Everything You Need To Know About Dentures

Dentures in Allen, Texas

When adults lose teeth, it can be devastating. The effects of tooth loss can be profound. It makes eating and speaking very cumbersome and greatly affects a person’s self-confidence and appearance. Many edentulous patients become socially isolated and depressed because tooth loss affects their ability to feel content with their appearance. Fortunately, our practice offers custom-made dentures as an option for restoring one’s smile and oral function.

Custom Dentures

Today’s dentures are lifelike and durable. By replacing the visible structure of teeth, a denture provides a surface for chewing food as well as a natural-looking method for improving the appearance of a smile affected by tooth loss. It is essential that dentures are custom-made so that they fit comfortably in the mouth and function as close to natural teeth as possible.

The fabrication process for creating dentures is intricate. It begins with taking very precise molds of a patient’s mouth as well as pictures. This will allow our team to specify the unique measurements needed to create one’s new set of teeth. Once the specifications are determined, they are sent to a dental laboratory so that technicians can begin to create them. Dentures are made from high-quality materials such as porcelain and acrylics. The bases of dentures are tinted to match the color of periodontal tissue so that they blend seamlessly into the gums when worn.

There are two types of dentures, full and partial. Full dentures replace a complete arch of teeth. Those who have suffered from total tooth loss will require two full dentures to replace teeth missing in the upper and lower jaws. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are made to replace missing teeth in between or adjacent to biological teeth. Unlike full dentures, partials will clasp to the backs of teeth to stay in place.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Another alternative is dentures supported by dental implants. Traditional dentures lay on top of the gums where the curved shape of the jawbone supports them. Sometimes, patients might resort to using sticky adhesives to keep them in place – especially as the jaw begins to atrophy since the roots of teeth no longer stimulate it. Implants are titanium structures that are embedded in the jawbone.

They feature abutments that protrude slightly through the gums where dentures will be attached. A series of dental implants will be embedded throughout the jaw so that the weight and pressure exerted upon dentures are evenly distributed. By anchoring dentures to implants, oral function is increased because the possibility of denture movement is eliminated.