The Allen Dental Center team proudly provides dentures in Allen, TX as a restorative service for missing or failing teeth. Dentures are used to replace missing teeth with an easy-to-use oral appliance, improving facial structure and appearance. They are most commonly used with elderly patients but are an excellent option for any age. Losing all or most of your teeth can be intimidating, but we are sure these services will give you the same confidence as your natural smile. Once dentures are correctly fitted and placed, a patient’s smile will look as good as new!
Are Dentures For Me?
Before we consider denture treatment, we will consider your medical and dental history.
A candidate for dentures is typically someone who has lost multiple teeth due to various factors, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma. Individuals who are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws are suitable for complete dentures, while those missing only a few teeth can benefit from partial dentures.
Denture candidates often include older adults who have experienced natural tooth loss over time. Additionally, we may consider you for dentures if you have significant decay or tooth damage.
Good candidates should have healthy gums and sufficient bone structure to support the dentures. We will provide treatment before dentures if you need gum disease treatment, root canal therapy, or tooth extractions. Potential denture wearers must also commit to proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits after treatment.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures offer many benefits to patients with lost teeth:
- Restored Function: With a full bite, dentures restore your biting and chewing function. You can eat the foods you love without restricting yourself to only soft foods. As a result, you can improve nutrition and overall health.
- Enhanced Appearance: Dentures provide a natural-looking smile, helping to restore facial aesthetics and support the lips and cheeks.
- Improved Speech: Dentures help in articulating words more clearly. Gaps in the mouth can create speech issues. In some cases, missing teeth can make it hard to pronounce “th” or “ch”.
- Boosted Confidence: With restored teeth, you can experience increased self-esteem. Smiling with your new teeth can give you a confidence boost in social and professional interactions.
- Custom Fit: Modern dentures are custom-made to fit comfortably in the mouth, ensuring better fit and stability. We will take measurements of your mouth and take impressions for personalized care.
- Cost-Effective: Removable dentures can offer a cost-effective option to restore lost teeth. Implant-supported dentures may require more investment, but they last many years.
Types of Dentures: What to Know
There are two different types: complete and partial. We can provide both options. How do you decide which is better?
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are for patients who are missing teeth on either the top jaw, bottom jaw, or both. This treatment comes in two forms: conventional and immediate. If you decide on the conventional option, they will be made after removing your failing teeth. Before they are placed, the surrounding gum tissue will need to heal.
Partials
A removable partial denture is also known as a bridge. It consists of your new teeth attached to a base. Partials are the best option if one or multiple natural teeth remain in your jaw. A partial will prevent your natural teeth from changing position.
Immediate Dentures
If you want a quicker turnaround, the immediate option will be best. They are made in advance and can be placed in your mouth to give you your dream smile as soon as any problem teeth are removed.
The only drawback to immediate over conventional is your gums and bones can shrink during the healing period, which may mean that you have to come in to adjust your dentures. Because of this, we see the immediate option as temporary.
How to Get Used to New Dentures
Some patients are concerned that new dentures will make speaking and eating more difficult. At first, some words may be difficult to pronounce. The best way to overcome this is by practicing saying those words out loud.
Eating may also take some practice. We recommend beginning with soft, cut-up foods. The longer you wear your dentures, the easier it will become to eat with them. Before you know it, you will be chewing like you always have!
Your dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth as accurately as possible. Depending on previous issues you may have been having, they will improve and fill out your smile.
Your mouth may take a few weeks to get used to your replacement teeth. This is normal! The muscles in your cheeks and tongue will not be used to the appliance at first but will become comfortable the more often you do it. In addition to this, saliva flow may increase. This will also diminish over time as your mouth adjusts.
How to Care for Dentures
Caring for your dentures is easy. Brushing and rinsing them daily is necessary, but avoid using toothpaste. Over time, toothpaste can scratch them up and create areas where it is more likely for plaque to build up.
Brushing will also help prevent permanent stains and remove food. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush will also prevent wear on your dentures. Specific cleaning solutions for denture care are essential; use one with the American Dental Association seal of approval. Soaking your dentures in a cleanser will ensure they do not lose shape when you are not wearing them.
How much are dentures?
Dental insurance will cover part of restorative dental treatments, including dentures. Our office accepts payment plans from Alphaeon and CareCredit to keep restorative care in your budget. Your number of missing teeth, type of denture, and pretreatments can contribute to your denture cost.
Restore Your Teeth
Allen Dental Center is proud to provide solutions for missing and failing teeth. No matter the reason, we would be delighted to talk to you about how dentures can help! Get dentures in our Allen, TX, office today.
If you have any questions, contact us at 972.640.7564. You can also schedule a visit online.