Dental Care for Seniors: Dentures, Bridges and More

Dental Care for Seniors

Dentistry on 88 • February 24, 2024

Did you know that oral health is an integral aspect of your overall health?

Unfortunately, when you do not take good care of your teeth, you may end up edentate. Edentulism, or tooth loss, is a common issue affecting older adults that can be treated with dentures for seniors.

On the plus side, tooth loss and the dental issues that lead to it are often preventable. Your local dentist offers the services and advice you need to prevent and treat such dental problems.

Are you ready to learn more about preserving your smile as you age? Then read on because this guide is for you.

Common Dental Problems in Senior Adulthood

The most common dental issues in older adults include gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, and tooth wear. Oral dryness is also a major concern, but this issue is easily treatable with a few lifestyle tweaks.

Learn more about these common dental problems below.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. It is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums. With treatment, the early stages of gum disease can be reversed.

However, when gum disease progresses to later stages, it no longer responds well to treatment. Untreated periodontal disease may ultimately lead to gum tissue loss, jaw bone loss, and, eventually, tooth loss.

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 60% of seniors over the age of 65 have gum disease. Luckily, going to the dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene can prevent periodontal disease from progressing.

Dental Cavities

Dental cavities are also known as dental caries. Cavities occur when bacteria progressively erode enamel, leading to tooth decay. Over time, untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

A dentist can easily treat cavities. However, when they are left untreated, dental caries can progress or even spread to surrounding teeth.

Senior adults are at a 60% higher risk of developing cavities. Age decreases saliva in the mouth, which is a risk factor for cavities. The good news is that products containing fluoride can help prevent dental caries.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss, or edentulism, may occur due to trauma but, in older adults, it more commonly happens due to untreated dental caries or periodontal disease.

The most unfortunate consequences of tooth loss are malnutrition and mental health complications. The risk of not getting enough nutrients increases by 21%, and the risk of depression rises by 28%.

Experts estimate that as many as 15% of Canadian seniors over the age of 65 are edentate. And nearly 26% of these older adults report avoiding food due to their lack of natural teeth.

Tooth Wear

Food, chemicals, and the chewing process put our teeth under a lot of stress throughout our lifetime. That is why tooth wear is so common among older adults and increases further with age.

Tooth-to-tooth contact, abrasion, and chemical wear and tear can result in sharp tooth edges and hypersensitivity to hot and cold or pressure. Tooth wear can also cause changes to the facial structure or appearance of the teeth.

17% of adults aged 70 present with significant tooth wear. While there is nothing you can do to stop this dental issue entirely, your dentist can recommend prevention strategies to reduce wear on your teeth.

Dental Care Services for Seniors

Gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, and tooth wear may be common, but you can help limit the impact of these issues when you take good care of your teeth.

Preventing and treating senior adult dental issues begins with the following dental care services for seniors.

Dental Cleanings for Seniors

Most dentists recommend that all people, regardless of their age, see a dentist at least once or twice per year for a cleaning. Dental cleanings remove plaque buildup to prevent cavities and treat the early stages of gum disease.

Older adults should still attend dental cleanings even if they have excellent oral health. Your dentist can detect issues early on. That way, you can save money and improve your chances of retaining your teeth!

Dental Filling and Bonding for Seniors

If you have cavities or tooth wear, dental filling and bonding services are a great option.

Bonding is a service that can apply tooth-colored materials to change the shape or size of your tooth. Seniors with significant tooth wear may benefit from this procedure.

Fillings are the most common approach to treating cavities. Your dentist scrapes out the decayed portion of the tooth and replaces it with a tooth-colored material.

In more severe cases, a deep cavity may not be treatable with a filling alone. Your dentist may then recommend root canal treatment to potentially preserve your natural tooth.

Bridges and Dentures for Seniors

With tooth loss being so common, bridges and dentures are among the most common dental services administered to Canadian senior adults. Dental bridges and dentures can replace one or more missing teeth.

You may have heard of alternatives, such as implants and crowns. However, this option is recommended for people missing one, or a few teeth or an entire arch of teeth.

Today's dentures and bridges are different than those of years past. You can get customized devices that can be made permanent for a comfortable, beautiful smile that resembles your natural teeth.

Schedule an Appointment With Family Dentist Bradford

The most common senior dental issues include cavities, gum disease, and tooth wear. Without treatment, these conditions may lead to tooth loss. A dentist near you can help you prevent and treat the most common oral health problems with dentures for seniors, bi-annual cleanings, and more!

Are you looking for a dentist serving seniors in the Bradford, Ontario area? Dentistry on 88 offers specials on comprehensive exams and x-rays for all new patients and existing patients (with and without dental insurance) who schedule an appointment at our clinic.

Book your appointment at Dentistry on 88 today to take advantage of our senior dental care services!

< Older Post Newer Post >

Comprehensive Guide: From Consultation to Post-Treatment Care With Clear Aligners

By Dentistry on 88 • May 28, 2025

A post by ConsumerAffairs reveals that clear aligners are 80-90% effective for mild to moderate tooth shifts. So you are right if you are considering them to improve your smile. They are better than traditional braces because they are clear, smooth, and removable. They also feel more comfortable and look more natural. You may, however, have questions about clear aligners before and after . You are unsure how the treatment works or what to expect. Before you get clear aligners, you want to know what happens at each stage. Below is a complete guide. It covers every step from consultation to post-treatment care and helps you prepare for your smile journey. Initial Consultation If you plan to get clear aligners, you will need a consultation with your dentist to determine if they are suitable for you. The first step helps them decide if aligners will work for your smile. You will also talk about your goals and what you hope to fix. Your dentist will: Check your teeth and gums Look closely at your bite Ask about your smile goals Review your dental history Explain your treatment choices To get clear and straightforward answers, visit a trusted clinic like Dentistry on 88 . Our team explains everything in easy terms and guides you with care. Digital Scanning and Impressions After your consultation, the dentist takes digital scans or molds of your teeth to begin planning. The step creates a 3D image of your mouth, showing the shape, size, and position of each tooth. The model helps the dentist see how your teeth should move over time and guides the next steps in your treatment. Scans also help design your clear aligners to match your specific needs. The process is safe, simple, and much easier than sticky molds. Most people find it quick and comfortable. Digital scanning ensures your aligners fit well and support smooth, steady changes in your smile. Treatment Planning Your dentist uses the scans to create a step-by-step plan for your smile. They decide how many aligners you will need and how long your treatment will take. The plan also shows how your teeth will move with each set of aligners . You even get to see a preview of your final smile. That is when you start to feel excited about the changes ahead. The treatment plan is a key part of cosmetic dentistry . It gives your dentist the tools to shape your smile most safely. With a clear strategy, each stage becomes easier to follow and understand. Aligner Fabrication Once your plan is ready, it is sent to a specialized lab. There, trained technicians use your scan to design your clear aligners. They shape each set to match your teeth and guide them through small changes. The aligners are made from smooth, clear plastic that feels light and fits well. Each tray moves your teeth a little closer to your final smile. You will receive several sets, each one specially crafted for you. Many people ask about the cost of clear aligners at this stage. Your dentist will explain the factors that affect the price and help you understand your payment options. Fitting and Instructions When your aligners arrive, your dentist checks how well they fit your teeth . They provide you with the first set and demonstrate how to wear and remove them correctly. You will also learn how to clean them and store them safely when not in use. Good care helps your aligners work better and last longer. Your dentist will explain how to handle your aligners daily. Following these instructions helps your treatment go as planned. Starting strong makes the rest of your treatment smoother and easier to manage. Regular Wear and Progress Checks Wear your aligners every day for 20 to 22 hours for good results. The longer you wear them, the better your teeth move. You can remove them to: Eat meals Drink anything but water Brush your teeth Floss between teeth Clean your aligners Regular visits to your dentist are essential as they help the dentist see how your teeth are moving. They ensure your progress aligns with the plan. Staying on schedule with visits and wearing your aligners as instructed leads to the best clear aligner results before and after . Following the rules helps you get the smile you want faster. Switching Aligners Every one to two weeks, you switch to a new set of trays. Each set moves your teeth a bit closer to your goal. Following the schedule helps keep your treatment on track. Changing trays on time ensures steady progress. Missing a change can slow down your results. Wearing each set as planned lets your teeth shift properly. Your dentist will guide you on when to switch. Keeping up with these changes helps your smile improve gradually. Post-treatment Retainers and Care After your treatment ends, your dentist will give you a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Wearing a retainer helps prevent your teeth from shifting back to their old positions. Following aligners' post-treatment care is just as important as the treatment itself. You will wear your retainer as advised by your dentist. Cleaning your retainer regularly helps keep it fresh and working well. Keeping up with regular dental checkups after treatment helps ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile remains perfect. Taking care of your retainer and following your dentist's guidance helps protect your new smile for years to come. Clear Aligners Before and After: What to Expect at Every Step The clear aligners before and after the process give you more than a straighter smile. You receive a comprehensive plan from your first visit to post-treatment care. Dentists examine your teeth, design your trays, and help maintain the strength of your results. With the proper support, the journey stays smooth from start to finish. At Dentistry on 88, we guide you every step of the way . Founded in 2019 by Dr. Arif Viran i, we bring over five years of care to Bradford families. Dr. Virani studied at the University of Pennsylvania and treats patients of all ages. Get in touch for clear aligners in a warm and welcoming space.