Nearly 41 million Americans rely on dentures to help them eat, speak and smile with confidence.
At your initial consultation, your Brambleton dentist will perform a comprehensive exam of your mouth, including your gums and any remaining teeth you still have. They will take a series of x-rays, and will help you decide if dentures are the right solution for your missing teeth.
Once we’ve found dentures to be a suitable treatment option for you, your dentist will create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs. They will go over the treatment plan with you in detail, so you know what to expect every step of the way. We’ll then schedule your next appointments, which will include taking impressions and any necessary extractions.
If you’re getting full dentures but still have a few remaining teeth, they will need to be extracted before moving forward. Your dentist will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic, and may offer sedation options if necessary, to ensure the procedure is completely painless. You may receive a set of temporary dentures after the extraction to help protect your gums while they heal.
After the extractions, your doctor will provide detailed instructions to help keep you comfortable and ensure your gums heal properly. The most important thing is to get plenty of rest for at least 24 hours following the procedure.
Once your gums have healed, your dentist will then take either traditional or digital impressions of your gums to make sure your dentures sit properly and fit comfortably in your mouth once they’re ready. You and your dentist will discuss and decide upon the shade, size, and shape of teeth that you want for your new set of dentures.
Once your custom-made dentures are complete, you’ll return to the office for the fitting process. We’ll make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. You’ll need to plan on returning for annual checkups and adjustments, but with proper care, your dentures can last 10 or more years before needing to be replaced.
A partial denture can replace one or several missing teeth to help restore the form and function of your bite. Partial dentures are removable, and designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Crafted from a combination of durable metal and acrylic materials, partial dentures are sturdy enough to withstand years of chewing and speaking. There are different types of partial dentures, so your dentist will help you decide which kind is best for your unique needs.
As the name suggests, full dentures are used to replace a patient’s full upper or lower arch of teeth, or both. These are removable, acrylic dental appliances that are held in place with suction, although a dental adhesive may be used to ensure a tight fit. If you have lost all or most of your natural teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, full dentures can help you get your smile back.
About 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth.
If you’re interested in replacing one or all of your missing teeth, dentures may be an option for you. To find out if they’re a solution for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist. They will examine your mouth, gums, jaw, and remaining teeth to determine the state of your oral health to find out whether dentures are right for you, or if there are any alternative options for replacing your missing teeth.
Your dentist will begin by taking impressions of your teeth and gums that they will then send to a trusted dental lab. They will custom-craft your new teeth from acrylic or other materials, and send them back to our practice. You’ll return to the office, where your dentist will have you try them on, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they fit properly and comfortably.
On average, dentures last between 7 and 10 years before needing to be replaced. As your mouth changes shape over time, you may require adjustments every so often to keep them fitting securely and comfortably. This is why we encourage annual visits so we can make sure your dentures remain in good shape.
The process of adjusting to dentures is different for everyone. Some patients may notice some discomfort as they become accustomed to their new set, which is perfectly normal. Most patients will get used to their new dentures after about 30 days. Your dentist will adjust your dentures to ensure that they fit well, and don’t slip or move around in your mouth. Properly caring for your dentures will also help prevent damage like bending or cracking, which can cause unnecessary discomfort.
With the latest technology, like the ability to take high-resolution images of your teeth and gums, your dentist can make your custom-crafted dentures look as close as possible to your natural smile.
Every dental insurance plan is different, though most plans cover at least a portion of the cost of dentures. The best way to find out if your insurance covers the cost of dentures is to reach out to them directly to see what your plan can do for you.
Over 36 million people in the U.S. are missing all of their teeth.