Dr. Elizabeth Duling provides dentures in Owens Cross Roads, AL. Dentures and partials are restorative dentistry services Dr. Duling offers the public. She can use dentures to replace multiple teeth or even full arches of missing teeth. We can also replace old dentures with new ones. Signs that you need a new denture can include changes in speech clarity, wear to the prosthetic teeth, and slipping dentures.
Modern dentures, especially dentures secured by dental implants, help revitalize the look and function of patient’s smiles. Dentures improve bone retention, provide a secure fit, and allow patients to eat the foods they love. Even if you have full arches of teeth missing, dentures are a durable and complete dental restoration that can renew the appearance of your smile.
Full and Partial Dentures
Partial dentures benefit patients who still have multiple natural teeth. They are made of clasps that attach to the remaining teeth. The bases and clasps of partial dentures are either metal or plastic and will blend in with your gum tissue. Complete dentures are for patients with no remaining teeth on the top or bottom jaw.
We can also provide patients with dentures on the same day as their tooth extraction. For a longer-lasting restoration, we can work with a local surgeon who can provide dental implants. Then, we can attach the denture to the implants in our office. Dental implants allow dentures to last many years without regular maintenance or repairs.
Receiving Dentures
Dr. Duling can provide removable dentures and the final restoration for implant-secured dentures. We take impressions for a removable denture made by a state-of-the-art dental lab. We’ll often provide you with a temporary restoration while the permanent one is being made. When it’s ready, we ensure it fits in our office. Removable dentures work with suction, so we’ll talk to you about preferred adhesives and cleansers for your new restoration.
For implant dentures, we will refer you to a local implant surgeon who can offer dental implant treatment before attaching the denture. The surgeon strategically places several dental implants during treatment to anchor the full or partial denture. Many patients may have a temporary denture placed while the dental implants heal and integrate with the jaw bone.
Removable Vs. Implant-Secured Dentures
The two main options for dentures are removable and implant-secured. Removable dentures have been the standard and are probably what you think of when you think of dentures. However, implant-secured dentures are becoming more popular due to their many benefits.
Removable Dentures
For decades, removable dentures have replaced full arches of missing teeth. Their base is gum-colored and supports acrylic teeth. We ensure the denture fits your mouth correctly and stays in your mouth with suction to your gums. Usually, patients require adhesive for them to stay in their mouths.
This type of denture is ideal for patients who are on a budget. They’re a good deal cheaper than implant-supported dentures. You can also get your restoration quicker, as the dental implant process takes months. Implant dentures require invasive surgery to place the implant posts in your jawbone, whereas removable ones do not. This also means that you don’t have to visit the office as frequently during the process.
However, removable dentures have drawbacks. Though they’re cheaper upfront, you incur costs over time. Your jawbone continues to grow and change, requiring relining or replacing your dentures. You’ll most likely need to buy adhesive to keep your dentures in your mouth.
Even with suction, they’re prone to shifting and moving. The adhesive helps to prevent this movement. You can’t sleep with them either because your gums need a rest. They can get sores and other complications if you wear your removable dentures too much.
Removable dentures require extra maintenance, too. You must clean them thoroughly each evening, removing the adhesive from the surface. Dentures also require soaking overnight, which both sterilizes them and keeps them hydrated. Without regular soaking, the base becomes brittle and is prone to breaking.
Implant-Secured Dentures
Implant-secured dentures are our recommended choice for full-arch tooth replacement. Instead of using suction to keep the denture in your mouth, it attaches to as few as four dental implants placed in your jawbone. They’re a permanent fixture in your mouth that you don’t have to ever take out.
The most significant benefit of these is their stability. Dental implants osseointegrate with your jawbone, giving you back almost 100% of your bite function. You don’t have to worry about them slipping or moving in your mouth. While the upfront cost is more than removable dentures, you don’t have surprise costs in the future. The implants prevent further jawbone deterioration, so it won’t continue to change throughout the years.
They require less maintenance, too. You don’t need messy adhesives or special soaks. You can brush your teeth like you would normally.
Implant dentures are easier to clean, which means you’re less likely to have oral health problems. They look and feel the most like your natural teeth, and you get used to them quickly. Implant dentures also help improve your facial structure and prevent the sagging effect that can happen when bone starts to weaken.
The main downside of this restoration is the cost. Dental implants require a surgical element, which makes them more expensive than removable dentures. They’re also more invasive and take longer because of this. However, the benefits usually outweigh the negatives in most instances.
FAQs About Dentures
Dentures are a valuable solution to replace multiple missing teeth in Owens Cross Roads, AL. Learn more with answers to these commonly asked questions.
How many visits does it take to get dentures?
This depends on the type of dentures. A standard set of dentures should take about four to six visits. However, the process could take longer if you need extractions or any other dental work completed first. Also, you may need your dentist to adjust your dentures a few times before they fit perfectly. The denture implant process will take many more visits over several months.
Where should I keep my dentures overnight?
We recommend placing your dentures in a cup of tap water overnight. Before doing this, clean them with a non-abrasive brush and denture cleaner. This will keep your dentures clean and prevent them from drying out. Keeping your dentures from drying out entirely is essential because the acrylic will become dry and brittle.
What happens if I wear my removable dentures overnight?
Wearing dentures overnight can impact saliva flow, blocking its normal path. This can lead to a condition called denture stomatitis or thrush. The area under your dentures becomes red and irritated because you’re constantly wearing the dentures. Without treatment, your gums become infected with yeast, and the tissue is inflamed and sore.
How many hours a day can I wear my dentures?
You should remove your removable dentures daily for about six to eight hours. This is to give your gums a rest and to clean them properly. Most people do this at night while they are sleeping. For implant-supported dentures, you never have to take them out of your mouth. They’re designed to stay in place always because they don’t require suction, and your gums stay in place properly.
How long does it take to adjust to dentures?
Adjusting to dentures will differ from patient to patient. Most denture wearers report that it takes one to two months to acclimate to having them in. After consistent use, they will eventually feel completely normal.
Am I a candidate for implant-secured dentures?
Whenever possible, we recommend implant-supported dentures. They provide many benefits of dental implants without the cost of multiple individual implants. You must have enough healthy jawbone density to support dental implants properly. Healthy jaw bone helps the implants stay stable.
You must also be in good overall health because implant placement is a surgical procedure. Based on your oral health and overall condition, you may need pretreatment before we can proceed with implant-secured dentures.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Do you want to restore the look and function of your teeth and gums? Try full or partial dentures in Owen’s Cross Roads, AL. Request a consultation with Dr. Duling online or call her Owens Cross Roads dental office at 256.202.4186.