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. We may also 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. They restore your 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.
Dentures FAQs
We welcome you to learn more about dentures in our Allen, TX office. Read answers to these patient questions:
How do you 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 many teeth can dentures replace?
Dentures can replace some or all your teeth. Full dentures can replace all the teeth in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. We recommend partial dentures are used when you still have some healthy natural teeth. They fill in the spaces where teeth are missing and help keep your remaining teeth from shifting.
How long does it take to get dentures?
The time it takes to get dentures depends on your specific situation. However, the process usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months.
First, it will take one to two visit for our dentist to examine your mouth, take impressions, and discuss the type of dentures you need. If you need tooth extractions or gum disease treatment, your gums will need time to heal, which can take a few weeks. It can also take several weeks for our local dental lab to craft your dentures.
Treatment with implant dentures may take longer because they require surgery and healing. However, these restorations last longer than removable dentures.
Can I get implant dentures if I already have dentures?
Yes, you can get implant dentures even if you already have traditional dentures! Implant dentures are a great option if you’re looking for a more secure and stable fit. They don’t slip or shift like regular dentures, making eating and speaking much easier. Visit our office, and we will see if you are a candidate for implant treatment.
Can I sleep with my dentures?
If you have traditional dentures, you want to remove your restoration before sleep. Taking your dentures out at night gives your gums a chance to rest and recover. It also helps prevent any discomfort or irritation that might happen if the dentures are left in all night.
With implant dentures, you can sleep with your replacement teeth in your mouth. Since implant dentures are attached to dental implants, they stay securely in place and feel more like natural teeth. You don’t have to worry about them shifting or causing discomfort, and you can continue wearing them while you sleep.
Does it hurt to get dentures?
When you first get dentures, your mouth needs time to adjust to them. Your gums might feel sore and irritated for a few weeks while they get used to the dentures rubbing against them. You might also have more saliva than usual at first.
If you had teeth removed before getting dentures, your mouth will need to heal from that surgery first. This healing process can be uncomfortable and might take several weeks. We will give you medicine to help with discomfort during this time.
If you get implants, we will numb your mouth before surgery. Afterwards, we will provide pain medication and recommend cold compresses for your comfort.
Do implant dentures feel comfortable?
Yes, implant dentures usually feel much more comfortable than traditional dentures. Because the denture is anchored to your jawbone, it feels more stable.
Once you’re used to them, you’ll find that implant dentures:
- Don’t slip around when you eat or talk
- Don’t rub against your gums like regular dentures
- Let you bite with more force
- Feel more like natural teeth
- Don’t need sticky adhesives
How much do dentures cost?
Your number of missing teeth, type of denture, and pretreatments can contribute to the cost of 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.
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.