Restore The Beauty of Your Smile With Custom Dentures
If you’re suffering with tooth loss due to decay, injury, or other reasons, don’t worry! Dentures are a great option to help you eat, speak and smile with confidence. Our experienced San Diego, CA dentist, Dr. Vaheed Bayette, offers dentures that are available in different types and styles, so you can choose the one that works best for you.
With dentures, you can improve your oral health, regain your natural-looking smile, and enjoy a better quality of life. Call our San Diego dental office at (619) 901-0708 to start your journey to a fully functional smile.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a type of dental prosthetic device used to replace missing teeth with custom-shaped artificial teeth and gums. They’re removable and designed to fit the unique shape and structure of the patient’s mouth, visually matching any existing teeth. Dentures, consisting of artificial teeth, are typically recommended for individuals who have lost a significant number of teeth due to decay, injury, or age-related issues. Individuals who wear dentures can enjoy a restored, natural-looking smile and improved oral functionality.
Types of Dentures: Complete and Partial Dentures
There are various denture types to accommodate everyone’s dental needs. Types of dentures include:
- Complete Dentures: Also known as full dentures, complete dentures are used when all natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing. They’re custom-made to fit the unique shape and structure of the patient’s mouth.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth are still present. They attach to the remaining natural teeth and fill in the gaps where teeth are missing. A removable partial denture is specifically designed to rest on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth and can be used to fill spaces created by missing teeth, preventing other teeth from changing position.
- Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures are made before natural teeth are removed and are designed to be placed immediately after tooth extraction. They can be worn temporarily while the gums and bone heal, and a permanent denture is made.
- Overdentures: Overdentures are used when some natural teeth are still present, but they are not strong enough to support a partial denture. The overdenture fits over the remaining natural teeth or dental implants.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures are attached to dental implants, which are permanent fixtures anchored to the jawbone and can replace any number of teeth. These implants provide a more stable and secure fit for the denture, usually consisting of the implant, a metal post, and a custom crown resembling a natural tooth.
- Snap-in Dentures: Snap-in dentures are similar to implant-supported dentures, but they attach to mini-implants that are less invasive and less expensive than full dental implants.
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures can provide patients with an array of favorable benefits, such as:
- Improved Appearance
- Enhanced Speech
- Improved Chewing Ability
- Increased Confidence
- Improved Oral Health
- Convenience
- Cost-Effective
- Non-invasive
- Restored Facial Structure
- Durability
Dentures Process
The process of getting dentures typically involves several steps. You’ll start with an initial consultation with your San Diego dentist. At this appointment, it’ll be determined if dentures are right for you. From there, digital impressions will be taken to create your custom dentures. Due to advancements in denture technology, it’s become an non-invasive process that doesn’t cause any discomfort.
You’ll attend fitting appointments until they’re perfect. Dr. Bayette will recommend follow-up appointments to ensure your dentures function and fit correctly.
Overall, the denture process typically involves several steps to ensure that the dentures are custom-fit to your mouth and provide optimal comfort and functionality.
Assessing Candidacy for Dentures with Remaining Natural Teeth
Dentures can be an excellent option for individuals who are missing some or all of their teeth, but not everyone is a good candidate for this type of dental appliance. Several factors can affect a person’s candidacy for dentures, including:
- Jawbone Density
- Good Oral Health
- Gum disease
- Cost
Maintaining Your Dentures
Proper maintenance of dentures is essential for their longevity and to ensure they continue to function properly. Do the following to ensure your dentures stay in great condition:
- Clean daily: It’s crucial to use a specific denture cleaner for daily cleaning to maintain the cleanliness and freshness of your dentures. Regular toothpaste can be too abrasive for denture teeth, which are made from materials like hard resin, porcelain, or plastic and are more fragile than natural teeth.
- Handle with care: Given the fragility of denture teeth, it’s important to handle your dentures gently to avoid damage.
- Store them properly
- Repair when needed: Never attempt to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Using denture adhesives can provide additional stability, but it’s important to follow application tips carefully and be aware of the potential harmful effects of excessive use.
- Replace due to wear and tear: Regular dental visits with your San Diego dentist are essential for the examination and maintenance of your dentures, including the proper use and application of denture adhesives and ensuring that your dentures are correctly cleaned with denture cleaner.
Eating With Dentures
Eating with dentures can take some time to get used to, but with patience and practice, patients can resume their normal eating habits. Here are some tips for eating with dentures:
- Start with soft foods: When first getting dentures, it’s best to start with soft foods like eggs, yogurt, and cooked vegetables. This allows the patient to get used to the feeling of the denture and to avoid any discomfort or irritation. Additionally, soft foods are gentler on the gum tissue during the initial adjustment period.
- Cut food into smaller pieces: Cutting food into smaller pieces can make it easier to chew and prevent the denture from moving around in the mouth. This is especially important for hard or tough foods like meat and raw vegetables.
- Chew slowly and evenly: Chewing slowly and evenly distributes the food and reduces the likelihood of the denture slipping or moving around in the mouth. This can also help with digestion.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods: Sticky or hard foods like gum or candy can damage the denture or cause it to dislodge from the mouth. These foods should be avoided while wearing dentures, as they can also cause inconvenience and discomfort to the gum tissue.
- Use denture adhesive: Denture adhesive can help keep the denture in place and prevent it from moving around in the mouth while eating. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and not use too much adhesive.
Cost of Dentures
On average, the cost of dentures in the United States can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per arch, depending on the type of denture, the material used, and the location of the dental practice. It’s important to note that while dentures can be expensive, they’re often covered, at least in part, by dental insurance. Medicaid and some Medicare programs may also cover some or all of the cost of dentures for eligible patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can eat normally with dentures! While it may take some time to adjust to eating with dentures, most people can eat a wide variety of foods comfortably with their dentures. It’s important to start with softer foods and cut them into smaller pieces to make them easier to chew. As you become more comfortable with your dentures, you can gradually start eating firmer and tougher foods. You should also avoid sticky or hard foods that can damage your dentures.
When you first get dentures, it’s common to experience some discomfort or soreness as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. However, with time and practice, most people find that their dentures become more comfortable to wear. It’s important to work closely with your dentist to ensure your dentures fit properly and are adjusted as needed to minimize discomfort.
Dentures can last anywhere from five to 10 years before they need replaced, depending on several factors. Factors that can affect the lifespan of your dentures include the type of dentures, how well they are cared for, and changes in the shape of your mouth over time. It’s important to have your dentures checked regularly by your dentist to ensure a good fit and function.
Regain Your Smile and Confidence
We understand that each individual’s oral health needs are unique, which is why our approach is centered around you. From assessing your candidacy for dentures to crafting a customized treatment plan, we’re dedicated to providing you with the most comfortable, natural-looking, and functional dentures possible.
Say goodbye to the discomfort of missing teeth and embrace the renewed sense of self-assurance that comes with a well-fitted set of dentures. Schedule a consultation at our San Diego, CA dental office by calling (619) 901-0708. We’re proud to serve California patients in San Diego, Chula Vista, Bay Park, and the surrounding areas.