Dentures
Serving Dallas, Arlington, Mesquite, Grapevine & Fort Worth
Dentures are one of the most reliable tooth replacement solutions out there, having been used for decades to help people renew their bites. With modern dental technology, these prosthetics have only improved and become more lifelike so that patients can enjoy a natural-looking smile. During your consultation, our team will walk you through the different options you can choose from based on your specific dental needs and what you can expect from the process. Until then, feel free to read on to learn more about the treatment, or call our office today to schedule your appointment.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
For those who have lost one, some, or all of their teeth, dentures are an excellent option to restore their smile. Tooth loss often brings a range of complications to daily life, such as difficulty eating comfortably, speaking clearly, and smiling confidently. Our team can assess your oral situation and determine the specific kind of prosthetic necessary for rebuilding your bite. We will also need to address any underlying issues beforehand so that there aren’t any issues that come up later on.
Types of Dentures
Depending on your unique needs, we can offer different types of dentures—each with its unique purpose. We can discuss which kind will best suit you during your consultation.
Partial Dentures
Patients who are missing some of their teeth can benefit from wearing partial dentures. These prosthetics are designed to fit your smile like a puzzle piece, and they’ll be made out of material that helps blend seamlessly with the rest of your pearly whites. This kind of denture is supported via metal clips that will clasp to nearby teeth so that they stay in place.
Full Dentures
These are the traditional kinds of dentures that are meant to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Instead of being supported by other teeth, this prosthetic stays in position via natural suction on the gum line. Of course, you can always ask our team for denture adhesive for additional support if necessary. These prosthetics are also removable, so you’ll need to take them out before sleeping and whenever you need to clean them.
Implant Dentures
Instead of relying on the gums or other nearby teeth, this type of denture will be directly supported to your jawbone via dental implants. Not only does this give this option greater stability and longevity, but the metal posts can also help promote stronger bone tissue and prevent jawbone deterioration. Implant dentures can help you regain more than 80% of your natural biting power, and they’re designed to last for decades to even a lifetime with proper care.
The Benefits of Dentures
Many of the advantages you can expect to enjoy from dentures include:
- Enhanced biting power
- Natural-looking results
- Improved enunciation
- Boosts confidence
- Simple maintenance
- Serves as a placeholder for existing natural teeth
- Cost-effective tooth replacement method
- Can last 10 years before needing a replacement (30+ with implant dentures)
How Dentures Are Made
Rebuilding your smile with dentures means that your new teeth will be personalized according to your unique needs. Although the process of creating these prosthetics is the same for everyone, the materials, shape, and specifications are built to match your smile. This is why they often produce a sense of confidence when put into place. Keep reading to discover what goes into making these artificial teeth so that patients like you can take back your life.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures require two components – the base and the artificial teeth that are attached to the base. Below is an explanation of each:
- The Denture Base: A denture base serves as the foundational support for the artificial teeth that will be attached. It can be crafted from many different materials, including acrylic, nylon, and resin; however, acrylic remains the most popular option because of how it can be fabricated to match your natural gum tissue. When preparing a partial denture, technicians will incorporate a metal framework so that clasps or clips can easily attach to healthy abutment teeth.
- The Artificial Teeth: A denture’s artificial teeth are uniquely crafted and attached to the base to create a complete smile. They’re usually made out of porcelain or resin, with the former offering a more lifelike appearance and greater durability. Depending on whether you require a full or partial denture, the appropriate number of teeth will be created and positioned correctly along the base.
The Denture Creation Process
Creating your new dentures requires a step-by-step process, one that our dentists are pleased to walk you through:
- We will take measurements of your jaw and impressions of your mouth. This will create a model that can be used by technicians to begin fabricating your new teeth.
- We will send the model to the lab so that a wax replica of your gumline is created and replacement teeth can be attached with an articulator.
- Once the wax model is ready, it will be returned to our dental office in Far North Dallas for the first fitting. If no adjustments are required, we will return the model to the lab.
- Technicians will insert the dentures into a flask and pour plaster into it so that the dentures keep their shape. Once the flask is placed in hot water, the wax will melt, and holes will be placed in the teeth.
- Acrylic will then be poured, replacing the wax. The plaster will be removed from the flask, and the dentures will go into an ultrasonic bath, where any remaining plaster will be removed.
- Excess acrylic will be cut off the dentures before they’re given a polish.
- Once the dentures are ready, they will be sent back to our office, and you will arrive for your final fitting. If any adjustments are needed, they will occur at this time.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
The final phase of getting new dentures requires a short adjustment phase. Most patients will need time to get used to a new prosthetic, especially if it is the first one they receive. After your final fitting, you may feel some slight soreness, but this will go away as you become more familiar with your teeth. You might also develop a lisp or have difficulty eating certain foods, so a few tips that can help with this adjustment phase include:
- Eating softer foods in the beginning
- Exercise your facial muscles with stretches
- Practice speaking more difficult words by reading aloud or talking into a mirror
If you still struggle with the way your dentures feel or the adjustment phase is taking longer than you expect, don’t hesitate to call our office.