Pasadena Texas Dentures:
Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.
Complete dentures are for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is appropriate for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture slightly improves chewing ability and provides support for facial muscles. It can enhance the facial appearance and smile.
Complete or full dentures are made when all of your natural teeth are missing. You can have a full denture on your upper or lower jaw, or both.
Complete dentures are called “conventional” or “immediate” according to when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient`s jaws during a preliminary visit.
An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly. Immediate dentures usually have horrible fit and retention because the denture was made before the extractions. The lab technician has to guess where the tissue will be after extraction. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues have healed. Healing may take at least 6-8 weeks.
Full dentures are not a replacement for teeth. They are a replacement for no teeth. The dentures will not function like natural teeth. Patients must be prepared for the huge physiological and emotional effects of wearing dentures. There are many problems associated with conventional (old fashioned) dentures. The dentures merely rest on the jaw bone. The dentures are free to move around and do not generate the same chewing forces as natural teeth.
Partial dentures are often a solution when several teeth are missing.
Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more cosmetic than metal clasps and are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with these custom attachments. Dentures with precision attachments generally cost more than those with metal clasps. Furthermore, Dr. Nugent can make dentures that contain no metal.
How are dentures made?
The denture process takes about one month and multiple appointments: the initial diagnosis is made; an impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position; a “try-in” is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit; and the patient`s final denture is placed, following any minor adjustments.
First, an impression of your jaw is made. In addition, measurements are made to show how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them (bite relationship). The color or shade of your natural teeth will also be selected. The impression, bite and shade are sent to the dental laboratory so a denture can be custom-made for your mouth.
Getting used to your Denture
For the first few weeks, a new denture may feel awkward or bulky. However, your mouth will eventually become comfortable to wearing it. Inserting and removing the denture will require some practice. Your denture should easily fit into place. Never force a partial denture into position by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps.
Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the denture. Avoid sticky or hard foods, including gum.
Care of your Denture
It’s best to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water when handling your denture, just in case you accidentally drop it. Brush the denture (preferably with a denture brush) daily to remove food deposits and plaque, and keep it from becoming permanently stained. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can damage the denture. Look for denture cleansers with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Pay special attention to cleaning natural teeth that fit under the denture`s metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay.
Hand soap or mild dish washing liquid to clean dentures is also acceptable. Other types of household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning dentures. A denture could lose its proper shape if it is not kept moist. At night, the denture should be placed in soaking solution or water.
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled brush before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important for maintaining a healthy mouth.
Adjustments
Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. The first year after teeth extractions results in the most bone loss. This bone loss continues forever. Your bone and gum ridges will recede or shrink, resulting in a loose-fitting denture. Loose dentures can cause various problems, including sores or infections. Dentures that do not fit properly can be adjusted by Dr. Nugent.
If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, call our Pasadena dental office immediately. In many cases, Dr. Nugent can make necessary adjustments or repairs, often on the same day. Complicated repairs may require that the denture be sent to the dental laboratory.
Over time, dentures will need to be relined or re-made due to normal wear.
Common Concerns
Eating will take a lot of practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you become familiar with chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet.
Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells.
Some people worry about how dentures will affect their speech. Consider how your speech is affected when you have a number of your natural teeth missing. Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help. If your dentures “click” while you`re talking, speak more slowly. You may find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile. Reposition the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing.
Denture Adhesives
Denture adhesives can provide additional retention for well-fitting dentures. Denture adhesives are not the solution for old, ill-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting denture, which causes constant irritation over a long period, may contribute to the development of sores. These dentures may need a reline or need to be replaced. If your dentures begin to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, call Dr. Nugent immediately.
Dental Implant Dentures
The better solution to dentures is implant dentures. These dentures are stabilized by dental implants in the jaw bone. The dentures literally “snap” onto the implants. No more loose dentures. The implant dentures are anchored to the jaw bone so chewing forces are greatly increased. No denture adhesives are needed. Plus, the dental implants will prevent the jaw bone from melting away.
Dentures and Partial dentures can help patients avoid the embarrassment of missing teeth. Dr. Nugent is an award-winning dentist that can help you achieve your dental goals. Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504.
Implant-Supported Dentures: The Secure, Comfortable Solution to Traditional Dentures
At Michael Nugent DDS, we are committed to helping patients in Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas, rediscover the comfort, stability, and confidence that come with a full set of teeth. Traditional dentures have been a go-to solution for tooth loss for generations, but implant-supported dentures are quickly becoming the preferred option due to their enhanced security, comfort, and functionality. This advanced treatment offers patients a way to live without the challenges associated with old-fashioned dentures, so they can eat, speak, and smile without worry. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of implant dentures, how they work, and why they are the ideal solution for people seeking a permanent answer to missing teeth.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
Implant-supported dentures, also known as implant dentures, combine the convenience of dentures with the stability of dental implants. Unlike traditional dentures that simply rest on the gums, implant dentures are anchored securely in the jawbone using dental implants. This provides a level of stability unmatched by any other denture solution, as the implants act as artificial roots that prevent the denture from shifting or slipping out of place.
Typically, four to six implants are strategically placed in the jaw to support a full arch of teeth, allowing patients to enjoy a secure, comfortable, and long-lasting solution. Once the implants have integrated with the jawbone, the denture can be attached to the implants, creating a firm, stable fit.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients who have struggled with traditional dentures, the benefits of implant dentures are transformative. Here are some of the most significant advantages:
- Enhanced Stability and Security: Unlike traditional dentures that can slip or shift, implant dentures are securely anchored in place, offering a dependable fit. This security eliminates the need for messy adhesives, reduces sore spots, and lets patients go about their daily lives without fear of their dentures moving out of place.
- Improved Eating Functionality: One of the biggest complaints about conventional dentures is that they limit the types of foods patients can enjoy. Because implant dentures are stable and secure, patients can bite, chew, and eat a wider variety of foods with confidence, including harder foods that may otherwise be off-limits. This allows people to enjoy a more satisfying and balanced diet, which can significantly improve their quality of life.
- Natural Look and Feel: Implant dentures provide a more natural appearance and feel than traditional dentures. Because they are anchored in the jawbone, they mimic the look and function of natural teeth, allowing patients to smile confidently without worrying that their dentures will look artificial or slip out of place.
- Bone Health Preservation: One of the most critical benefits of dental implants is that they prevent bone loss. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to resorb, or shrink, over time. Implant-supported dentures help stimulate the jawbone, much like natural teeth would, preserving the bone structure and preventing the sunken-in facial appearance that can develop with traditional dentures.
- Greater Comfort and Reduced Irritation: Conventional dentures can cause discomfort and irritation because they sit directly on the gums. With implant dentures, the pressure is transferred to the implants rather than the gums, reducing the likelihood of sore spots and providing a more comfortable fit.
- Increased Confidence: With implant dentures, patients can feel confident in their appearance and functionality. Speaking, smiling, and laughing no longer require special precautions or constant awareness of their dentures, allowing them to fully engage in social activities and enjoy life.
How Do Implant-Supported Dentures Work?
The process for getting implant-supported dentures involves several steps to ensure that patients achieve optimal results:
- Consultation and Evaluation: Dr. Nugent and our team start with a comprehensive consultation to assess the patient’s oral health, discuss their goals, and determine if they are a candidate for implant dentures. During this evaluation, we examine the jawbone to ensure there is enough bone density to support implants. In cases where bone density is insufficient, a bone graft may be recommended to strengthen the jawbone.
- Implant Placement: Once the patient is ready, titanium implants are placed into the jawbone in strategic locations to support the denture. This minor surgical procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and patients can return home the same day.
- Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the implants fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. This creates a strong, stable foundation for the denture, similar to the root of a natural tooth.
- Attachment of the Denture: Once osseointegration is complete, the custom-made denture is attached to the implants. The denture can be either fixed (permanently attached) or removable, depending on the patient’s preference. Fixed implant dentures offer the most stable and permanent option, while removable options still provide excellent stability and can be easily removed for cleaning.
- Aftercare and Maintenance: With implant-supported dentures, patients can follow regular oral hygiene practices to maintain their new smile. Although the dentures themselves do not require adhesives or special solutions, it’s still essential to keep the gums, implants, and surrounding teeth clean with regular brushing and flossing.
Comparing Implant Dentures to Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures have been a reliable solution for tooth loss, but they come with several limitations. Conventional dentures rely on suction or adhesives to stay in place, which can be unreliable, leading to slipping or shifting during daily activities like eating or speaking. This can cause embarrassment and discomfort, as well as irritation on the gums. Additionally, traditional dentures do not support jawbone health, leading to bone loss over time, which can change the shape of the face and require periodic adjustments or replacements of the dentures.
Implant-supported dentures solve many of these problems. Because they are anchored in the jaw, they provide a secure fit that allows patients to eat, speak, and smile confidently. They also stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone deterioration that often occurs with conventional dentures. With implant-supported dentures, patients can enjoy a stable, long-lasting, and natural-looking solution that supports overall oral health and well-being.
Transform Your Smile with Implant-Supported Dentures at Michael Nugent DDS
If you’re tired of dealing with the limitations of traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures may be the perfect solution. At Michael Nugent DDS, we are proud to offer this advanced tooth replacement option to our patients in Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas. Our team is here to answer your questions, guide you through every step of the process, and help you achieve a beautiful, functional, and secure smile.
Imagine a life where you can eat the foods you love, speak without hesitation, and smile with confidence, knowing your dentures are stable and natural-looking. That’s the reality with implant-supported dentures. We invite you to contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a better quality of life. Discover the transformative benefits of implant-supported dentures and let us help you enjoy a stable, comfortable, and confident smile for years to come.