Restore Your Smile and Oral Function with Dentures
At Prestige Dental Care in Lake Worth, FL, we understand that tooth loss can impact your appearance, speech, and chewing abilities. Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and provide you with an improved and more youthful smile. Whether you require complete or partial dentures, our experienced dentists can help you regain your confidence and enjoy a natural-looking smile.
What are the Types of Dentures Available?
- Complete Dentures: If you are missing all of your teeth in a single arch or both arches (maxilla and mandible), complete dentures are an excellent option. Made of acrylic resin, these dentures hold a full set of acrylic or porcelain teeth. Complete dentures form a seal with your gums and palate, ensuring a secure fit and restoring your smile.
- Partial Dentures: If you are missing some teeth on one or both arches, partial dentures can be customized to fill the gaps. These dentures can be made with a plastic-like or metal framework that supports acrylic teeth. Clasps and rests are carefully adapted around your natural teeth to achieve retention. If you're considering replacing missing teeth with dentures, our Lake Worth dentist can guide you in choosing the right type for your specific needs.
Candidacy and Denture Options
Most patients with extensive tooth loss are candidates for dentures; however, having adequate jaw bone structure and volume is essential for a proper fit. There are two types of complete dentures based on the dental status of the patient: conventional and immediate dentures.
- Conventional Dentures: These dentures are delivered eight to twelve weeks after all teeth are removed, allowing for proper gum healing.
- Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures are delivered immediately after tooth extraction. Immediate dentures may require adjustments after healing has taken place. Alternatively, a combination approach can be taken, where a transitional denture is provided on the day of extraction, followed by a conventional denture tailored to fit the healed tissues. Our Lake Worth dentist can discuss the best approach for your specific situation.
Enhancing Dentures with Implants
Conventional dentures can be further improved by adding implants for a more stable fit. Implants are particularly beneficial for lower dentures, which tend to be less stable due to the anatomy of the lower jaw. If you're considering implants to enhance the stability and natural feel of your dentures, our caring dentist can explain the available options.
The Denture Creation Process
For traditional dentures, you can expect a waiting period of two to three months after tooth extraction to allow for proper gum and bone tissue healing. Impressions of your oral anatomy are taken and sent to the lab, where models of your mouth are created. Through a series of visits, your dentist and the lab technician will meticulously build your dentures, ensuring a precise fit, proper bite, and desirable aesthetics. The process typically involves four to five visits over four to five weeks. After the denture is delivered, occasional adjustment visits may be required for about a month.
Immediate dentures, on the other hand, are ready for delivery on the same day as tooth extraction. Impressions of your oral anatomy and teeth are taken in advance to create models for the denture. It's important to note that immediate dentures do not provide the same fit as traditional dentures, as the bone and gums have not had sufficient time to reshape and heal. Consult with our Lake Worth dentist to determine the best approach for achieving your desired results, whether through a combination of immediate and conventional dentures or the addition of implants for stability.
Caring for Your Dentures
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity and health of your dentures. Clean them daily by brushing with a denture cleanser or mild soap (avoiding toothpaste, which can be abrasive). Failure to clean your dentures can lead to plaque, tartar buildup, and undesirable stains, odors, and tastes. Additionally, use a soft toothbrush to gently brush your gums, stimulating blood flow and promoting healthy gums.
To ensure optimal oral health, it's recommended to remove your dentures during sleep. This allows your oral tissues to recover and reduces the risk of fungal infections. Soak your dentures overnight in a cleanser solution, and avoid using abrasive or harsh cleansers that may scratch the denture surface. Boiling water should not be used for disinfection, as it can cause distortion. Handle your dentures with care, and your Lake Worth dentist at Prestige Dental Care will provide detailed instructions on how to maintain and care for your dentures.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Continuing with regular dental check-ups is essential even if you have dentures. Over time, the anatomy beneath your dentures may change due to bone shrinkage. To ensure a proper denture fit, the interior may need to be relined, or a new denture may be required. Routine visits also allow your dentist to monitor for signs of oral disease or cancer, ensuring your overall oral health.
Book a Denture Consultation Today
If you're considering dentures as a tooth replacement option, our trustworthy dentists in Lake Worth are here to help. Contact us at (561) 965-3933 or click below to schedule a consultation. Let us assist you in achieving a functional and beautiful smile with dentures tailored to your unique needs.
