Troy, MI oral health specialists fit you with the best dentures to reverse, stop cumulative damage to teeth, gums

Just as age is not a disease, more birthdays do not automatically sentence you to a toothless mouth. There are oral health changes that naturally occur as we get older and may result in our needing dentures to replace some or all of our teeth.

Toll on teeth

Our pearly whites don’t get brittle with age, as you may have heard. However, what does happen is cumulative wear and tear from the action of mashing, grinding, chewing, and biting. Through the years, you may have had fillings or other restorations. While resilient, these teeth are still not as strong as your natural ones. They may be more vulnerable to breaking and chipping, especially when biting down on ice cubes or hard foods like popcorn kernels.

While teeth grinding is by no means limited to the older set, years of undiagnosed and untreated bruxism (the medical term) can add up as well, damaging otherwise healthy teeth.

You may have heard the phrase “long in the tooth.” This term refers to teeth that appear “long” with age. The term comes from the notion that as we age our gum line retreats, giving the appearance of uncharacteristically long teeth. Receding gums and age do not go hand-in-hand but this condition is indicative of progressive gum disease. Years of living with the disease can result in the gum actually parting from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can grow, cause decay, and result in more missing teeth that need to be replaced.

Dry mouth is another condition that may be more prevalent among older people. The culprit is often the medications taken among seniors to treat chronic conditions. It’s estimated as many as 800 drugs have dry mouth as a side effect. It’s a problem because we need that saliva to rinse sugary foods and drinks from the teeth.

How dentures help

If you have found yourself missing one, some, or many teeth, today’s dentures can help to restore your ability to easily chew and talk, and restore the beauty of your smile.

Dentures make it easier to eat and enjoy your meals again. You can speak more easily, and you’ll even look younger, these removable appliances support your facial contours.

Generally, there are four types of dentures:

• Conventional – A full, removable option placed after remaining teeth are extracted and tissues heal
• Partial – Dentures fitted over a group of teeth or a few scattered ones
• Immediate – Removable, inserted same-day teeth are extracted
• Overdentures (or implant-supported) – Manmade white teeth and pink plastic gum are attached to implants, a removable hybrid of conventional dentures and implants

When we match you with the best dentures in the Troy, MI area, many considerations come into play. For instance, implant-supported dentures may cost more than other types, but may be worth the upfront investment over the longer term as bone resorption is stopped. The only way to slow such a devastating process is to replace the root.

Call Dr. John Aurelia and his team at (248) 243-6044 to discuss your needs and preferences.

Dr. John Aurelia
Connect with John L. Aurelia on Linkedin.

Dr. John Aurelia, DDS, brings over two decades of expertise in dentistry, having earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2003. An active member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American and Michigan Dental Associations, Dr. Aurelia has also completed advanced studies at the Dawson Academy and Pankey Institute. His dedication extends beyond practice, with a history of humanitarian work in the Dominican Republic and a focus on integrating cutting-edge techniques in implants and cosmetic dentistry. Known for personalized care, Dr. Aurelia is committed to enhancing patients' smiles and confidence.

Dr. Dina Khoury

Dr. Dina Khoury, a dedicated dentist with over 20 years of experience, graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1995. Following her education, she served veterans during her residency at the VA Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Khoury has spent most of her career in private practice, focusing on patients of all ages and specializing in cosmetic dentistry. As an active member of the Rochester community, she combines professional expertise with a personal commitment to patient care and local engagement.