Dentures are a restorative dentistry option to replace missing teeth made up of false teeth and some gum tissue. Advances in materials and dental technology make dentures appear more natural-looking than ever before. Stone Creek Dental offers several types of dentures in Denton, TX as an effective solution for missing teeth to restore beauty and function.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
A patient who has lost or will lose several or all of their natural teeth is a good candidate for dentures. This restorative dentistry solution will improve the quality of life for anyone with gaps in their smile. Here are specific criteria to be a suitable candidate for dentures:
- Suffer from significant tooth loss due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or trauma
- Have severely damaged or decayed teeth that your dentist cannot save or restore effectively
- Have difficulty chewing food or suffering from nutritional deficiencies because of missing teeth
- Suffering from speech issues due to missing teeth
- Have facial sagging leading to an aged appearance due to missing teeth
- Have enough gum and jawbone to support the denture. Those opting for implant-supported dentures will especially require adequate bone density.
- Denture wearers need to be able to adapt to the feel of dentures in their mouth, which can take some time and patience
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for denture wearers to prevent gum disease and ensure the longevity of their dentures.
- Non-smokers are better candidates for dentures since smoking can affect the health of the oral tissues and the success of dentures, especially implant-supported ones.
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures offer several benefits to individuals with missing teeth. They will allow you to chew food, smile with confidence, and speak clearly again among other things. You can significantly improve your quality of life by replacing your teeth with dentures.
Modern advancements in dental materials and techniques have greatly improved the comfort, appearance, and durability of dentures, making them a viable option for many people seeking to restore their smile and oral health.
- Improved Aesthetics and Lifestyle: Dentures are designed to closely resemble natural teeth thanks to advances in dental technology and materials. This will enhance the appearance of your smile and face. This improvement in your appearance will lead to increased self-esteem, social confidence, and overall happiness.
- Better Functionality: Replacing teeth with dentures will restore most of your chewing and speaking abilities. You can eat a greater variety of foods offering better nutrition. Also, if your dentures fit properly, you will see an improvement in speech clarity.
- Oral Health Benefits: By filling the gaps left by missing teeth, dentures will keep any remaining teeth from moving into the void, out of position. This can lead to bite problems and issues cleaning teeth.
- Non-Invasive: Getting traditional dentures involves a non-invasive procedure, with no surgery required unless extractions of remaining teeth are necessary. This makes dentures an accessible option for many, including those who may not qualify for surgical implants due to medical conditions or insufficient bone density.
Types of Dentures
Stone Creek Dental offers removable and fixed permanent dentures in Denton, TX. We can custom-design full or partial dentures depending on how many teeth you are missing. We can fabricate any type of denture for the upper or lower arch.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, or complete dentures, are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace all the missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or both. Complete dentures have false teeth set into an acrylic base that rests on the gums. The base mimics the color of gum tissues to blend in with the surrounding tissues. We will create a base that will fit the contours of your mouth to ensure comfort and functionality. Complete dentures remain in place by suction or sometimes denture adhesive. Denture adhesive will help with stability while you are wearing them.
Complete dentures are for patients who have lost all of their natural teeth for various reasons, such as injury, decay, or gum disease. The process of getting full dentures involves a few steps. At your first appointment, your dentist will extract any teeth and create a mold of the mouth. A dental lab tech will use the molds to create your custom denture. In some cases, we will give you immediate dentures to wear until your gums heal. These temporary dentures will help you maintain function and aesthetics. Once you are done healing, we will create your final set of dentures.
Taking proper care and maintaining your dentures will keep them functioning properly for a long time. The lifespan of dentures is about seven to ten years. You will need to clean them every day, handle them with care, and go to your dentist for check-ups to ensure they remain in good condition and fit well. While complete dentures are a cheap choice for tooth loss, you must adjust them every so often.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are removable dental restorations that we design to replace missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Partials consist of false teeth that attach to a gum-colored acrylic base. The gum-colored base connects to a metal framework that helps secure the denture within the mouth.
There are different types of partials: traditional removable partial dentures and flexible partial dentures. A traditional partial uses metal clasps that attach to the natural teeth, providing stability. In contrast, a flexible partial is made from a softer, more pliable material. The flexible partial does not use metal clasps, offering a more natural appearance and comfort.
Partial dentures will help you chew your food better and speak clearly. Partials will also help prevent your remaining natural teeth shift out of position. When you replace your teeth, it will also support your facial muscles and maintain your mouth’s structure.
The process of receiving partial dentures is similar to receiving full dentures. The first step involves evaluating your oral health and removing teeth if needed. Your dentist will take measurements and impressions that the dental lab will use to make your partials.
Partial dentures require proper care and regular maintenance. By cleaning it daily and going to your dentist regularly, you can extend the life of your prosthesis. Every night, you will need to remove the partial to rest your gums. You must soak your dentures nightly to help maintain their shape. Regular dentist appointments will allow your dentist to observe the fit and condition of your dentures and the health of the remaining natural teeth.
Implant Dentures
This type of custom-made restoration remains in place with dental implants. Using up to eight implants, your dentist can create a denture that will snap onto the implants, or they can fix it to the implants with screws. Your dentist will suggest this type of denture to replace multiple missing teeth. We can provide you with a denture that we will secure to dental implants and provide you with enhanced stability and functionality.
We offer both full and partial dentures secured to dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made from titanium. The implants will integrate with the jawbone to provide you with a stable foundation for your custom denture. Placing the implants in the bone helps preserve the jawbone by stimulating it. This solution actually prevents bone loss that occurs after tooth loss.
The procedure for implant-supported dentures is much different than full or partial dentures. It involves placing dental implants in the jawbone during oral surgery. You must have a good amount of bone density to accomplish this. To qualify for denture implant, you need to have healthy gum tissue and be in good overall health.
After the implants are in the jawbone, they will remain there for about three to six months to fuse with the bone. Then your dentist will attach the denture, providing you with the best missing teeth solution. An implant-supported denture will provide you with a durable and effective option if you have significant tooth loss.
Teeth Extractions Before Getting Dentures
In most cases, we will need to extract some teeth before you can get your dentures. This is necessary when you have some teeth that are tooth damaged or diseased and we cannot save them. This is a critical step in restoring your oral function and aesthetics with dentures. You will likely need teeth extractions before receiving dentures if you have advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, or poor oral health.
After we remove the teeth, a healing period is necessary. Your gums and bone need time to heal and reshape so we can properly fit you for your custom denture. This period can last several weeks to a few months. We will place immediate dentures for aesthetic purposes while you are healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get dentures after teeth extraction?
It usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks to get dentures after your teeth are extracted. This waiting period allows your gums and jawbone to heal properly. In some cases, immediate dentures can be placed right after extraction, but they may need adjustments as your mouth heals.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
It’s generally best to remove your dentures while you sleep. Taking them out at night gives your gums a chance to rest and helps prevent infections or sore spots. Plus, removing them allows you to clean them thoroughly before the next day.
Could my dentures slip out of place?
Dentures can slip occasionally, especially if they’re worn or don’t fit properly anymore. A denture adhesive can help keep them stable throughout the day. Regular adjustments in our office ensure your dentures fit snugly. If you notice frequent slipping, schedule an appointment with us today. Your dentures might need a reline to improve the fit.
Can I have dentures with gum disease?
If you have gum disease, it’s important to treat it before getting dentures. Healthy gums are important for a good fit and overall oral health. We can help you manage your gum disease and then discuss denture options with you.
Will wearing a partial denture be uncomfortable?
You might feel some discomfort when you first start wearing a partial denture. Your mouth needs time to adjust to the new appliance. With proper fit and a little patience, it should become comfortable over time.
Will I have trouble speaking with new dentures?
Yes, you may experience some difficulty speaking clearly at first. This is normal, and practice can help you adjust. Reading aloud or repeating difficult words can speed up the process. In time, your speech should return to normal.
Schedule a Consultation for Dentures in Denton, TX
To learn more about getting dentures to replace your missing teeth, contact Stone Creek Dental today. You can also fill out a form online to request an appointment.