3118 Milton Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215
Understanding Dentures: What to Expect
If you're planning to get dentures, it's completely normal to have some questions. This page is here to guide you through the process, whether you’re receiving full or partial dentures. Our goal is to help you feel informed and at ease every step of the way, while restoring both the look and function of your smile.
We offer both complete and partial denture options to replace missing teeth. Thanks to new advances in dental care, today’s dentures are more secure, natural-looking, and comfortable than ever before. Keep reading to explore your choices and learn what the denture process involves.
Why Choose Dentures to Replace Missing Teeth?
If you’ve lost one or more teeth, dentures can be a great option to restore both function and appearance. Leaving gaps in your smile can lead to several problems, such as:
Trouble Eating and Speaking:
Missing teeth can make it harder to chew food properly and may affect how clearly you speak.
Teeth Shifting Out of Place:
When there’s an empty space in your mouth, nearby teeth can move into that gap. This can lead to bite issues and make cleaning your teeth more difficult.
Higher Risk of Gum Problems and Cavities:
Spaces left by missing teeth can increase your risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay if not properly treated.
Changes to Your Facial Appearance:
Tooth loss can change the shape of your face over time. Dentures help maintain your natural appearance and keep nearby teeth from shifting out of position.
Understanding How Dentures Work
Dentures are removable, custom-made devices that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum area. They consist of a gum-colored base that supports artificial teeth made from durable materials like porcelain or acrylic. While they help restore your ability to speak, eat, and smile with confidence, it may take a little time to adjust to wearing them. Good daily care and regular dental visits are important to keep your dentures clean, comfortable, and functioning properly.
Types of Dentures and Their Benefits
Dentures are a reliable way to replace missing teeth. They help bring back your smile, make eating and talking easier, and boost your confidence. There are several types of dentures available, and each comes with its own advantages depending on your needs.
Complete Dentures: A Full Smile Solution
Full or complete dentures are made to replace all the teeth in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They are shaped to fit snugly over your gums and are ideal if you’ve lost all your teeth due to aging, gum disease, or injury.
Benefits of Complete Dentures:
- Natural Look: They restore your full smile and improve the shape of your face.
- Clearer Speech: Full dentures help you speak more clearly after tooth loss.
- Easier Chewing: They allow you to eat more comfortably and enjoy your meals.
- Facial Support: These dentures help prevent your cheeks and jaw from sagging.
- Affordable Option: A cost-friendly choice for full-mouth tooth replacement.
Partial Dentures: Filling in the Gaps
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They fill the spaces left by missing teeth and attach to your existing teeth using clasps or connectors. They’re a good option if you still have healthy teeth that can support a denture.
Benefits of Partial Dentures:
- Blends In Naturally: They match your remaining teeth for a smooth, natural look.
- Better Chewing: Helps restore your bite so you can enjoy more foods.
- Stops Teeth from Moving: Keeps nearby teeth from shifting out of place.
- Protects Oral Health: Helps support and keep your remaining teeth healthy.
Dentures Supported by Implants
These dentures use dental implants as anchors in your jaw, offering more stability than regular dentures. They can be used for both full and partial sets and feel more like natural teeth.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures:
- Stay in Place: They don’t move around while you talk or eat.
- Better Biting Power: You can enjoy a wider variety of foods.
- Protects Your Jawbone: Implants help keep your jawbone healthy.
- Looks Natural: They blend in well with your natural teeth.
- Durable Option: With good care, they can last for many years.
Immediate Dentures: Walk Out with a Smile
Immediate dentures are placed right after your teeth are removed. They’re made ahead of time, so you don’t have to go without teeth while your mouth heals.
Benefits of Immediate Dentures:
- No Time Without Teeth: You’ll leave the office with a complete smile.
- Supports Healing: Covers the extraction sites and helps protect your gums.
- Keeps You Confident: You won’t have to hide your smile during recovery.
Snap-On Dentures: Secure and Easy to Use
Also called overdentures, these fit over implants or natural teeth using snap-on attachments. They’re more secure than regular dentures but still removable for cleaning.
Benefits of Immediate Dentures:
- More Stability: They stay in place better than standard dentures.
- Helps Jaw Health: The implants underneath help prevent bone loss.
- Easy to Clean: You can take them out for daily cleaning and care.
A Better Smile Starts Here
Today’s dentures offer many options to suit your needs. Whether you’re missing just a few teeth or all of them, there’s a type of denture that can restore your smile and make daily life easier. With better comfort, fit, and appearance, modern dentures can truly help you smile with confidence again.