Dentures

As people age, they often suffer tooth loss and decay which can lead to pain, difficulty eating and poor jaw structure. For years, dentists have used dentures as an effective means to provide comfort, function and aesthetics to those suffering from tooth loss. Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth.

Modern dentistry has come a long way from the days of clunky, painful dentures and our office is proud to offer state of the art denture technology which provides our patients with comfortable and natural-looking dentures. Depending on the amount of tooth loss and the state of remaining teeth, our prosthodontist will determine the right kind of dentures for you. You may benefit from the following types of dentures:

• Complete dentures serve to replace all of the teeth on the top or bottom jaw. In preparation for complete dentures, all teeth which are not restorable must be extracted.
• Partial dentures replace only a few missing teeth. Unlike complete dentures which are often held in place by an adhesive solution, partial dentures are secured to your natural teeth by metal clasps or precision attachments which are generally not noticeable to others. As with complete dentures, these may be removed from the mouth at any time. 
• Overdentures are often recommended when clients have remaining teeth with strong roots and gums. With this option, the healthy teeth are re-sculpted and covered with metal caps. The dentures are then placed on top of these teeth (or dental implants).  This method tends to increase stability of the dentures and lessens the recession of gums which often occurs when the gum line is exposed to the artificial materials of the dentures.

Once we have determined which course of action is best for your individual situation, our team will make a mold of your gums which is then sent to a lab to create your customized dentures. With advances in technology, our talented team can closely match the color of your natural teeth so it will be nearly impossible to notice your dentures from your natural teeth. The dentures are then created of hard plastic or porcelain depending on your preference. Once the dentures have been constructed, you can begin wearing them immediately.

In the first few weeks, you may notice that your dentures are not as tight as you might have hoped. Over time, however, your cheek and tongue muscles will strengthen and hold the device in place. With a little practice, you will be back to eating your favorite foods and showing off your beautiful new smile! On average, dentures last for about 5 years but with proper care may last much longer.

With advances in technology, dentures now rival the very popular option of veneers and crown restoration but at a much lower cost. Contact our office today to learn more about your options in regaining the function and beauty of your teeth.