No matter the reason for tooth loss in adults, we can use dentures to provide an effective and natural-looking replacement. With our dentures, you will be able to eat and speak as you usually would. We offer full and partial dentures that we will customize to your needs. Dentures and partial dentures are artificial teeth that can replace an entire row of teeth or all teeth in a mouth.
Dentures and partial dentures are available at Alaska Advanced Dentistry in Anchorage and the surrounding area. Along with helping patients chew and speak without issue, dentures can also help create the appearance of a full smile again. With our help, you can obtain a set of functioning teeth and restore your smile.
Call us today at (907) 290-8870 and schedule a time to discuss replacing your teeth with dentures or partial dentures.
It is normal for people to be nervous about getting dentures and partial dentures. Replacing teeth is an essential step in a person's journey to achieve the oral health they want. Dentures are natural-looking. When in place, dentures do not look awkward or clunky. Dentures have strong artificial teeth and allow patients to eat many of their favorite foods. Also, this treatment can last for ten years or more, depending on how well the patient will take care of the dentures.
According to WebMD, wearing dentures can improve a person's smile. No longer does the patient have to hide a toothless smile but can instead open up without feeling embarrassed or ashamed. Showing off one's smile can make it more comfortable to meet new people, speak in public, socialize, and get back activities they once did. Dentures will typically not cost as much as some other treatments. Some insurance plans may even cover some of the costs. If your considering dentures, talk with your insurance provider to see what parts of the cost are covered.
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Dentures consist of a flesh-colored base and the synthetic teeth attached to it. Today, both components are made of a type of acrylic. The artificial teeth are typically made of acrylic resin, which closely approximates the appearance of real teeth.
Once the decision is made to proceed with dentures, the patient will make an appointment for the impression. The dentist will put a tray with a thick paste into the patient's mouth to take impressions of the upper and lower teeth. This process usually takes about 20 seconds for each impression. The dentist may offer to apply a numbing agent to the palate beforehand to minimize discomfort.
Afterward, the impressions are used to make a plaster model of the mouth. The dental lab technician then uses wax to attach the teeth. The wax is shaped and trimmed according to the patient's gum shape.
Then the wax shape with attached teeth is placed in a container, sometimes called a flask. Dental stone or plaster is poured around to hold it. The wax is then boiled out, leaving a molding in the shape of the gums, and the acrylic material for the dentures' base is poured in.
The denture is removed from the container, trimmed and polished. At this point, the patient will have the first fitting. While some people may find their dentures fit properly right away, most need to have a few adjustments done for optimal comfort.
It is normal to need several fitting appointments before the dentures fit the way they should. Patients should not hesitate to let the dentist know if something feels wrong. What may seem like a trivial amount of discomfort during fitting can seriously interfere with your quality of life, later on, so be sure to speak up.
There are several basic types of dentures. The right option for you can depend on several factors, which {{DBA}} can discuss with you. Choosing an option that works for you can help you get the most out of the dentures.
Dentures can be full or partial. A full set can be necessary for patients who are missing all their teeth. In this case, impressions will be taken of the gums and the teeth made to maintain the proportions and distances similar to the real teeth. A partial set can be an option if the patient still has several teeth in good condition remaining.
Additionally, there are also fully removable and bridge-supported dentures. Removable dentures are what most people picture: the base that sits on the gums with attached teeth. They can be easily taken out. While this option is typically more affordable, removable dentures may need several adjustments over the years as the mouth's shape changes.
Bridge-supported dentures are also removable but do not have a base. They are clipped on to four or six dental implants. These implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Eventually, the implants fuse with the bone.
Due to the implants, bridge-supported dentures tend to be more costly than other options. They also involve minor surgery. However, many people find they feel more secure and are more comfortable because they do not need a base. The implant procedure can also reduce future bone loss, which can be familiar with missing teeth.
Not all patients are good candidates for fixed dentures. Those who already suffer extensive bone loss may not have enough bone to support the implants. Some other health concerns can also prevent implants from being a good option.
Dentures and partial dentures are two of the most common forms of tooth-replacement treatment. While there are other options available at our practice, we will determine the most effective option for the patient's specific needs. Every patient’s situation and needs a different solution.
With dental bridges and dental implants, there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding on a replacement option. During a consultation, we will answer any questions the patient has about the various options so they can make an informed decision.
It can be difficult deciding which option is right when deciding on an effective tooth replacement option. Each patient will have to consider the pros and cons while also looking into insurance coverage. During a consultation in our office, we can go into more detail about the specifics. A determining factor is the amount of time a patient can take out of their schedule for treatment.
In most cases, the dental implant process can take several visits over the span of months. With dentures or partial dentures, the patient will most likely need two visits before they can begin wearing their dentures. Along with that, dentures and partial dentures can replace multiple teeth at once as opposed to dental implants, which only replace one at a time.
Though dentures are durable and help the patient once again bite into food, these appliances can break. Dentures can also warp or get dirty, so it is vital that people follow proper maintenance guidelines, as described in this article on the American Dental Association website. Our team at Alaska Advanced Dentistry will counsel each patient on proper care to extend the life of their dentures. Though, ultimately, it is up to the patient to be diligent in routine care and contacting the dentist when problems arise.
After eating a meal, a patient should remove their dentures and rinse the appliance thoroughly with water, removing excess food. Also, patients should brush the dentures with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. When it is time to retire for the night, the person should remove the dentures. Some denture wearers soak their dentures in a solution. You may contact our team to see if a denture solution is recommended for your care routine.
There are plenty of ways to repair your dentures in the event of an accident. It is almost inevitable that patients will find a crack or break in the appliance at some point. The base could crack, or a tooth could break loose. For a quick fix, there are products available online and at most local grocery stores and pharmacies, such as D.O.C.® Repair-It®, Cushion Grip®, and Perk ®'s Denture Repair Kit. If you are considering using a product for a temporary fix, please contact your dental office first. Whenever significant damage occurs, like a large crack across the base, you should seek medical treatment.
In any case of breakage, the denture-wearer should contact our office right away. Our team has the right tools and equipment to fix the dentures properly. Patients can feel good that our dental professionals will carefully examine the damage and repair it. If necessary, the dentist may have to replace the dentures altogether.
While some situations may be challenging to prevent, patients can minimize repair needs. People with dentures should be careful with certain hard foods such as nuts, popcorn kernels, ice, and candy. Some sticky foods may also pull out the dentures. When cleaning the appliance, the individual should place a towel or cloth on the counter or in the sink in case the dentures fall. Denture-wearers who play sports should wear a mouthguard to protect the dentures.
One of the most common myths we hear about dentures is that once a patient gets their dentures created and placed, they are set for life. Remember that dentures typically last for 5-10 years. Since this is a wide span of years, patients may wonder how to know when they need new dentures. If the color has changed dramatically or there is physical damage, dentures may need replacement. The most telling sign, however, is when they no longer fit securely.
Some people may also believe that if they remove all their teeth and get full dentures, they’ll never need to set foot in a dentist’s office again. The truth is that dentists are in the best position to tell patients whether or not they need to get their dentures repaired or replaced. In fact, the dentist may adjust dentures during annual or bi-annual visits to keep them fitting correctly. Dentists also pay keen attention to gum health. If the patient smokes or suffers from illnesses that may affect the gums, this is even more important.
Q. Are there different types of dentures?
Q. Are there dentures to replace a few of my teeth?
Q. What are the benefits of dentures?
Q. How do I take care of my dentures?
Q. What do I do if I damage my dentures?
Q. What do I need to know about making adjustments to my dentures?
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