Full or partial dentures are dental prosthetics that replace your missing teeth.
Losing some or all of your teeth can make everyday activities like eating and speaking more difficult. Full and partial dentures offer a way to replace missing teeth while giving your smile a more natural appearance. Each set is made to fit your mouth, with replacement teeth that closely resemble your own. Traditional removable dentures can also be taken out for cleaning and while you sleep, making them relatively easy to care for.
At Northside Dental, we understand that getting dentures is a big decision. You may have questions about how they'll look, whether they'll feel comfortable, or how much treatment will cost. Our staff will take the time to discuss your concerns, explain your options, and help you choose a treatment that works for your needs and budget. We want you to feel comfortable throughout the process and confident about the care you're receiving. To schedule an appointment, call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 or visit our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
There's more to getting dentures than simply replacing the teeth you've lost. We also need to consider how your dentures will fit, how they'll affect your bite, and the condition of your gums and jawbone. Whenever possible, we prefer to preserve your remaining natural teeth and work them into your treatment plan. Depending on your situation, we may recommend full or partial dentures to help restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably. We'll go over the available options with you and make sure you understand what to expect before beginning treatment.
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Are You a Candidate for Either Full or Partial Dentures?
Dentures are for you if you have lost the majority, if not all, of your teeth. With dentures, you can chew your food, speak more clearly, and smile once again without being self-conscious.
Possibly due to receding gums, severe tooth decay, or even an accident, your teeth may need to be extracted. If this is the case, dentures might be your first or even best option.
If you are experiencing any of the following situations, you may be a perfect candidate for denture treatments:
- You are missing the majority of or all your natural teeth.
- You are experiencing severe tooth decay requiring multiple extractions.
- There is a lack of jawbone integrity and density for dental implants.
- Your gums are receding due to your age or gum disease.
The Difference Between Full and Partial Dentures
Basically, there are two main types of dentures: full and partial.
Partial dentures will help to fill in gaps where your teeth are missing and can attach to natural teeth to hold them in place. This is done with the help of clasps that allow you to clip your partial denture into place. While they are held securely in place, they can also still be easily removed. With your partial dentures, you will be able to bite and chew your food more easily, and the force of your bite will be distributed more evenly. They will also be made to match your remaining natural teeth. This will allow you to continue to smile without anyone even noticing a difference.
Full dentures are needed when there are no natural teeth remaining. These are also sometimes referred to as standard, or traditional dentures. They are held in place with suction and some dental adhesive, instead of being held in place with the help of other teeth or the jawbone. They do not allow for the same support as other tooth replacement options; they do still allow for chewing and speaking. They will also help to keep your facial muscles in place, so they will not sag over time.
While your dentures are being custom fabricated, Northside Dental will fit you with some temporary dentures. These are useful after tooth extraction, until the healing process is complete. Once your healing is complete, your standard dentures will be created and placed.
The Full and Partial Dentures Process
The process of getting dentures can be multifaceted and will begin with a consultation at Northside Dental about your tooth replacement options. If your surrounding teeth and jawbone are healthy, other replacement options may be more advantageous. If dentures are indeed the best or only option, we will decide together.
The first step in having your dentures placed is taking dental impressions of the arch to be restored. This will involve Northside Dental taking an impression of the remaining teeth, for partial replacements, and gums to have the appliance created that will fit your specific arch. We will measure the bite of your teeth using wax rims. This will help the dental lab to gauge how to best form the dentures to match your bite.
Now we will discuss your custom teeth options. This can be exciting, because it allows you to create the smile that you may have always wanted. This will include the shape, size, and even shade of the teeth. For artificial teeth that replicate your natural teeth, consider bringing in pictures to show us. We will also have your dental records on file.
Once the proper measurements are taken and the teeth are customized, the information will be sent to the dental lab to have the dentures fabricated. When they are completed, we will walk you through a trial fitting. This is when we can introduce minor adjustments for your final fitting.
The final fitting allows your team at Northside Dental to ensure that the changes that we have made to the fitting are perfect. If you are unsure about the fit of your set of full or partial dentures, we can schedule a follow-up appointment.
Proper Care for Your Dentures
Dentures are not your natural teeth, but they should still be cared for as if they were. This means keeping them always clean. Soak them overnight every night and brush your gums. Keep your gums healthy, as well as any remaining teeth if partial tooth replacements are placed.
Dentures will allow you to smile big, chew, and speak. They will also boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Your Comfort and Your Care
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.