Losing natural teeth can significantly impact your oral health, facial aesthetics, and overall well-being. Fortunately, several restorative dentistry treatments can replace missing teeth. Dentures provide a dependable solution for patients with partial or complete tooth loss. Storts Family Dentistry offers several types of dentures in Madill and Ardmore, OK for patients missing several or all of their teeth on the upper or lower arch of teeth.
The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
The consequences of missing teeth affect your appearance and your oral health. The gaps left by tooth loss can lead to oral health and functional problems. The key reasons to consider replacing missing teeth include:
It Will Be Easier to Enjoy Your Food
Replacing missing teeth will restore your ability to bite and chew your food efficiently. This is crucial for maintaining proper nutrition and supporting overall digestive health.
The Health of Your Jaw Bone is Affected
Tooth loss can result in jaw bone resorption which leads to changes in facial structure and an aged appearance. Dentures help maintain the integrity of your jawbone by providing support and preventing further bone loss.
It Will Be Easier to Speak
Missing teeth can affect your speech patterns and pronunciations. Dentures can help you speak clearly, enhancing your communication and confidence.
You Will Have a Complete Smile
Dentures contribute to a complete, natural-looking smile. This will support your facial aesthetics and boost your self-esteem. The restoration of a complete set of teeth can positively impact your appearance and overall sense of well-being.
Your Surrounding Teeth Will Not Shift
Gaps left by missing teeth can cause your adjacent teeth to shift out of place. This will lead to misalignment and bite issues. Dentures help maintain proper tooth alignment and prevent further dental complications.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are custom-made to fit the unique oral anatomy of each patient, providing a comfortable and functional solution for tooth loss. Dentures consist of artificial teeth set in a supportive base, crafted from materials like acrylic, metal, or a combination of both.
Different Types of Dentures in Southern Oklahoma
We offer several types of dentures to meet the needs of our patients. There are removable dentures or dentures that can be secured in your mouth to resemble natural teeth. Of the various types of dentures available, your Storts Family Dentistry dentist will help you determine which one is best for you and your unique needs.
Complete Dentures
Your dentist will suggest complete dentures, or full dentures if all of your natural teeth are missing on the upper or lower jaw. Complete dentures replace an entire row of teeth. They rest directly on the gums and stay in place with suction and denture adhesive if needed. The underlying bone will also support the full denture. Traditional complete dentures are removable and should be taken out daily for cleaning and to give the gums a rest.
Partial Dentures
Your dentist will recommend a partial denture if you have some natural teeth remaining in the upper or lower jaw. A partial consists of replacement teeth attached to a metal or acrylic framework, which clasps onto your existing teeth for stability. It is custom-designed to fill in the gaps in your smile. The clasps on partials are often seen when the patient smiles. Like a full denture, a partial denture should be removed daily for cleaning and to rest the gums.
Implant-Secured Dentures
An implant-secured denture, also known as an implant-supported denture, is a dental prosthesis that offers a more stable solution to tooth loss. Unlike traditional complete and partial dentures, which rely solely on the gums for support, these are anchored to dental implants which are surgically placed in the jawbone.
The Implant Placement Process
Implant-secured dentures involve a multi-step process. Dental implants, typically made of titanium, are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. These implants integrate with the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing a stable foundation.
Once osseointegration is complete, the dentures are custom-designed to attach securely to the implants. Special attachments or bars connect the denture to the implants, offering enhanced stability and eliminating issues commonly associated with traditional dentures, such as slipping or discomfort.
Benefits of Implant-Secured Dentures
- Enhanced Stability: Implant-secured dentures are firmly anchored to the jawbone, providing stability comparable to natural teeth.
- Improved Chewing Function: With increased stability, individuals can enjoy a broader range of foods, contributing to better nutrition and overall health.
- Preservation of Jaw Bone: The presence of dental implants helps prevent bone resorption, maintaining the integrity of the jawbone.
- Natural Feel and Aesthetics: Implant-secured dentures closely mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, enhancing comfort and aesthetics.
Which Type of Denture is Best for Me?
During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and review each type of denture with you. While an implant-supported denture offers the best benefits, you must qualify for them. Candidacy depends on factors such as overall health and, bone density.
Dentures FAQs
When you are beginning your tooth replacement journey, it is natural to have questions about your treatment. Here we address some of the most frequently asked questions about dentures. We hope to provide you with valuable insight to help you choose the best prosthesis for your missing teeth. If you have additional questions or concerns please contact one of our dental offices in Madill and Ardmore, OK during regular business hours.
How do dentures feel?
When you first start wearing your dentures, they will feel strange and bulky at first. It typically takes a few weeks to adjust to wearing them. You may even experience some minor irritation or increased saliva production in the first few weeks. However, as you continue to wear them, these sensations will decrease and they will feel more comfortable and natural in your mouth.
Do dentures look natural?
Modern dentures are made from high-quality materials using advanced dental technology. We will design them from dental impressions so they will fit precisely in your mouth. We will also choose a realistic color to match your surrounding tissue and teeth. Other people will not even know you are wearing false teeth.
What kind of dentures do I need?
The type of denture you need depends on your unique oral health needs. You will need a complete set of dentures if all of your teeth are missing. You will only need partial dentures if you have some natural teeth remaining. If you qualify, you can anchor the denture or partial inside your mouth with dental implants. An implant-supported denture offers more stability. You can discuss these options further during your implant consultation.
How long do dentures last?
A denture will endure a lot of wear and tear. However, if you take good care of it, your prosthesis can last between 5 to 7 years. At this time, you may need to replace it due to changes in your mouth. Proper care includes regular cleanings and dental check-ups. A denture may need adjustments or relining to help maintain a comfortable fit as your jawbone changes.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Eating with a new dental restoration in your mouth will take time, practice, and patience. We suggest starting with soft foods and food cut into small pieces. Chew your food slowly using both sides of your mouth. You can slowly start to introduce a variety of foods as you adjust. While it can be difficult at first, most patients become comfortable eating within a few months.
How do I care for my removable dentures?
Removable dentures require special care to keep them functioning correctly. You should get in the habit of rinsing them after eating. This will remove any food debris that can irritate your gums. It is also important to clean them daily just like you clean your teeth. Remove them nightly and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive cleaner. Also, soak them in denture solution or water to help maintain their shape. You should never let your dentures dry out. Handle them with care to avoid bending or breaking them. Regular dental check-ups are vital for adjustments and to check your oral health.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
We suggest never sleeping in your dentures. You should take them out every night for proper cleaning and to soak them. This will also give your gums a rest. These steps help reduce the risk of infections and irritation by improving your oral hygiene.
Will dentures affect how I speak?
When you first start wearing dentures, you may notice that your voice sounds different. Some people experience slight lisps or pronounce certain sounds differently. However, this is always temporary. Like with anything new, the more you practice, the better you will get. You suggest talking out loud, reading to others, and practicing saying difficult words. Doing this daily will help speed up the adjustment process.
Why are my dentures giving me sores in my mouth?
Dentures can cause sores in your mouth if they don’t fit properly, are worn continuously without breaks, or if there’s inadequate oral hygiene. Ill-fitting dentures create friction and pressure spots on the gums. Regular dental check-ups for adjustments and maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent and treat these issues.
Schedule your consultation with Storts Family Dentistry for dentures in Madill and Ardmore, OK. You can reach us at (580) 260-3410 or request an appointment with us online.