Many of us may not have the fortune of maintaining a complete set of natural teeth throughout our lives. If you’re seeking to rejuvenate your smile, dentures provide a cost-effective and accessible solution.
Should I get dentures?
As we age or face dental challenges, many of us find ourselves contemplating tooth replacement solutions. The journey to restoring your smile is filled with various options, each tailored to fit different budgets, lifestyles, and aesthetic desires. For those who have lost most of their natural teeth and are seeking an economical yet effective solution, dentures are an excellent choice. Crafted from durable materials and designed for comfort, dentures fit snugly over your gums. Depending on your specific needs, you can opt for either partial or full dentures to replace the desired number of teeth and regain a confident, radiant smile.
Comfortable Digital Scanning
You’ll find no more messy, goopy impression trays here! We use the latest in digital scanning technology to make 3D renderings of your smile and accurately craft your dentures.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that the first president of the United States, George Washington, famously wore dentures?
The Benefits of Dentures
Cost-Effective
A majority of dental insurance policies typically cover a significant part, if not the entire cost, of the treatment, making it a financially accessible option.
Conveniently Removable
Dentures offer the flexibility to be removed whenever you wish, allowing for ease in eating, drinking, and sleeping comfortably.
Simple Upkeep
Maintaining your dentures is straightforward – just brush them as you would natural teeth and let them soak overnight in a specialized cleaning solution.
Take Your Smile To The Next Level With Implant Retained Dentures
Combining the best of both worlds, implant retained dentures have the convenience of dentures and the reliability and longevity of dental implants. Let’s explore your options!
Start With A Consultation
Explore Your Options
During a consultation, your doctor will examine your mouth, discuss your options with you, and answer any questions you may have so you can proceed with confidence, when you’re ready.
The Denture Treatment Process
Impressions or Scans
Once your eligibility for treatment is confirmed, your dentist will collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Following this, our team will capture either scans or impressions of your mouth. These images are then forwarded to a dental laboratory, where the creation of your custom prosthetic begins. In the interim, temporary dentures might be provided to safeguard your gums as you await the completion of your permanent set.
Tooth Extraction (If Needed)
In certain scenarios, tooth extractions might be necessary to accommodate your new dentures. To initiate this process, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Post-extraction, it's crucial to rest extensively for at least 24 hours. You will receive comprehensive care instructions from your dentist to ensure a comfortable and pain-free recovery period.
Fitting and Adjustments
Upon the completion of your dentures, you'll revisit the office for the fitting phase. This step involves meticulous adjustments to maximize the comfort and functionality of your dentures. Regular office visits for annual check-ups are recommended to maintain the quality of your dentures. With proper care, a set of dentures can serve you well for up to a decade.
Digital Dentures
With innovative technology, we can digitally plan and create your full or partial dentures. 3D printing results in beautiful dentures that fit perfectly, without the wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for dentures?
%402x%20(2).svg){kind=icon}
To see if you’re a candidate for dentures, we recommend a personal consultation with your dentist. During this visit, they will assess your oral health, including the condition of your jaw and gums, to determine if dentures are a suitable option for you. Additionally, they can offer advice on alternative restorative treatments that might better align with your dental aspirations.
How are dentures made?
Dentures are crafted from a robust combination of metal and acrylic, constructed at a reputable partner laboratory. The process begins with your dentist taking impressions of your teeth and gums. These are then sent to the lab, where a precise acrylic model of your teeth is made based on detailed impressions. Once your dentures are completed and delivered to us, we will check the fit and make any necessary adjustments for a perfect fit.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures typically have a lifespan of seven to ten years. Given that your mouth undergoes continual changes, periodic adjustments are essential to maintain a proper fit. We advise yearly check-ups to keep your dentures in prime condition, thereby prolonging their life and helping you save money while enjoying your smile.
Are dentures comfortable?
Everyone's experience adapting to dentures varies. It's common for some patients to experience initial discomfort with their new set. Our team will ensure your dentures are precisely fitted to your gums to minimize any potential issues like slipping or irritation. Proper home care of your dentures is also crucial to avoid damage and enhance comfort.
How do dentures look?
Leveraging modern technology and high-definition imaging, your dentist will craft a set of custom dentures that closely mimic your natural teeth. These dentures are tailored to align seamlessly with your jaw and gum line, ensuring a natural look.
Will my insurance cover dentures?
Dentures are a widely sought-after and reasonably priced restorative option. Consequently, many dental insurance plans typically cover a portion of denture costs. Coverage specifics, however, vary based on your individual insurance plan. For a clearer understanding of your dental insurance benefits, we recommend reaching out to your provider or speaking with a member of our team.
Will I ever be able to eat normally with dentures?
Absolutely! At Friendly Family Dental, we understand that the ability to enjoy your favorite foods is a significant part of your quality of life. While there may be a slight adjustment period as you get used to your new dentures, you will soon be able to eat most of the foods you love.
Initially, it's recommended to start with soft foods cut into small pieces. You should also avoid hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells. As you get more comfortable with your dentures, you can gradually reintroduce other foods into your diet. Remember, it's essential to chew food using both sides of your mouth to prevent the dentures from tipping.
Whether you opt for partials, full dentures, or even implant-retained dentures, Dr. Katherine Tan and her team at Friendly Family Dental use cutting-edge intraoral scanners to create precise models, ensuring a comfortable fit that allows you to eat with ease and confidence.
Can You Sleep With Dentures?
While it's technically possible to sleep with dentures, it's generally not recommended. Your gums and bones need to rest and rejuvenate, and removing your dentures at night allows this necessary recovery.
However, during the initial adjustment period, Dr. Tan may advise you to wear your dentures at night to help identify any spots that need adjustment. Once your dentures are correctly adjusted, you should remove them before bed, clean them, and store them in a denture-cleansing solution overnight.
At Friendly Family Dental, we're committed to not only providing high-quality dentures but also educating our patients on proper denture care for long-term comfort and durability.
How often should dentures be cleaned?
Just like natural teeth, dentures should be cleaned daily. Plaque and tartar can build up on dentures, leading to stains, bad breath, and gum problems.
It's best to clean your dentures over a basin filled with water or a folded towel – this way, if you accidentally drop them, they're less likely to be damaged. Use a denture cleaner (not toothpaste, which can be too abrasive) and a soft denture brush, making sure to clean all the surfaces gently to avoid damaging them.
Remember to also clean your gums, tongue, and natural teeth (if you have any remaining) with a soft-bristled brush. Dr. Tan and her team at Friendly Family Dental can provide detailed instructions on proper cleaning techniques during your visit.
What age do people start getting dentures?
There's no specific age when people start needing dentures. The need for dentures is more about dental health and less about age. Factors like tooth decay, gum disease, or injury can lead to tooth loss at any age, and dentures are a common solution to replace missing teeth and restore your smile.
At Friendly Family Dental, we offer a range of denture options to suit different needs and lifestyles. Whether you're missing one, a few, or all of your natural teeth, Dr. Katherine Tan uses advanced intraoral scanning technology to create a precise and comfortable fit for your dentures, helping you regain the confidence to smile, speak, and eat with ease.
Have more questions?
