If you’re experiencing dental issues or hoping to improve your smile, dentures could be the solution. Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and restore your smile.
Not only do dentures improve your appearance, but they also provide essential support for the facial muscles, make it easier to eat, and can even enhance speech. With modern advancements in dental technology, today’s dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever before.
Whether you’ve lost your teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury, dentures can help you regain your confidence and quality of life. However, like any significant lifestyle change, the transition to wearing dentures may require some adjustments. This guide will help you prepare for dentures and navigate your journey to a brighter, healthier smile.
Types of Dentures Available from Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic
At Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic, we offer a range of denture options to suit your unique needs and preferences.
- Flexible Partial Dentures: These are an excellent choice for those who want to brighten their smiles. They are easy to adjust to and are often the most affordable option.
- Acrylic Partial Dentures: If you’re on a budget and need a temporary solution, acrylic partial dentures might be the right choice. They are less expensive than other types but are also less durable.
- Denture Repairs & Relines: At Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic, we pride ourselves on providing quality custom solutions when things go wrong. We offer denture repairs and relines to ensure your dentures fit comfortably and function correctly.
- Removable Partial Dentures: Our specialist team will work with you to determine the best option for your removable partial dentures. These dentures replace one or more missing teeth and can be removed for cleaning.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Our team is fully trained to ensure your implant dentures are as comfortable as possible. These dentures are secured in place by dental implants, providing excellent stability and comfort.
- Digital Dentures: We use the latest digital software to create better smiles than ever. Digital dentures offer enhanced precision and fit, making them popular among patients.
- Complete Dentures: Our expert team takes pride in providing complete dentures for those who have lost all their natural teeth. These dentures replace all the upper and/or lower jaw teeth.
- Cosmetic Dentures: Cosmetic dentures are designed to replace missing teeth and enhance the overall appearance of your smile.
- Implant Dentures/Dental Implants: Implant dentures, or dental implants, are fitted immediately after teeth extraction. They provide a permanent solution for missing teeth.
- Allergy/ Metal-Free Dentures: We offer several types of allergy/metal-free dental prosthetics for those with allergies or sensitivities.
- Swiss Denture Concept: The Swiss Denture Concept offers versatile solutions for every denture need. These dentures are known for their superior quality and aesthetics.
Each type of denture has advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. At Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic, we offer consultations to help you determine the right denture, cost for all denture fittings, repairs, and implants.
Difference Between Dentures & Implants
Replacing missing or damaged teeth can be done using different methods, and two of the most popular options are dentures and dental implants. Each of them has its own benefits, and the most suitable choice ultimately depends on various factors such as your oral health, lifestyle, and budget.
Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in two types: complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
Dentures can improve your appearance, make eating and speaking easier and support facial muscles. They are typically less expensive than dental implants and do not require surgery. However, dentures may not be as comfortable or stable as dental implants and must be replaced every 5-8 years.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots of titanium surgically inserted into your jawbone. They serve as a base for replacement teeth, which can be a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch.
People choose dental implants for a variety of reasons:
- They typically last longer than bridges or dentures.
- They look and feel like natural teeth.
- Implants can restore greater chewing ability.
- They can boost your self-confidence and give you a beautiful smile.
- In some cases, implants can prevent bone loss.
There are three types of dental implants:
- Endosteal implants are the most common type and involve inserting screw-like posts into the jawbone. Once healed, the replacement teeth are fitted onto these screws.
- Subperiosteal implants are an alternative for those who do not want screws in their jawbone. These implants rest on the bone but under the gum, with a metal frame and posts attached. As the gum heals, it secures the frame in place.
- Zygomatic implants are the least common and most complex type of implant. They involve placing the implants in the patient’s cheekbone instead of the jaw. This procedure is only done if there isn’t enough jawbone for an endosteal implant.
Dental implants are strong and designed to last a long time. However, they require surgery and are typically more expensive than dentures. The recovery period can vary depending on several factors, including your dental history, medical history, jawbone condition, number of implants replaced, and whether bone or gum grafting was required.
The choice between the two depends on your personal needs, preferences, and oral health. It is always best to consult a dental professional to determine the most suitable option.
How Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic Help You Choose The Perfect Denture
Choosing the right denture is important to ensure your comfort and overall oral health. At Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic, we understand this and are dedicated to helping you find the perfect denture that meets your needs and requirements.
Our experienced and skilled dental professionals will guide you through the process, providing personalised advice and recommendations based on your oral health, lifestyle, and budget.
The cost of dentures can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of denture, the materials used, and any additional treatments required. We believe in transparency, so we’ll provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your consultation.
Financial constraints should not prevent you from receiving the necessary dental care. That’s why we accept Medicare and most private health insurance, which may cover a portion of your denture costs. Additionally, if you require extra help with payments, we offer AfterPay as a convenient payment option. AfterPay allows you to receive your dentures now and pay for them in four equal instalments, interest-free.
The Denture Process
The process of getting dentures requires careful attention and expertise. At Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic, we ensure the journey is smooth and comfortable.
Consultation and Examination
This is your first interaction with our dental team. During this visit, our dentist will comprehensively examine your oral health to identify any existing issues and determine the best course of action. This involves evaluating your gums, remaining teeth, and overall mouth structure. We’ll also discuss your dental history, lifestyle, and budget to help us understand your needs better. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, voice any concerns, and learn about the various denture options available.
Impressions and Measurements
If you’re deemed a suitable candidate for dentures, the next step involves taking precise impressions and measurements of your mouth. These serve as a blueprint for creating dentures that fit perfectly. This process ensures your dentures will look natural and provide optimal functionality and comfort.
Extractions
In cases where damaged or diseased teeth are present, extractions may be necessary before fitting dentures. Our team ensures this process is as painless as possible, using local anaesthesia or sedation if needed.
Temporary Dentures
To maintain aesthetics and functionality during the healing period post-extraction, temporary or immediate dentures may be fitted. These serve as placeholders while your custom-made permanent dentures are being crafted. They also aid in the healing process by protecting your gums and reducing bleeding.
Fitting of Permanent Dentures
Once your gums have healed and your permanent dentures are ready, they will be expertly fitted. Our team will make any necessary adjustments to ensure an optimal fit, comfort, and natural appearance. We’ll also provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your new dentures.
Preparing For Dentures
Losing natural teeth due to trauma, disease, or infection is not uncommon. It can be a daunting prospect, especially if it leaves visible gaps in your smile. However, preparation is key to a smooth transition if you need a partial denture for a few missing teeth or a full denture to replace all your teeth.
Prepare Mentally
Mental and emotional preparation is empowering and essential for this significant life change. Understand that adjusting to dentures after tooth loss takes practice, so follow the guidelines your dental prosthetist provides post-extraction and denture fitting. After getting your new dentures, practice speaking and eating at home. Over time, you’ll gain confidence and be ready to show off your new smile in social settings.
Prepare Physically
Physical health is crucial during the healing process after tooth extraction and adjusting to new dentures. To start with, quit smoking as this can adversely affect sensitive oral tissues, especially during the healing process. If you’re a smoker, consider quitting before getting your dentures.
Also, prepare for a diet of soft, easy-to-chew foods that are gentle on healing gums. As you adjust to your new dentures, you’ll learn new ways of chewing, so opt for soft foods initially to avoid discomfort.
Prepare Financially
Alleviate potential financial stress by planning for the cost of your new dentures. Research payment options that suit your financial situation. Remember, investing in high-quality dentures is beneficial for your long-term wellbeing.
Prepare Socially
While you may initially prefer to heal and adjust to your new dentures privately, be prepared for positive reactions when you debut your new smile. Be ready to accept compliments about your renewed appearance with a smile. Remember, smiling not only makes you appear more intelligent, but it also releases endorphins, boosting your mood and reducing stress.
Preparing for dentures involves multiple aspects, from attitude and physical health to financial planning and mental readiness. With the right preparation, the transition to wearing dentures can be a smooth and rewarding journey, leading to a beautiful, confident smile.
Adapting to Wearing Dentures
Transitioning to dentures can be a bit challenging, but with time and practice, you’ll adjust:
Learning to talk properly: Speaking with new dentures can feel awkward. You may experience slight lisping or feel like you’re mumbling. But don’t worry, this is temporary. Practice speaking out loud, read aloud, and repeat tricky words to get used to your new dentures.
Eating with dentures: Eating requires some practice too. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. As you get comfortable, gradually introduce more solid foods. Remember to chew slowly using both sides of your mouth to prevent the dentures from tipping. Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods initially.
Use of adhesives: Denture adhesives can enhance your comfort and confidence by providing additional stability. They help secure dentures, reducing movement during eating and speaking.
Denture Adjustments
Even with perfectly crafted dentures, you might need adjustments over time due to natural changes in your gums and jawbone. Signs that you may need an adjustment include persistent discomfort, sores, bleeding, difficulty chewing, or loosening of the dentures. At ADC, we’re committed to your comfort and satisfaction. We’ll make the necessary modifications promptly and efficiently if adjustments are needed. If you need an emergency dentist in Camden or nearby, you know who to call.
Denture Hygiene
Proper denture care is crucial for maintaining oral health and prolonging the lifespan of your dentures. Here’s a simple daily routine:
In The Morning
- Gently remove your dentures.
- Clean them with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to remove food particles and plaque.
- Rinse your mouth and clean any remaining natural teeth.
- Before reinserting your dentures, rinse them thoroughly.
At Night
- Remove your dentures before bed to give your gums a rest.
- Brush and rinse your dentures to remove any leftover food or plaque.
- Soak your dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution to keep them moist and help remove stains, bacteria, and plaque.
- Clean your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristle brush or gauze to remove any remaining bacteria or plaque.
Regular check-ups are essential to monitor your oral health and ensure your dentures still fit correctly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dentures and adjusting to them can seem overwhelming, but it can be a smooth transition with the right guidance and support. At our Camden dental clinic and other locations, we’re here to help you every step, from choosing the perfect denture to providing ongoing care and support.
With multiple clinic locations available, we bring our expert dental care closer to you. Take the first step towards a healthier smile by scheduling a consultation. Together, we can find the best denture solution for you.
