Revive Your Smile with Custom Dentures in Reno, NV
Losing natural teeth can impact so much of your daily life, but dentures are an effective solution. These appliances are designed to replace missing teeth, which may have been lost due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. Not only do they restore the aesthetic appearance of your smile, but they also support everyday functions like chewing and speaking.
Despite some initial discomfort and a learning curve, maintaining dentures is similar to caring for natural teeth, involving regular cleaning and check-ups. If you have multiple missing teeth, chronic toothaches, gum inflammation, or difficulty chewing, dentures might be a suitable option for you. Consult the dental professionals at Elite Dental Aesthetics today.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are devices that replace missing teeth and support surrounding tissues, closely resembling your natural teeth and enhancing your smile and facial structure. Replacing missing teeth is vital not only for aesthetic reasons but also for improving chewing ability and speech, which can be significantly impaired by tooth loss.
There are two categories of dentures: full and partial. Full dentures are used when all the natural teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when natural teeth remain.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are either “conventional” or “immediate.” Conventional full dentures are made and placed about eight to twelve weeks after tooth extraction and gums have begun to heal.
In contrast, immediate dentures are created in advance and positioned as soon as the teeth are extracted. This means the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period; however, immediate dentures may require more adjustments during the healing process as the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, causing the denture to become loose.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are usually constructed of a metal framework with plastic teeth and gum areas. They often come with clasps that attach to your natural teeth, which can sometimes be fitted with crowns to improve the fit and overall aesthetic.
It is common for dentures to feel a bit strange and uncomfortable for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. Your cheeks and tongue muscles need to learn how to keep them in place, and it is not uncommon to experience minor irritation or soreness. However, these problems diminish as your mouth adjusts.
Maintenance of dentures is similar to natural teeth, requiring regular brushing to remove food particles and plaque, along with periodic dental check-ups.
8 Signs You May Need Dentures
The following are some common indicators that it might be time to discuss dentures with your dentist:
- Multiple Missing Teeth: Dentures help restore function and aesthetics to your mouth. Missing multiple teeth can lead to significant shifting of the remaining teeth, changes in the bite, and difficulties with eating and speaking.
- Chronic Toothaches: Severe and persistent toothaches may indicate advanced decay that could necessitate tooth extraction. When too many teeth are compromised, dentures may be recommended as a viable replacement option.
- Gum Inflammation: Swollen, red, tender, or bleeding gums are often symptoms of periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss. If gum disease has progressed to the point where it is affecting the integrity of your teeth, dentures may be necessary.
- Difficulty Chewing or Digestive Issues: Losing teeth or suffering from damaged teeth makes it difficult to chew food properly, which leads to digestive issues. Dentures help restore the ability to chew more efficiently and improve digestion.
- Facial Sagging or Changes in Facial Structure: Teeth provide support for the facial structure. Missing teeth lead to a sunken appearance and premature aging. Dentures may help fill out the appearance of your face and profile.
- Severe Tooth Decay or Gum Disease: When teeth are extensively decayed, or periodontal disease has severely progressed, the remaining teeth may no longer be viable. Removing these teeth and replacing them with dentures can improve oral health and functionality.
- Frequent Indigestion: If you’re experiencing frequent stomach upset, it might be due to not being able to chew food properly. Replacing missing or damaged teeth with dentures can help alleviate these symptoms by allowing for better chewing.
- Poor-Fitting Dentures: If you already wear dentures and they’re loose, causing sores or pain, it may be time to have them adjusted or replaced. Properly fitting dentures are crucial for maintaining oral health and comfort.
If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to consult with Dr. Adams to discuss whether dentures are the right solution for you. Early intervention enhances your quality of life and prevents other health issues related to poor oral health.
What Is the Process of Getting Dentures?
Getting dentures involves several steps, each designed to ensure your new teeth fit comfortably and function like natural teeth. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Consultation: You must get a comprehensive examination with your dentist. This may include X-rays or 3D scans to evaluate the health of the remaining teeth and gums. Dr. Adams will discuss different types of dentures and which options might be best suited for your specific needs, whether you need partial or full dentures.
- Tooth Extraction (if necessary): If you have decayed or damaged teeth that cannot be saved, they will need to be extracted. Tooth extraction is performed in a single appointment or over multiple visits, depending on your specific situation.
- Impressions: After any necessary extractions and once your gums have healed (immediately or after a few months, depending on the type of dentures), Dr. Adams will take precise impressions of your mouth. These molds are crucial as they will be used to create dentures that fit the unique contours of your mouth.
- Wax Models: Before the final denture is created, a wax model is often made to check the fit, bite, and appearance. This trial run is an important step to ensure that your dentures will be comfortable and look natural. You can discuss any adjustments in size, shape, or color of the teeth at this stage.
- Fabrication: Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the fit and look of the wax model, the final dentures are fabricated. This process is usually done in a dental lab with the materials chosen based on the type of dentures you are getting.
- Fitting and Adjustments: When your dentures are ready, you’ll have a fitting appointment to try them out. It’s normal for new dentures to feel a bit odd and require several adjustments. Your dentist will make sure they fit securely and make any necessary adjustments to give you the best comfort and functionality.
- Follow-Up Visits: After you receive your dentures, you must follow up with your dentist. These appointments allow Dr. Adams to monitor the fit of the dentures and make adjustments as your mouth adapts to them. It’s also an opportunity to address any discomfort or issues with usage.
- Care and Maintenance: Finally, you’ll be advised on how to care for your dentures, including cleaning, handling, and storing them properly. Daily cleaning and handling with care will help extend the life of your dentures.
The entire process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on individual circumstances such as gum healing and adjustment periods. Getting dentures is a significant adjustment, but with the right care and regular dental visits, they may greatly improve your quality of life by restoring function and aesthetics to your smile.
Why Choose Elite Dental Aesthetics When Considering Dentures?
At Elite Dental Aesthetics, we understand that restoring your smile and confidence is a personal journey. That’s why we offer custom dentures tailored to your unique needs, ensuring a natural fit and appearance. Whether you’re seeking full or partial dentures, our team provides expert care and guidance every step of the way, from initial consultation to final fitting. Our advanced techniques ensure that your dentures are not only functional but also comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
Serving Reno and the surrounding communities, we take pride in offering personalized solutions that improve both your oral health and quality of life. With a commitment to patient comfort and satisfaction, Elite Dental Aesthetics is here to help you regain your smile with the utmost care. Ready to explore your options? Call us at (775) 200-1956 or use our contact form to schedule your consultation today.
Dentures FAQs
1. What are dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are made from acrylic resin and can be customized to match the appearance of your natural teeth. There are two main types of dentures: complete dentures for when all teeth are missing, and partial dentures for when some natural teeth remain.
2. What are the benefits of dentures?
Dentures provide several benefits, including improved ability to chew and speak, enhanced appearance and smile, and support for facial muscles, which helps maintain the structure of your face. They can also boost self-confidence by restoring a natural-looking smile.
3. What are implant-supported dentures?
Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture that is anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone. This provides a more secure fit compared to traditional dentures, reducing the risk of slipping and increasing comfort. Implant-supported dentures are ideal for patients who have sufficient bone density to support implants.
4. How do I care for my dentures?
To care for your dentures, remove and rinse them after eating, brush them daily with a non-abrasive denture cleaner, and soak them overnight in a denture-cleaning solution. Be sure to maintain regular dental check-ups so your dentist can ensure a proper fit and monitor your oral health. For implant-supported dentures, follow your dentist’s instructions for cleaning around the implants.