For our Hillsborough, NC, patients with missing teeth, we offer full and partial dentures. Hillsborough Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can use dentures to restore your beautiful mouth. Dentures and partial dentures have long been a trusted solution for missing teeth. Dr. Williamson can provide a path to renewed confidence and oral function with custom dentures and restorative dentistry.
What are the Benefits of Dentures?
Dentures are removable restorative options that replace missing teeth and support the surrounding tissues. When you lose multiple or all of your teeth, it can be overwhelming. Dr. Williamson provides custom dentures that blend-in with your natural appearance. Our dentures can provide several key advantages, such as:
- Preserve Facial Structure: Tooth loss can lead to a sunken or aged appearance due to the loss of support for the facial muscles. Dentures help maintain the structure of your face by providing the necessary support for your cheeks and lips. As a result, it can prevent a collapsed or sagging look.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to other tooth replacement options like dental implants, dentures are typically more cost-effective. They provide an affordable way to replace multiple missing teeth or an entire dental arch. This makes them a viable solution for those with budget constraints.
- Non-Invasive Treatment: Unlike dental implants, dentures do not require surgical procedures. The non-invasive nature of dentures can be appealing to those who are not suitable candidates for implant surgery.
- Quick Results: Some popular replacement options, such as dental implants, require months of healing and integration. However, Dr. Williamson can often provide dentures relatively quickly. This means our patients can restore their mouth and oral function without an extended waiting period.
- Adaptability: Dentures are adaptable to changing oral conditions. If you lose more natural teeth over time, your dentures can be adjusted or replaced to meet those changes. This ensures that your dentures remain functional even as your oral health evolves.
Types of Dentures in Hillsborough, NC
Dentures are one of the most popular solutions for replacing missing teeth and restoring confident smiles. With a wide array of denture options, ranging from full and partial to implant-supported designs, there is a solution to meet every need. Each class has its own unique benefit, depending on your dental condition and lifestyle.
Partial dentures
A partial denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth. It’s made of a gum-colored plastic base with false teeth attached. The denture is held in place by clasps that hook onto your natural teeth.
Partial dentures can be made of different materials, including acrylic or a mix of acrylic and metal. We will custom-make a partial to fit your mouth comfortably and look natural.
You can take them out for cleaning and while you sleep. Partial dentures help you eat more efficiently, speak better, and keep your remaining teeth from shifting. They also improve your smile and support your facial muscles, preventing a sunken look. Regular check-ups with your dentist ensure your partial denture continues to fit nicely over time.
Full denture
A full denture is a removable set of artificial teeth that replaces all the natural teeth in your upper or lower jaw or both. It has a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over your gums and supports a complete set of plastic or porcelain teeth.
The upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, while the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for your tongue. Full dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth and remain in place by suction or denture adhesive. They help you eat, speak, and smile confidently.
You can remove them for cleaning and while sleeping. Full dentures can last several years with proper care and regular dental check-ups, improving your quality of life and appearance.
Implant-supported Dentures
Whenever appropriate for your needs, Dr. Williamson will recommend using dental implants to secure your denture. Dental implants will allow for a permanent new mouth that you can maintain in much the same way as natural teeth.
The process involves putting in 2 to 4 implants, waiting for them to heal, then attaching a custom-made denture. These dentures can be removed for cleaning but won’t slip when you eat or talk.
Implant-supported dentures offer superior stability when compared to traditional dentures that are removable. With secure new teeth, you can once again enjoy your favorite foods and speak with confidence. While they cost more than regular dentures, many people find them worth it for the added comfort and confidence.
Our Denture Process
Our process of getting dentures is relatively simple and straightforward.
- Consultation and Assessment: The start of your denture journey typically begins with a consultation with Dr. Williamson. During this initial exam, your dentist will thoroughly examine your oral health and dental needs. You will need to discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and preferences.
- Treatment Plan: Based on your oral health and needs, Dr. Williamson will develop a treatment plan.
- Impressions: To ensure that your dentures fit comfortably and function properly, you will need impressions of your teeth. At Hillsborough Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we take digital impressions of our patient’s teeth. This gets rid of the need for messy traditional impressions. This step helps create custom-fitted dentures that suit your unique mouth shape.
- Fitting and Adjustments: Once the dentures are made, they are ready for fitting. Adjustments may be necessary to refine the fine and ensure proper alignment with your natural bite. It is common for several appointments to make these adjustments.
- Adaptation Period: It is important to recognize that adjusting to dentures may take some time. Eating and speaking with dentures can initially feel different. Additionally, you may develop minor discomfort and sore spots along the gums or inside of the cheeks during this period. However, these issues will resolve as your mouth adjusts to the new dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
Dentures are a popular choice for tooth replacement. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Yes, but it takes some time to adjust. Start with soft foods and gradually reintroduce firmer foods as you get used to chewing with dentures. Cutting food into small pieces and chewing slowly can help prevent discomfort. Avoid sticky or hard foods that may damage the dentures or cause them to shift.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
Dentists usually recommend removing dentures at night to allow the gums to rest and prevent irritation. Keeping dentures out while sleeping reduces the risk of infections and sore spots. Soaking dentures overnight in a cleaning solution helps maintain their shape and cleanliness.
Can I use regular toothpaste to clean my dentures?
No, regular toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch the denture surface, leading to bacterial buildup. Use a mild dish soap, denture cleaner, or a special denture paste to clean them. A soft-bristle brush is best for gently removing plaque and stains. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can weaken the material.
Do I still need dental checkups if I wear dentures?
Regular dental visits are important, even if you have full dentures. We will check for signs of gum disease, oral infections, and changes in the jawbone. We will also inspect the fit of the dentures and make necessary adjustments. Routine care helps maintain oral health and ensures dentures remain comfortable.
Do dentures affect speech?
At first, dentures may cause slight speech changes, such as difficulty pronouncing certain words. This is normal as the tongue and muscles adapt to the new appliance. Practicing reading aloud and repeating difficult words can speed up the adjustment process. Most people regain their normal speech patterns within a few weeks.
How long do dentures last?
With proper care, dentures can last between 5 to 10 years. Over time, the shape of the gums and jaw may change, requiring adjustments or replacements. Regular dental checkups help ensure a proper fit and prevent discomfort. Avoiding hard foods and following a good cleaning routine can extend the lifespan of dentures.
Schedule a Consultation for Dentures in Hillsborough, NC
When you are ready to restore your mouth to it’s fullest, give our Hillsborough dental office a call at 919-587-8401 to request an appointment.