Dentures
Tooth loss can happen to everyone. While decay is the main cause, accidents can also rob people of a full smile. For anyone with significant tooth loss, dentures offer a way back to baseline. Restore your smile, rebuild confidence, and reclaim daily tasks of living like eating and speaking with ease.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are sets of artificial teeth placed over the gums to fill gaps in a patient’s smile. Modern dentures are made from durable materials and customized to look completely natural. At Highland Smiles Dentistry, we offer several dentures options to help patients get back to smiling to their fullest.
Types of Dentures
Full Dentures
When you think of dentures, you likely will first picture full dentures. These are full sets of teeth that replace an entire row of missing teeth. These are more common for patients who have experienced recurring tooth loss and need a way forward.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures will replace teeth to fill in gaps in a smile. These work best for patients who still have some healthy teeth, but have sections of their smile missing. Partial dentures are best for replacing three or more teeth in a row.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are an increasingly popular tooth replacement option. They work and look like traditional partial or full dentures, but they have one key difference. Rather than resting directly on the gums, you can affix them to dental implants.
Dental implants are titanium posts placed directly into the gum to fuse with the jaw. These posts provide impressive stability and support while still allowing you to remove your dentures for easy cleaning.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
- More stability
- Improved comfort
- Better jawbone health
- Easier to chew with
- Simple to clean and maintain
What Is the Process for Getting Dentures?
Step 1: The Consultation
First, Dr. Mansour meets with each patient to ensure dentures are right for them. He looks at your oral health and your goals to build a suitable plan. You can learn about each option and what advantages each solution offers.
Step 1.5: Getting Your Implants
If you choose implant-supported dentures, the next step will be getting your dental implants. Dr. Mansour installs them through a quick procedure in a single visit. After this, you will wait for your gums to heal and the titanium post to fuse to the jaw.
Step 2: Taking Impressions
Dentures look best when they are customized for your jaw. This also makes them work best. By taking impressions, we can craft a set of dentures that look as close to your original teeth as possible.
Step 3: Receiving Your Dentures
When we get your dentures from the lab, you can come try them on. It is normal for them to feel a little odd at first. Over the next few days and weeks, you will gradually get used to them. Dr. Mansour checks to make sure they fit properly before you leave. If you do need adjustments, you can come back in. We also provide full tips on how to adjust to using your dentures and how to keep them clean.
Reclaiming a full smile can be a transformative experience for most patients. You can again feel comfortable, confident, and in control.
Do I Need Dentures?
If you are missing multiple teeth, then you may need dentures. Significant tooth loss can hamper the quality of your life, turning even routine activities into a challenge. However, they are best for patients with several missing teeth in a row.
Alternative options can include:
- Dental Implants: Implants can support individual crowns as well. Patients with only one or a couple of missing teeth tend to see the greatest benefit from implants.
- Dental Bridges: Bridges are a budget-friendly option for replacing gaps in your smile. Patients missing one or two teeth in a row may be suitable for bridges.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
A good set of dentures should last for about 5 to 10 years. Patients who take good care of their dentures find they last about 10 years on average, with some lasting beyond this.
Book Your Consultation
Give yourself back the smile you deserve with dentures with the El Cajon dentist. Call Dr. Mansour’s office or use the online form to set up your consultation.
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