The need for restorative dentistry procedures like dentures can be a very difficult time for patients, especially those still young and active. A considerable amount of emotional and physical difficulty comes with losing your teeth. Our staff is extremely sensitive to these difficulties and will help you work through your options and the process to make the best decision to fit your budget and lifestyle.
Cosmetic Dentures
Dentures aren’t what they used to be. Today’s cosmetic dentures look and feel like natural teeth. They are made of durable dental ceramics that allow you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Most people won’t even realize that you are wearing dentures, allowing you to regain confidence in social situations. Full dentures replace all of the upper or lower teeth. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth to fill a gap or space in a row of teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients who are concerned with the restrictions that dentures might place on their lifestyle, implant-supported dentures are an excellent option. Though a considerable investment, implant-supported dentures are a permanent, non-removable solution for replacing an entire set or span of missing teeth.
Implant-supported dentures utilize as few as two to four dental implants to secure a denture in place. With implant-supported dentures, there is no risk of slippage, and there is less of a concern for bone deterioration. Sometimes, an existing denture can be converted into an implant-supported one.
Treatment with Dentures
The procedure for a denture will vary depending on whether or not the patient chooses to secure their denture with dental implants. Our dental care team will coordinate their surgical placement phase with a local implant specialist for patients who choose implants. Once the implants are placed, the patient will return to Barataria Dental for follow-up and for the fabrication of their final denture.
Dentures are made from high-quality dental materials that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. The denture will be fabricated to fit securely in the patient’s mouth to reduce slippage for optimal comfort. The denture will be color-matched to provide a beautiful smile.
Dentures FAQs
Can you leave removable dentures in all the time?
No, it can harm your oral health if you have these dentures in at all times. Your gums become irritated by the constant use of the dentures, risking sores and other issues with the gum tissue. You’re at a higher risk for gum disease, oral thrush, and further bone loss if you wear your dentures constantly.
What should I do on my first day with dentures?
If you get removable dentures, you should wear them constantly for the first 24 hours. This is the only time that you should leave them in for that long. The dentures act like a band-aid on that first day and help your gums to heal. With all types of dentures, stick to a soft or fully liquid diet for the first few days to heal your mouth. Slowly work your way up to harder foods.
How do I clean my dentures?
With implant dentures, you can brush and floss them like normal teeth. For removable dentures, avoid using toothpaste. Toothpaste can be too abrasive and scratch your dentures, creating grooves that can fill with plaque and lead to discoloration. Denture cleaners are gentle enough to clean them properly without ruining your dentures.
Can my dentures break?
Though they’re made of strong materials and have only gotten more advanced, it’s always possible for dentures to break. If you eat too many hard foods, biting down on something at the wrong angle with too much force can cause a break. Take care to eat foods that are within your biting capacity and try to avoid anything extremely hard.
Will people be able to tell I have dentures?
It’s highly unlikely. In the past, dentures were bulky and didn’t look the most natural. As technology continues to advance, cosmetic dentures advance too. These are made to look natural in your smile and fit what looks best in your smile. Unless someone is really analyzing, they won’t be able to tell your teeth aren’t real.
Am I a candidate for dentures?
Most people are eligible for traditional dentures. We do have to remove any remaining teeth, and you must have a certain level of oral health to get dentures. You must have enough healthy bone structure to support the implant posts for implant dentures. You also have to be healthy enough overall to undergo a surgical procedure.