A New Smile With Denture Solutions
Are you struggling with missing teeth, making it difficult to eat, speak, or smile confidently? Precision Dentistry & Implants, led by Kerrville, TX, dentist, Dr. Matthew Huff, offers a comprehensive range of denture solutions to restore your ability to enjoy your favorite foods and regain your self-assurance. Our practice is dedicated to your oral health and providing patient-centered care, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction throughout the entire process. Learn more by dialing (830) 896-8343.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made dental prosthetics, made for replacing missing teeth and adjacent surrounding tissues within the mouth. These removable replacement teeth serve a crucial function by not only restoring the fundamental abilities to chew, speak, and smile but also by providing support to facial muscles. Our denture solutions offer a practical treatment for individuals dealing with tooth loss, enabling them to maintain oral functionality and enjoy a more fulfilling quality of life.
Types of Denture Solutions
Full Dentures
Full dentures are designed to replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw or both. They consist of a gum-colored acrylic base onto which artificial teeth are attached, providing a natural appearance and functional support.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are tailored to fill the gaps left by multiple missing teeth. Removable partial dentures rely on the support of remaining natural teeth, attaching to them via clasps or other connectors. A removable partial denture will restore oral function by replacing missing upper or lower teeth, or both, while preserving the alignment of adjacent remaining teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures offer a stable and secure fit by being anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures, they do not rely on adhesives for stability, providing enhanced comfort and improved chewing efficiency. Implant-supported dentures may offer a more permanent solution for tooth replacement.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are temporary prosthetics inserted immediately after tooth extraction. They serve as a temporary solution, allowing patients to maintain normal oral function while their gums and jawbone heal. Once healing is complete, permanent dentures can be fitted.
Conventional Dentures
Also known as traditional dentures, conventional dentures are fabricated after the gums and jawbone have fully healed following tooth extraction. This process typically takes several months, during which time the dentist takes impressions and customizes the dentures to ensure a precise fit. Conventional dentures provide long-term tooth replacement solutions, restoring both function and aesthetics to the smile.
Benefits of Dentures
- Improved Ability to Chew and Eat: Dentures enable individuals to enjoy a wider range of foods by restoring the ability to chew effectively. With missing teeth replaced, denture wearers can comfortably bite and chew various textures, improving their overall nutrition and dietary options.
- Enhanced Speech and Pronunciation: Dentures help correct speech impediments caused by tooth loss, allowing individuals to communicate more clearly and confidently. This enhancement in speech can lead to improved social interactions and professional communication.
- Restored Facial Structure and Muscle Support: Dentures not only replace missing teeth but also provide vital support to facial muscles and structures. By filling in gaps and supporting the lips and cheeks, dentures help prevent the sagging of facial muscles, maintain a youthful appearance, and restore facial contours.
- Boosted Self-Confidence and Appearance: With missing teeth replaced, individuals often feel more comfortable smiling, speaking, and engaging in social activities, leading to an improved overall quality of life.
- Convenience and Removability: Dentures offer the convenience of being removable for easy cleaning and maintenance. This allows for thorough oral hygiene practices, including brushing and soaking the dentures overnight. Removable dentures also provide flexibility for adjustments and repairs as needed, ensuring long-term comfort and functionality.
Who Qualifies For Denture Solutions?
You may qualify for a new set of dentures if any of the following apply to you:
- Individuals with missing teeth due to decay, injury, or other dental issues
- Those experiencing difficulty chewing or speaking due to tooth loss
- Individuals seeking to restore their smile and improve facial aesthetics
- Patients with existing dentures in need of replacement or adjustment
- Anyone looking for personalized dental solutions tailored to their specific needs and preferences
The Denture Solutions Process
Consultation
Dr. Huff will conduct a thorough examination and have an in-depth discussion with you about your needs and preferences. Based on this evaluation, he will determine the best denture solution to meet your specific requirements. Your consultation is a great time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have.
Tooth Extraction (If Necessary)
If you have any remaining damaged or decayed teeth, they may need to be extracted to prepare for the placement of dentures. This step ensures a proper foundation for your new prosthetic teeth.
Immediate Dentures
If you don’t want to go toothless while you wait for your final dentures, Dr. Huff can place a pair of immediate dentures for you at this stage. Note that the shape of your mouth and jaw will change, so immediate dentures are a temporary solution until your custom dentures can be fabricated.
Impressions
Precise impressions of your mouth will be taken to capture the unique shape and dimensions of your mouth. These impressions are essential for creating new dentures that fit comfortably and securely, enhancing both function and appearance.
Try-on Model
A wax or plastic model will be created based on the impressions. This model allows you to try on the denture and provides an opportunity for necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible fit and comfort before the final dentures are made.
Fabrication of Permanent Dentures
Using the impressions and feedback from the try-on model, your custom conventional dentures will be carefully crafted in a specialized dental laboratory. Skilled technicians will work to create dentures that not only fit comfortably but also look like natural existing teeth and gums.
Fitting of Final Dentures
Once the permanent dentures are ready, Dr. Huff will conduct a final fitting to ensure they fit properly and comfortably. Any necessary adjustments will be made at this stage to optimize the fit and function of the dentures, ensuring your satisfaction and comfort.
Denture Solutions Aftercare
- Handle implant-supported, complete, and partial dentures with care to prevent damage or warping.
- Clean your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner.
- Soak your dentures in a denture cleaning solution overnight to remove any remaining debris.
- Rinse your dentures thoroughly before reinserting them into your mouth.
- Avoid using toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners on your dentures, as they can cause scratches and discoloration.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings to ensure the continued fit and function of your dentures.
- Replace your dentures every five to seven years, or as recommended by Dr. Huff, to maintain optimal oral health.
- Remove your dentures before going to sleep to allow your gums to rest and prevent potential irritation.
- Use denture adhesives sparingly and as directed by Dr. Huff for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Practice proper oral hygiene by brushing your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
It typically takes a few weeks to adjust to wearing dentures. During this time, you may experience some mild discomfort or soreness as your mouth adapts. Your dentist and their team will provide guidance and instructions to help ensure a smooth transition.
It’s strongly recommended to remove your dentures before going to sleep. This allows your gums to rest and prevents potential irritation or bacterial buildup.
With proper care and maintenance, dentures typically last between five and seven years. However, their lifespan can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene, dietary habits, and any changes in your mouth or jawbone structure over time. Regular check-ups with your dentist will ensure your dentures continue to fit comfortably and function properly.
Yes, in many cases, dentures can be repaired if they become damaged or cracked. Your dentist can assess the extent of the damage and determine if a repair is possible or if replacement dentures are necessary.
Whether dentures are covered by insurance depends on your specific insurance plan. Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for dentures, but the extent of coverage can vary. It’s advisable to review your insurance policy or consult with your insurance provider to determine the coverage details for dentures and any associated costs.