Are you considering getting dentures? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone looking to upgrade their current set, this comprehensive guide is here to help.
Dentures are much more than just a replacement for missing teeth; they can dramatically improve your quality of life by restoring confidence in your smile and ability to eat comfortably. But with the plethora of options available on the market, choosing the right dentures can be overwhelming and confusing.
At Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand the importance of a confident smile and functional teeth. We’re here to help you navigate your options and discover what works for you best.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a form of dental prosthetic that can be used in place of teeth that are absent and restore oral functionality. At Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide high-quality dentures to help our patients regain their confident smiles. Dentures are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth and can be either full or partial, depending on the extent of tooth loss.
Full dentures are used when all full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth need to be replaced, whereas when some of the patient’s natural teeth are still present, partial dentures are used. Both types are removable and can be taken out for cleaning and maintenance. Dentures are artificial teeth that are made to look like real teeth gums, providing a natural-looking appearance.
Wearing dentures can enhance speech, improve chewing ability, and prevent facial sagging caused by missing teeth. Our experienced dental professionals at Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will guide you through the process of denture creation, fitting, and maintenance, ensuring a comfortable and functional restoration.
Purposes of Dentures
Dentures serve several essential purposes, including:
- Tooth Replacement: Dentures restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently after tooth loss.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: They improve the appearance to your grin by closing the spaces that were previously occupied by missing teeth.
- Support for Facial Muscles: Dentures help support facial muscles, preventing the sagging and sunken appearance that can occur after tooth loss.
- Improved Speech: Dentures can enhance speech clarity, particularly for individuals who have lost several teeth.
- Customizable Solutions: Dentures can be developed to have a size, shape, and color that are quite similar to those of the patient’s original teeth.
Types of Dentures
Dentures are available in various types to suit different dental needs:
- Complete Dentures: These replace all of your teeth on the upper or lower arch and sit directly on the gums.
- Partial Dentures: Restoration is the primary purpose of partial dentures one or more missing teeth while maintaining the health of your other teeth natural teeth.
- Conventional Dentures: Traditional dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth after all remaining teeth have been removed and gum tissues have healed.
- Immediate Dentures: These dentures are inserted right away following the extraction of the teeth, ensuring you don’t go without teeth during the healing process.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: These false teeth are anchored in place by dental implants, providing greater stability and preventing slippage.
Advantages of Dentures
Dentures offer several advantages:
- Restored Function: Dentures enable you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
- Customization: They can be customized to match the appearance of your natural teeth, ensuring a natural-looking smile.
- Affordability: Dentures are often a more budget-friendly tooth replacement option compared to alternatives like dental implants.
- Versatility: Dentures are suitable for various degrees of tooth loss, from partial to complete.
- Non-Invasive: The placement of dentures does not require surgery or invasive procedures.
Potential Drawbacks of Dentures
While dentures offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential drawbacks:
- Adjustment Period: It may take time to get used to wearing dentures, including adjusting to speaking and eating.
- Maintenance: Dentures require regular cleaning and proper care to prevent staining, odors, and fungal infections.
- Slippage: Traditional dentures may move or slip while eating or speaking, requiring adjustments or adhesives.
- Bone Resorption: Over time, wearing dentures can contribute to bone resorption in the jaw, which may affect denture fit.
- Temporary Solution: Dentures may need periodic replacement due to wear and changes in your mouth’s shape.
Choosing Dentures
Selecting dentures as a solution involves careful consideration of various factors:
1. Professional Assessment: Consult with a qualified dentist to assess your dental condition and determine if dentures are the appropriate treatment.
2. Type of Denture: Discuss the different types of dentures and which one is suitable for your specific needs, whether it’s complete, partial, conventional, or immediate dentures.
3. Material Choice: Consider the material of the denture base and teeth, such as acrylic or porcelain, for aesthetics and durability.
4. Budget and Insurance: Understand the cost of dentures and check if your dental insurance covers any portion of the procedure.
5. Aftercare: Be prepared to follow post-denture placement care instructions provided by your dentist to ensure the longevity and functionality of your dentures.
6. Long-Term Maintenance: Commit to maintaining your dentures through proper cleaning, regular dental check-ups, and necessary adjustments.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Proper aftercare and maintenance are essential for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your dentures:
- Oral Hygiene: Clean your dentures daily using a denture brush or soft-bristle toothbrush and denture cleaner as recommended by your dentist.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Attend scheduled dental check-up appointments as recommended to monitor the condition of your dentures and address any concerns promptly.
- Dietary Choices: Be mindful of your dietary choices, avoiding hard, sticky, or overly tough foods that may damage your dentures.
- Denture Adhesives: If needed, use denture adhesives as directed to secure your dentures and prevent slippage.
- Proper Storage: Store your dentures in a denture soaking solution when not in use to prevent them from drying out or warping.
Need Dentures? Feel Free to Call Us!
Are you considering dentures? Give us a call with any questions or to schedule a consultation! We’re here to help you achieve a comfortable and confident smile.
At Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are committed to providing dentures of the highest possible quality that are customized to meet the specific requirements and objectives that you have set for your oral health.