Dentures

Dentures are removable prostheses that can be used to replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. Records show millions of Americans are missing some or all of the teeth in their mouth as a result of tooth decay, gum disease and or injury. Our natural teeth play an important role in:

• 1. Appearance: Our natural teeth support the facial structures and when you lose teethyour facial muscles sag and give you an older look.
• 2. Smile : a brilliant smile is the best accessory you can wear
• 3. Health: Teeth are important to properly chew and digest our food and when we are missing teeth it can lead to digestion issues and malnutrition .
• 4. Speech : Proper pronunciation of '"s" "v" "f" "t" sounds
• 5. Confidence in social interactions.

As a result, replacement of missing teeth with dentures can be very beneficial in improving not only smile and appearance, but also greatly improve the health and quality of life of the patient. If you are missing teeth; what kind of dentures should youget? Where would you start?

Denture can be classified based on multiple criteria:

1. Support:

• i. Implant-retained or Implant supported dentures: Dentures that "key" into implants for better retention and stability The implants are placed surgically into the jaw bone and the dentures are made to key into them.
• ii. Traditional or Tissue supported dentures: where the dentures are made to rest on the patient's natural "gum" /ridge and or teeth. Traditional dentures can be further classified as
  • Complete dentures: these are designed to replace teeth in a patient who has all his/her natural teeth missing
  • Partial dentures: designed to replace teeth in a patient that has some teeth missing and some healthy teeth left in the mouth that can help support the partial dentures.

2.Timing:

Dentures can be classified based on what time frame they are fabricated after surgical removal of the teeth to be replaced.

• Conventional: these dentures are made after all the teeth to be replaced have been removed and the surrounding tissues in the mouth have healed. Healing after removing teeth takes several months but if the measurements are made after complete healing the Denture fits better.
• Immediate dentures: When patients can't afford to go about their daily lives without teeth an immediate denture can be made. We take the measurements and fabricate the dentures prior to the appointment where the teeth would be removed. You will not be without teeth during the healing period but once the healing is done depending on the your tissue changes you may need to have the dentures relined; or remade;

Life after Dentures

Like new shoes ; new dentures need to be "broken into". They may feel awkward for a few weeks but wearing them constantly is important to train your cheek and tongue muscles to learn to keep them in place.

After the delivery appointment, a few follow up appointments with your dentist is important to make adjustments and address any concerns.

What kind of dentures are right for you? We will consider several factors in making the choice that's right for you the patient;

How many teeth are missing? How many teeth will we be replacing? Is there a lot of bone loss?

What are your needs as a patient? What are your expectations and preferences? How much would this cost you?

Request an appointment here: https://www.carrolltonsmilesva.com or call Carrollton Smiles at (757) 712-0212 for an appointment in our Carrollton office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dentures in Carrollton, VA.