular surfaces. The dentist then attaches the gums to the teeth. This helps to limit the spaces where the bacteria can hide.

• • • • • Soft tissue grafts

The loss of soft tissue causes the gums to recede. To fix the situation, the dentist performs a soft tissue graft to remove a tissue matter from the mouth, mostly the palate, and attach it to the site. This will support new tissue growth, prevent gum recession, and cover the exposed roots.

• • • • • Bone grafts

Advanced periodontal disease can damage the surrounding bone causing it to deteriorate. The bone graft procedure is done to promote new bone growth. The dentist will get bone fragments from your body or cadaver and place them in the affected area. The graft will serve as a platform for new bone growth, strengthening the jaw and stabilizing the teeth.

• • • • • Guided Tissue Generation

The guided tissue generation procedure is performed when the supporting bone has been destroyed. The dentist uses a mesh-like fabric that acts as a membrane to stimulate bone and gum tissue growth. The membrane also keeps the gum tissue from overgrowing in spaces where the bone should be.

How to Prevent Gum Disease?

Since poor hygiene is the primary cause of periodontal disease, establishing good dental practices is the first step to preventing gum inflammation. Brush using a soft brush, floss, and rinse the mouth with antibacterial mouth wash. Don’t forget to visit the dentist for your routine dental checkups and cleaning.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Katy Dental Experts for more information on periodontal treatment in 77450.

What Are Dentures?

They are a set of artificial teeth held together by a plastic gum-like base. Dentures are used to replace missing teeth in the mouth of patients and restoring their smiles. Even though there are cosmetic benefits to replacing teeth with dentures, they are used to restore the functionality of your mouth.

Many people downplay the importance of dentures, without knowing how incredibly beneficial they are in dentistry. Other than restoring your teeth so you are not toothless, they also help restructure your facial appearance, by giving life to the cheekbones. The aesthetic advantages of dentures go beyond what you can explain.

4 Different Ways Dentures Are Used In Restorative Dentistry

As you would imagine, there are different types of dentures. The differences only exist when it comes to how dentures are made and used in replacing teeth. The common one is:

1. Full dentures – they feature all types of teeth, to replace all missing teeth. Full dentures in Katy are only used for toothless candidates. Such, are usually older patients who have lost all their teeth due to age. For this reason, complete dentures are what most people think of when they consider dental restorations with dentures. They are the conventional types of dentures, but not the only ones.
2. Partial dentures – are the alternatives to full dentures. Ideally, partial dentures in Katy only replace few missing teeth. Depending on which part of your mouth needs restoration, the types of teeth featured in a partial denture differs.
3. Immediate dentures – when you have lost several teeth, you cannot imagine going another day without your teeth. For such cases, immediate dentures are used. These are the dentures that are usually pre-made and available for patients who need a quick fix. This way, as your gums heal, you will already have a set of artificial teeth in your mouth, instead of a gap.
4. Customized dentures – they are very highly recommended, having that they are customized for your individual needs. When you have lost your teeth, your gums are still sore, and you need some time to heal. As this happens, your customized dentures can be in the process of being manufactured. Your attending dentist gets impressions of your mouth to be used as measurements for creating your dentures. This way, you have a perfect fit for dentures when you are ready. Another advantage of these dentures is that allow you to exercise your preferences in taste. You can pick and choose the materials you would rather be featured in your dentures. This includes picking the material of the gum base and the artificial teeth. You can alps select the shade of color you prefer for the artificial teeth, to meet your aesthetic goals.
5. Implant-supported dentures – today, these dentures are becoming increasingly popular. Dental implants are metal fixtures made of titanium that are inserted at the base of patients’ jawbones. They act as the replacement for the roots of teeth. When implants are used before dentures are installed, you can rest assured that the dentures will be permanent. Since implants are inserted in your jawbone, they can support your dentures permanently. Implant-supported dentures can be used with either partial or complete dentures. When it comes to complete dentures, the all-on-4 technique is used, so that only 8 dental implants are in your mouth to amply support full dentures.

Summary

Dentures have severally proven to be necessary and reliable for teeth replacement. When you have multiple missing teeth, the thought of having an implant or dental bridge replace all your teeth is illogical. It is why dentures are incredibly useful in dental restorations. If you are looking to have your teeth replaced, now you have different options for how dentures can be used to serve this need, without undermining any of your other preferences.