Dentures and partials are both useful tools for replacing missing teeth. Dentures can be your solution whether you’re missing a few teeth or an entire arch. We provide them as part of our restorative dentistry services in Flint, TX. With modern dentistry advancements, dentures look and feel more natural than ever.
Getting Dentures in Flint, TX
While getting dentures may seem like a big step, the process is straightforward, and with a little patience, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a fully functional smile again.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
The first step in getting dentures is visiting your dentist office for a consultation. During this visit, your dentist will examine your mouth, review your medical history, and discuss your options. They may take X-rays or impressions of your mouth to help them understand the structure of your gums and remaining teeth.
Your dentist will also talk to you about the different types of dentures available, including full dentures (to replace all teeth) or partial dentures (to replace only a few missing teeth). Together, you’ll decide which option is best for you.
Step 2: Preparing Your Mouth
Once you get dentures, your dentist will prepare your mouth for the appliance. If you still have any remaining teeth that need removal, your dentist will extract them. This step is essential because the dentures need a clean, healthy surface to fit securely.
After extractions, your gums will need time to heal, which can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on how many teeth were removed. In the meantime, your dentist may provide you with temporary dentures to wear while you wait for your permanent set.
Step 3: Taking Impressions and Measurements
After your gums have healed, the next step is taking impressions of your mouth. Your dentist will use a special putty or gel to make molds of your gums and any remaining teeth. These impressions will help create custom dentures that fit perfectly in your mouth. Your dentist will also take measurements of your mouth, such as the size and shape of your jaw and the position of your bite. This information is used to design dentures that feel comfortable and look natural.
Step 4: Creating the Dentures
Once your impressions are taken, they are sent to a dental laboratory, where your dentures will be made. The laboratory technicians use your molds and measurements to craft dentures that match your natural tooth’s color, size, and shape. The process usually takes a few weeks, but your dentist may provide you with temporary dentures to wear during this time.
Step 5: Fitting the Dentures
Once your permanent dentures are ready, you will return to your dentist’s office for the fitting. Your dentist will check the dentures to ensure they fit comfortably in your mouth. They may make minor adjustments to ensure the dentures sit properly and your bite is aligned correctly. You may feel slight discomfort during this phase, but it’s normal, and any necessary adjustments will be made to improve your comfort.
Step 6: Getting Used to Your New Dentures
Getting used to wearing dentures may take some time, especially if it’s your first time. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new appliance, and you may experience some irritation or soreness initially. Don’t worry – this is completely normal. Over time, your gums will adjust, and the discomfort should go away. You may also notice that it feels a bit strange to speak or eat at first. It can take some practice to speak clearly and chew comfortably with dentures, but it will become easier with time.
Step 7: Regular Check-ups and Care
Once your dentures are fitted, you must visit your dentist for regular check-ups. During these visits, your dentist will check the fit of your dentures and look for any signs of wear or damage. Your dentist can make any necessary adjustments and advise on caring for your dentures.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture that is anchored to your jawbone with dental implants. Unlike traditional dentures, which sit on top of your gums and rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place, implant-supported dentures are secured with small titanium posts, called implants, that are placed into your jawbone. These implants act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stronger foundation for your dentures.
There are two main types of implant-supported dentures: bar-retained and ball-retained. Bar-retained dentures are supported by a metal bar that is connected to multiple implants in your jaw. The dentures clip onto this bar, offering a strong and secure fit. Ball-retained dentures use ball-shaped connectors on the implants that fit into corresponding sockets on the dentures. Both systems are designed to provide a stable and comfortable fit that allows you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
How Do Implant-Supported Dentures Work?
Getting implant-supported dentures involves several steps, starting with placing dental implants in your jawbone. The first step is an initial consultation with your dentist, who will assess your oral health and determine whether you’re a good implant candidate. Your dentist may take X-rays or scans of your mouth to evaluate the condition of your jawbone and ensure that it can support the implants. If you have insufficient bone, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to strengthen the area before placing the implants.
Once your dentist confirms you’re a suitable candidate, the next step is a surgical procedure to place the implants into your jaw. The titanium implants are inserted into the bone, and over the next few months, they will fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a solid foundation for the dentures.
After fully integrating the implants into your jawbone, the next phase involves attaching the dentures. Depending on the type of implant-supported dentures you’ve chosen, your dentist will attach a bar or ball system to the implants. The dentures are then secured to the implants, providing a stable and permanent solution for your missing teeth.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
There are many reasons why implant-supported dentures are a great choice for people with missing teeth. One of the biggest advantages is their stability. Unlike traditional dentures that can slip or shift out of place, implant-supported dentures are securely anchored to your jaw. This means you can eat, speak, and smile without worrying about your dentures moving around.
Another benefit is the ability to eat a wider variety of foods. Traditional dentures can make chewing difficult, especially regarding tougher foods. With implant-supported dentures, you can bite and chew much more comfortably, allowing you to enjoy a variety of foods without restriction.
Implant-supported dentures also help prevent bone loss in the jaw. When teeth are missing, the jawbone can begin to shrink over time, which can cause changes in facial appearance and make it harder to wear traditional dentures. Because the implants stimulate the bone, they help maintain its structure, preventing bone loss and preserving the natural shape of your face.
Additionally, implant-supported dentures are more comfortable than traditional dentures. Regular dentures rest directly on your gums, which can cause irritation or sores. However, because implant-supported dentures are held in place by the implants, they don’t put pressure on the gums. This results in a more comfortable fit and reduces the risk of irritation.
Lastly, implant-supported dentures are a long-term solution. While traditional dentures may need adjustments or replacements over time, implants are designed to last many years with proper care. The implants can last a lifetime, while the dentures may need to be replaced or relined occasionally.
Schedule a Consultation
Are dentures or partials the right solution to replace your missing teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online to learn more.