Are you missing many teeth? Maybe you have an upper or lower arch of missing teeth. Charlotte dentist Dr. Greg Reece can restore your smile with full or partial dentures in Charlotte, NC.
Dentures are a restorative treatment that provides a secure and stable bite for patients with many missing teeth. A denture is a removable appliance that replaces lost teeth and functions as a complete set of replacement teeth. Dentures are usually acrylic, porcelain, or plastic. They can replace one tooth or all of the teeth in an arch. Dentures come in three different types: full dentures, partial dentures and implant-supported dentures.
A full denture is the most common type of denture and replaces all of the teeth in an arch. You may also know them as traditional or complete dentures. Partial dentures only replace some of the lost teeth. We commonly provide them when there are only a few missing teeth on one side of your mouth.
Implant-supported dentures are a permanent fix. Dental implants secure them to your lower and upper jaw, which act as anchors for the prosthetic. Dental implants can be a permanent fix if you have healthy bone. If you have osteoporosis or other bone condition, they may not work as well.
We Can Replace Missing Teeth with Dentures
Why should you replace your missing teeth in the first place? Not replacing missing teeth soon enough may result in one or more of these conditions:
- Shifting teeth
- Overcrowding
- Tooth decay
- Misaligned bite
- Facial sagging
- Speech issues
Later in life, our gums may recede due to missing teeth, exposing the root surfaces of our teeth. A number of factors can cause gum recession, including trauma, periodontal disease, vigorous brushing, genetic predisposition, and missing teeth.
Root exposure is problematic mainly because cementum covers root surfaces. Cementum is much softer than enamel and more susceptible to decay. Therefore, not promptly replacing missing teeth can speed up these processes and open up more opportunity for dental issues to occur.
Preventing increased oral health problems is Dr. Greg Reece’s mission. Dr. Reece can address any underlying conditions before proceeding with a restorative treatment like dentures. It’s best to start with a healthy foundation before moving forward with dentures.
Treatment with Dentures at Dentistry of the Queen City
Dr. Reece offers two types of denture options: full and often implant-secured dentures, and partial dentures. Before treatment, Dr. Reece will review your options with you to see if you are a candidate for dentures. He will assess your teeth and gums and discuss your budget and goals. Learn the differences between implant-secured and partial dentures below.
Implant-Secured Dentures
An implant denture is a permanent type of denture. Dental implants support and attach the denture to your jaw for a more secure and permanent restoration. Patients who have enough bone in their jaw are good candidates for implant-secured dentures. Dentists usually place the dental implants in the front of the jaw because there is typically more bone and fewer nerves. After the dentist places implants, he inserts the supporting bar that secures the restoration.
The process of getting implant dentures spans across 3 to 4 months, but it is well worth the wait. You will not have any dietary restrictions, will not need special products to maintain the dentures, and will not have to remove them for any reason. Also, they are the most comfortable for your gums, and the most natural-looking denture option.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are metal or acrylic. The partial denture will have lifelike replacement teeth. Your dentist attaches these teeth to a plastic base that mimics the look of your gum tissue. The metal framework has metal clasps that attach to your natural teeth to secure your new ones firmly in place.
This treatment option works best for patients with a few consecutive missing teeth. We can also create this custom prosthetic to replace several lost teeth, even if they are spread out across the arch. Partial dentures can improve your bite and make it easier to talk. They are removable and can offer between five and ten years of quality tooth replacement.
Schedule a Dental Exam at Dentistry of the Queen City
Do you have whole arches of missing teeth? Do you have a slipping denture that is affecting your ability to eat and speak with confidence? Call our Charlotte, North Carolina dental office at 704-486-8911 or request a dental exam on our website. The dental care professionals at Dentistry of the Queen City will be happy to provide you with the restorative dental care you need. Get back to smiling with confidence.