Are you missing many teeth? Maybe you have an upper or lower arch of missing teeth. Dr. Greg Reece can restore your smile using modern dentures near you in our Charlotte, NC, dental office.
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. It can be made of acrylic, porcelain, or plastic.
We can replace one tooth or all your teeth in an arch using an affordable denture. We offer three different types of dentures to our patients: full, partial, and implant-supported dentures.
A full denture is the most common type and replaces all 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. However, they may not work as well if you have osteoporosis or other bone conditions.
Replace Your 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 because of missing teeth, thus exposing the root surfaces of our teeth. A number of factors can cause gum recession, including trauma, periodontal disease, vigorous brushing, genetics, and missing teeth.
Root exposure is a problem because cementum covers root surfaces. Decay can easily break-down cementum because it’s softer than tooth enamel. So not replacing missing teeth in time can speed up the decay process. This creates more opportunity for dental issues to occur.
Dr. Greg Reece’s mission is to prevent future oral health problems from occurring. Dr. Reece will address any underlying issues before he provides you with dentures. Having a healthy oral foundation before you get dentures in our Charlotte, NC, dentist office will give you the best results.
Treatment with Dentures in Charlotte, NC
Dr. Reece offers three types of denture options in our Charlotte dental practice. Before treatment, Dr. Reece will review your options with you to see if you are a candidate for dentures. He will assess your remaining teeth and gums and discuss your budget and goals. Continue reading to learn the differences between implant-secured, full, and partial dentures.
Implant-Secured Dentures
An implant-secured denture is a permanent type of dental prosthetic. 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 implant-secured dentures process spans across 3 to 4 months, but it is well worth the wait. You will not have any dietary restrictions and will not need special products to maintain your new dentures. Best of all, you 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
Also known as partials, partial dentures are made of 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 our patients with a few consecutive missing teeth. We can create this custom prosthetic to replace several lost teeth. Even if they are not necessarily next to each other.
Partial dentures can improve your bite and make it easier to talk. They are removable and can last between five and ten years. Get a quality tooth replacement prosthetic from us today.
How to Maintain Your New Dentures
Now that you have new dentures from our dental office, taking good care of them is essential. Proper maintenance will ensure that they last as long as possible and remain comfortable to wear. You can add the following tips to your denture care routine to keep them healthy and clean:
Clean Them Every Day
Just like your natural teeth, you have to clean your dentures daily. Clean them to remove food particles, debris, and plaque that will build up on them. To do this, we suggest using a soft bristle toothbrush or denture brush along with a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Once clean, rinse them thoroughly.
Carefully Handle Your Dentures
Handling your dentures carefully is essential because they can be fragile and easily break. For example, if they fall into the sink, they might crack or break. To avoid this, always place a soft towel in the sink when you’re removing, cleaning, or putting down your dentures. This will help protect them from getting damaged.
Avoid Hot Water
Never use hot water when cleaning your dentures. Some materials that the fixture consists of can warp in hot water. Always use warm to cold water when cleaning and rinsing your false teeth.
You do not necessarily need to avoid hot food or drinks like coffee or soup. If you can consume it, chances are it is not hot enough to warp your dentures.
Soak Them While You Sleep
Give your gums a rest from wearing dentures. The best time to do this is overnight. However, you need to soak your dentures in water or a denture solution when you are not wearing them.
This will prevent the acrylic from drying out and keep them free of bacteria. Wearing removable dentures during sleep can also dry them out.
Rinse after Every Meal
This habit may not always be easy to remember. But it will help your denture stay as clean as possible. Remove them and rinse your mouth out with water after every meal.
This will remove any stuck food particles. Always try to rinse the food from your mouth after each meal if you are able to.
Visit your Dentist Regularly
During each routine dental checkup, your dentist will make sure that your dentures fit properly and are in good shape. We will clean them and give you tips on how to maintain them.
Let us know if you have problems with your dentures, such as discomfort, difficulty chewing, or changes in fit.
Dentures FAQs
We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about dentures in Charlotte, NC:
Will I have trouble speaking with new dentures?
You might experience some difficulty speaking clearly when you first get new dentures. This is normal, and your speech should improve with a bit of practice. Reading aloud or repeating challenging words can help you adjust faster. Most people adapt within a few weeks and regain their normal speech.
Are there any foods I should avoid with dentures?
Yes, certain foods can be tricky with dentures. Sticky foods or chewing gum can dislodge them. Hard foods such as nuts or hard candies might damage your dentures or cause discomfort. It’s a good idea to cut your food into smaller pieces and opt for softer foods, especially when you’re just getting used to them.
Can you get dentures while pregnant?
Yes, you can get dentures while pregnant. Maintaining good dental health is important for both you and your baby during pregnancy. Just make sure to inform your dentist that you’re expecting so they can take any necessary precautions.
Do dentures cause dry mouth?
Dentures themselves don’t usually cause dry mouth. However, some people might experience dry mouth due to medications or other factors, which can make wearing dentures less comfortable. Staying hydrated and discussing saliva substitutes with your dentist can help alleviate this issue.
What is the average age for getting dentures?
There’s no specific age for getting dentures; it depends on individual dental health. While dentures are more common among older adults, younger people might need them due to tooth loss from decay, injury, or other issues. The key is to address missing teeth promptly to maintain good oral health.
How long after having teeth extraction can you get dentures?
You can often get immediate dentures placed right after your teeth are extracted. These serve as a temporary solution while your gums heal. For permanent dentures, dentists usually wait about 6 to 8 weeks after extraction to ensure a proper fit as your gums and bone settle.
Schedule a Dental Exam at Dentistry of the Queen City
Do you have whole arches of lost teeth? Do you have a slipping denture affecting your ability to eat and speak confidently? Call for dentures in our Charlotte, NC, dental office at 704-486-8911. You can also request an appointment on our website.
Our dental care team at Dentistry of the Queen City will happily provide you with high-quality denture care. Get back to smiling with confidence today.