After tooth loss, it is possible to live a normal, healthy life thanks to modern dentures. A denture is a prosthetic device that is custom made from dental impressions and will fit seamlessly in your mouth. Dr. Heather Adams is a leading restorative dentist that offers years of experience help patients with complex oral health issues such as missing teeth. She offers dentures in Rogers, AR, for patients missing several teeth on an arch or an entire row of teeth.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are custom made artificial teeth that dentists use to replace missing teeth and some of the gum tissue. They are made in a dental lab with teeth impressions that dentist take of their patient’s mouth. These impressions will ensure a secure fit. There are two basic types of dentures to accommodate the number of teeth patients are missing. There are complete dentures for when all your teeth are missing and partial dentures when you have a few of your natural teeth left.
Types of Dentures in Rogers, AR
Complete Dentures: This is the traditional method for replacing a full arch of missing teeth. They can replace the teeth on the upper or lower jaw or both. Sometimes called full dentures, complete dentures are removable for easy cleaning. A full set of dentures consists of a gum colored acrylic base that will support the false teeth. They are held in place by way of suction and/or denture adhesive.
Partial Dentures: This type of denture is for patients who still have some teeth left on their arch. Your dentist will custom make the partial to fill in the gaps in your smile. This too can be used on the upper or lower jaw. A partial consists of a metal or acrylic framework that attaches to the remaining natural teeth with clasps. The false teeth are attached to the framework and will fill in the gaps created by the missing teeth.
Implant-Supported Denture: An implant supported denture is secured in place with dental implants instead of resting on the gums or relying on suction. Your dentist will place between two and eight dental implants per arch in the jaw bone. Here, they will fuse to the jaw bone and serve as anchors for the denture or partial denture. This provides exceptional stability and support as opposed to the suction, adhesive, and clasps.
Benefits of Implant Dentures
Dr. Heather Adams provides implant dentures as part of her restorative dentistry services in Northwest Arkansas. Choosing to anchor a denture with dental implants improves the long-term function and health of the smile. Implant dentures do not slip and require no special cleaning solutions. When possible, Dr. Adams encourages patients to consider using implant secured dentures. Patients who use an implant secured denture enjoy long-term oral health and quality of life benefits. The benefits of an implant dentures include:
- Supporting facial structure integrity
- Preventing bone loss
- Reduced risk of gum disease
- Preventing gum recession
- No slippage
- Nearly full function of the chewing system
- Confident speech
- Natural-looking smile
Receiving Your Custom Denture in Rogers, AR
Dentures are custom-designed by Dr. Adams to meet both the cosmetic and restorative needs of the patient. The denture is made from a highly durable material that is shaped and colored to recreate or enhance your former smile.
A personalized consultation and thorough oral health exam will help Dr. Adams determine which style of denture is right for you. Dr. Adams works with her patients to find comfortable, natural-looking solutions that provide long-term functional support for a stable smile.
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over a period of several weeks. Dr. Adams will take highly accurate dental impressions and measurements that will be used by dental lab to create your custom set of artificial teeth.
There will be “try-on” appointments to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, Dr. Adams will adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
The Process to Receive An Implant-Supported Denture
Dr. Adams coordinates all phases of implant treatments for a streamlined procedure and predictable results. Implants are surgically placed and allowed to heal for a span of 3-6 months. During this time patients may wear a temporary and removable denture so that they are able to eat and speak normally.
Once the implants have healed a final denture will be custom designed to meet the patient’s unique cosmetic goals. When designing a denture Dr. Adams considers the size, the shape of the smile, and all facial features to create a natural-looking denture that enhances your overall appearance.
Dentures FAQs
Read our frequently asked questions to learn more about dentures in our Rogers, AR dental office. Please contact us during regular office hours if you have additional questions or concerns.
How many hours a day should I wear my dentures?
If you have removable dentures, you will need to remove them at night to give your gums a rest. We suggest keeping them out for about six to eight hours a day. This will prevent sores and give you time to clean your denture thoroughly.
Will my dentures stay in place?
Partial dentures use metal clasps that will attach to the remaining, natural teeth. Full dentures will use a natural suction to the gums to stay put. However, after years of wearing them, the gums will naturally recede, and the bone structure of the jaw will change. This may force some people to consider using adhesive to keep them in place.
When the fit of your dentures begins to change, this is when they may fall out or shift in the mouth. At this point, you should consider having them remade to guarantee a proper fit.
Will my dentures hurt?
Even well-made dentures will involve an adjustment period. They will feel funny and bulky in your mouth. Your gums will need to adjust to having the new appliance resting on them for many hours a day. While this is uncomfortable, it should not hurt. If your dentures are causing you pain, you should visit with your dentist to have them looked at.
How do I care for my dentures?
Dentures are not meant to be worn all day. They should be removed daily for proper cleaning. You should remove them before bed and brush them with a soft toothbrush.
Use soap and water or a special cleaner made specifically for dentures. You should also rinse your dentures after every meal. Dentures can warp easily when dried out. When not worn, you should store them in a glass of water or a denture solution.
How soon can I get dentures after a tooth extraction?
You will get your final dentures once your gums heal after your extraction. If you get implants, you must wait for your implant posts to heal fully. However, that does not mean you will be without teeth. You will get temporary dentures, also called immediate dentures after your tooth extraction.
Can I switch to an implant-supported denture?
Yes! If you are currently wearing an ill-fitting denture or dealing with a slipping, removable denture, you may benefit from receiving dental implants to secure the existing denture. Ask Dr. Adams about your implant options if you are frustrated by the fit or function of your current denture. It is never too late to switch to dental implants.
What should I expect when wearing dentures for the first time?
Every patient is different and everyone will have a different experience. Anytime you place something foreign in your mouth, it will feel unnatural. Your gums may feel sore for the first few weeks too. However, you will slowly get used to them after weeks or months of wear.
How long do dentures last?
Removable dentures usually last between 5 to 10 years. Over time, your gums and jaw can change, which means your dentures might not fit as well anymore. They can also wear down from daily use. To keep them in good shape and fitting properly, you’ll need adjustments or full replacements.
Dental implants ensure dentures last longer. Implant-supported dentures last 10 to 20 or more years. The implants are permanent part of your smile, while you can replace the dentures after many years.