Replacing missing teeth will restore your oral health and daily quality of life, improving speech and the ability to enjoy a healthy diet as well as your sense of confidence in your overall appearance. Tahoe, CA area dentist Dr. Jason Baldwin offers a range of restorative dental treatment options for replacing one or more lost teeth, including fixed and removable dentures. Dr. Baldwin can help you to restore a beautiful smile that will also restore natural function and aesthetics to your smile after tooth loss.
Dentures: What To Consider
Dentures and partial dentures have been used to replace the upper, lower, or both arches of teeth for many years. Recent advances in techniques and materials now offer patients cosmetic dentures that are natural-looking and comfortable.
Types of dentures:
- Full dentures: a full denture can be fixed or removable, replacing all of the upper or lower arches of teeth.
- Partial dentures: a partial denture replaces several lost teeth and can be fixed using dental implants for a lasting result. They are made to fill gaps in your smile.
- Implant secured dentures: cosmetic dentures can be permanently secured using strategically placed dental implants for the most natural-looking and functioning result.
Dr. Baldwin will perform a thorough evaluation of your oral health and discuss your personal concerns and goals during an initial consultation to determine if dentures are the best option for replacing your missing teeth. Whenever possible he will recommend using implant-supported dentures, or “all-on-four”, because of the many benefits they offer when it comes to restoring a beautiful new smile. It is important to replace your missing teeth as soon as possible with whatever option you choose.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant dentures have a 95% or better success rate and an equally high level of patient satisfaction. While this procedure does require a greater initial investment compared to alternatives like removable dentures or bridges, implant dentures offer the best long-term benefits.
- Supports bone retention for better overall dental health
- Restores normal chewing function and enables a varied, healthy diet
- Allows the patient to speak and smile naturally and comfortably
- No daily maintenance- no glues, adhesives, soaks, or rinses
- No worry of slippage or dentures falling out
Traditional removable dentures are more affordable and the process to get them can be completed in about three weeks. Dental implants are expensive and involve a significant investment. They require in-depth treatment planning, surgery, and months of healing time.
The total time it takes to complete the entire denture implant process could take up to nine months versus having a new set of removable dentures in as little as three weeks. It is important to consider your quality of life with options. Even though implants cost a significant amount more, they are also the closest thing you can get to natural teeth.
Dentures, either removable or implant-supported, are a multi-step process from treatment planning to final placement. Dr. Baldwin will work with you on an individual basis and explain all aspects of the process as well as expected results for your consideration in choosing the right option.
Dentures & Partials FAQs
Can I sleep with my dentures on?
Occasionally sleeping with dentures does not cause any immediate issues or concerns. Although, we do not recommend sleeping every night with removable dentures. Sleeping with removable dentures on a daily basis can cause sore gums and jaw pain in the morning. It’s best to remove them before going to bed.
Does your face change with dentures?
You will not notice an immediate change in your facial structure. Dentures can actually help reduce premature facial sagging. Implant-supported dentures have the added benefit of supporting and promoting jawbone stability and growth.
Can you tell someone is wearing dentures?
It is hard to tell if a person is wearing modern dentures if you are not really close to their mouth. Today’s modern dentures are more natural-looking and realistic than before. your dentist can color-match your partial dentures so that they blend in with your natural teeth.
How many implants do you need for dentures?
Generally, you may require as few as four and as many as eight dental implants to support an upper or lower arch of missing teeth. We will evaluate your jaw bone and determine the number of implants you will require to support your denture.
How long does it take to recover from implant dentures?
It takes 3 to 6 months for the implant posts to heal. During this time, the dental implants integrate with the jaw bone. Once the dental implants are fully healed, we can attach the permanent denture.
How long do denture implants last?
Dental implants are permanent as they replace teeth at the root. The denture itself can last over ten years and will require replacement over time. However, the implants should stay in your mouth if you brush, floss, and care for your smile.