What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore function and aesthetics to your smile. They can significantly enhance your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. There are several types of dentures, including immediate dentures, traditional dentures, and implant-retained dentures, each catering to different needs and preferences.
Types of Dentures
Teeth becoming shorter over time is a sign of severe grinding and use of teeth. To realign the bite and restore normal use, a removable device is placed in the mouth 24 hours a day to the ideal position that is comfortable for the individual's jaw muscles. We use muscle sensors to detect muscle activity and use a device that will allow us to create a smile that is esthetically ideal for the patient. Every smile, every mouth is unique. There is no one-size fits all, that is why having objective information about the muscles is so important. We use the Bioresearch Biopak Jaw Tracker technology to aid us in finding the right bite that is comfortable to the patient. Once we can find the comfortable spot, that's when we can move into full mouth rehabilitation. In this case, we used non-invasive dentistry to restore the mouth using no-prep composite dentistry.
Immediate Dentures:
What They Are: These are temporary dentures placed immediately after tooth extraction. They allow you to maintain your appearance while your gums heal and your jawbone adjusts.
Benefits: Immediate dentures can provide a seamless transition and avoid the embarrassment of being without teeth. They are custom-made before your extraction appointment, allowing for quick placement.
Considerations: As your gums heal and change shape, adjustments will be necessary, and a more permanent solution may be needed later.
Traditional Dentures:
What They Are: Traditional dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace missing teeth after the gums have healed from extractions. They can be complete (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing some teeth).
Benefits: These dentures are designed for comfort and aesthetics, allowing you to regain a natural-looking smile. They offer a cost-effective solution for tooth loss and can significantly improve chewing and speaking abilities.
Considerations: Traditional dentures may require periodic adjustments to ensure a proper fit as your mouth changes over time.
Implant-Retained Dentures:
What They Are: These dentures are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, providing a secure and stable fit. They can be either complete or partial, depending on your needs.
Benefits: Implant-retained dentures offer superior stability and functionality compared to traditional dentures, allowing for improved chewing efficiency and eliminating concerns about slippage. They also help preserve jawbone health by stimulating bone growth.
Considerations: This option requires sufficient jawbone density and may involve a longer treatment process, but the results are often worth it for long-term wearers.
The Process of Getting Dentures
Consultation
Your journey begins with an initial consultation, where Dr. Yang will assess your oral health and discuss your specific needs and treatment options.
Impressions and Measurements
For all types of dentures, precise impressions of your mouth will be taken to create a custom fit. This may involve measurements to ensure your dentures align properly with your bite.
Fitting and Adjustments
Once your dentures are crafted, they will be fitted for comfort and aesthetics. For immediate dentures, this occurs right after extractions. Traditional dentures require a healing period, while implant-retained dentures will involve the placement of implants first.
Final Placement
After any necessary adjustments, your dentures will be placed. You’ll receive guidance on how to care for and maintain them.
Follow-Up Care:
Regular follow-up appointments will help ensure your dentures fit well and remain comfortable. Adjustments may be needed over time, especially for traditional dentures.
Smile Restorations with Dentures
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you’re considering dentures to regain your confidence and improve your quality of life, our dedicated dental team is here to assist you! Schedule a consultation today to explore your options—whether immediate, traditional, or implant-retained dentures. Don’t wait—take the first step toward a beautiful, functional smile today!