Full Dentures – Greensboro, NC
It is very likely that you have heard of dentures, or even know someone who wears a set. What you may not know is that there are different options when it comes to getting customized dentures. Dentures have been a popular choice when it comes to restorative dentistry for a very long time because of how natural-looking they are. The type of dentures most people usually imagine are most likely full mouth dentures. However, there are actually a variety of options for dentures; including partial dentures, dental bridges, and fixed or removable dentures.
What Are Dentures?
As mentioned above, dentures are a restorative dentistry procedure that is used to replace missing teeth. Before we go too far, it is important to note dentures are not the same as dental implants. A complete set of dentures is considered a removable appliance, while dental implants are permanent – which means they require oral surgery to be placed. Typically, getting dentures is a simple procedure, which means the procedure is less expensive than implants. Dentures are a great option to upgrade your smile in an inexpensive way.
Full mouth dentures (and partial dentures) are made of acrylic resin or porcelain. If the cost of a full set of dentures is one of your main concerns, acrylic dentures are the best option. Though porcelain normally lasts longer, the acrylic resin is cheaper to use and stronger than porcelain. The dentures are made using a mold of your mouth provided to the dental lab by your dentist. Once they are finished, they are painted with an enamel colored acrylic that matches your natural teeth. All that is left to do is get them adjusted to feel natural and fit comfortably inside your mouth.
Why Would I Get Dentures?
There are actually many advantages to tooth replacement. Some of the benefits of having complete dentures include:
- Confident smile
- Eat most food
- Retain muscle tone in your face and jawbone
- Less stress and anxiety
- Better speech
One disadvantage of full dentures is that it can be hard to keep them stable. Over time, they tend to loosen and may become uncomfortable to wear. When this happens, we can get you in for a visit with the dentist to have them re-adjusted and fitting naturally again. While you wait to visit us, you may want to try using a denture adhesive to help hold them in place. In some cases, we may decide to use denture stabilization (when two or more dental implants are anchored to help keep them in place; also known as permanent dentures). This also provides bone stimulation, thus preventing bone loss.
Full Dentures FAQ
Do Dentures Hurt?
In most cases, dentures are not painful. However, if your dentures do not sit correctly in your mouth, they may rub against your gums, creating sores or irritation. Additionally, if the bite is not correct, it can make it difficult to chew or bite into certain foods. If you already have dentures and they are causing you pain or discomfort, please contact our dental office to schedule an adjustment. The short visit to our denture clinic will be well worth your improved, comfortable smile.
How Do I Care For My Dentures?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), denture prosthetics should be cleaned daily. Denture care requires more than just regular teeth brushing to remove any plaque, stains, or bacteria that has built up on them over time. For proper denture cleaning, they will need to be soaked in a nonabrasive denture cleanser. We are more than happy to provide you with recommendations. Just give us a call or email us. Do not sleep with your dentures in. You should remove them at night. Hint: that is a great time to soak them.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
You can expect your dentures to last 5-10 years. Most of our customers will inquire about new dentures within 7 years. Of course, this all depends on how well you care for them. The better your oral health routine, the longer your dentures will last.
How Long Does It Take To Make Dentures?
We tell our patients to give us two to three weeks to receive the finished mouth appliance from our lab. A rushed process is available; however, this is usually for partial or immediate dentures. If you want to receive your dentures quickly, we can answer your questions and determine if that is possible for you when you come in to visit us for your first denture appointment.
Will I Have To Be Sedated To Get Dentures?
Typically, the only time a patient requires sedation is if they are having teeth pulled or if the patient has anxiety when it comes to dental work being done. The day you receive your artificial teeth, the experience should not include pain, so there should be no need for sedation.
How Many Appointments Will It Take To Get My Dentures?
Generally, it takes 4-6 appointments for a full set of dentures. If you do not need to have teeth extracted in order for the dentures to be placed, it should only take 4 appointments. The first appointment is a consultation where a dental professional will evaluate your natural teeth and gums. We will use the findings to determine the best option for you. If dentures are the choice, we will schedule you for a second appointment in which we will take an impression of your upper and lower jaw. The impressions (molds) of your mouth will be sent to the dental laboratory where they will make the oral appliance. The third appointment will vary. If you need teeth pulled, that will be your third appointment. If you do not require extractions, your next appointment will be the original fitting of your dentures. The fourth, or maybe even final visit (for your dentures at least), is when we evaluate the fit to make sure they are functioning properly and feel comfortable for you to wear. You may schedule as many adjustment or denture repair appointments as needed.
Choose Friendly Dentistry
Are you in need of a fresh smile? Look no further than Friendly Dentistry of Greensboro, North Carolina. Whether you are looking for dentures or any other type of dental care, our dental team is here to help and ensure you enjoy your visit with us. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (336)-360-5838 to take the next step to achieving a bright, beautiful smile.