When you lose teeth, your smile and oral health suffer. Chewing becomes difficult, so you may have to eat a restrictive diet. An incomplete smile can also cause facial muscles to sag, which contributes to an aged appearance. Some patients experience speech problems and poor self-confidence, as well. Dr. Duke and Dr. Andrews want you to live life to the fullest! With modern dentures, our dentists can replace your missing teeth and enhance your quality of life.
Dental Designs of Bountiful uses a trusted dental lab to ensure a precise, comfortable fit and natural appearance for our patients’ dentures. When all teeth are missing or removed, a full denture for each arch is required. Partial dentures replace a few missing teeth on either the upper or lower arch by fitting with natural teeth, much like a jigsaw puzzle. Our dentists will present all of your options, including dental implants, if applicable, then explain any recommendations. We want to help you achieve a smile that best fits your needs and is beautiful.
A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.
A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.
Reasons for dentures:
• Complete Denture – Loss of all teeth in an arch.
• Partial Denture – Loss of several teeth in an arch.
• Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
• Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.
What does getting dentures involve?
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit. Adjustments are needed after the dentures are complete, usually over a period of several weeks.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.
You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures. It is important for denture wearers to maintain their regular dental visits to ensure a healthy mouth, proper denture fit and for routine oral cancer screenings.
Reclaim your smile and your life. Call us today at 801-295-7171 to learn more about dentures in Bountiful, Utah, and to schedule your denture consultation. Our dental office serves all of Bountiful with comprehensive, personalized care.