Dr. Elise Brace provides dentures at Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Cary, North Carolina. Dentures provide a great restorative dentistry solution for the replacement of a full arch of missing teeth. Patients restore their confidence and improve the form and function of their smiles with custom dentures in Cary, NC.
Do I Need to Replace My Missing Teeth?
There are many reasons why you should replace your missing teeth. Gaps along your arch will create an unattractive smile. However, missing teeth are also bad for your oral health. While some people choose to live with missing, Dr. Brace will recommend replacing them for the following reasons:
- Restore Function: Missing teeth can make it hard to bite, chew and speak properly. By replacing them, you can restore these crucial functions and improve your overall oral function.
- Maintain Oral Health: Gaps left by missing teeth can cause the neighboring teeth to shift or tilt, leading to uneven alignment. Oral hygiene becomes more challenging and increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and more tooth loss.
- Preserve Jawbone Structure: When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone may deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation. Dental restorations like implants or dentures can help stimulate the jawbone, preserve its structure, and prevent bone loss.
- Enhance Aesthetics: Missing teeth can affect the appearance of your smile. Gap along the arch tend to make patients feel self-conscious. Replacing them can improve the aesthetics of your smile, contributing to a more pleasing overall appearance.
The Types of Dentures We Provide
There are various types of dentures available for our patients. The type you need will depend on your unique needs, circumstances, wants, and budget. Review the following options to see which denture best suites you.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also called complete dentures, will replace all upper or lower teeth. They are removable prosthetic devices that you will remove daily. These dentures are typically made of acrylic material and are custom-made to fit your mouth and gums.
Full dentures consist of two main components:
- Denture Base: The denture base is the pink, gum-colored acrylic material that sits directly on your gums. It provides support and stability for the artificial teeth.
- Artificial Teeth: The artificial teeth are made of a durable and natural-looking material to look like natural teeth. They are attached to the denture base and are arranged to replicate the appearance and functionality of a natural smile.
If you have lost all your teeth, full dentures will restore your ability to speak, chew, and smile with confidence. We will custom-design them to fit your mouth and come out for cleaning and maintenance.
The fit of your denture is very important. If the dentures does not fit right, they may slip, shift, cause sores, slur your speech, and even fall out. Attend your regular dental checkups to ensure your dentures always fit and function properly.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures, also called removable partial dentures, are dental prosthetic devices that replace several missing teeth in the jaw but some natural teeth are remaining. We will custom-design each one to fill in gaps created by missing teeth for each patient. They will help restore function and aesthetics to your smile.
Partial dentures consist of the following components:
- Denture Base: The denture base is a gum-colored acrylic material that rests on your gums and supports the artificial teeth. We custom-create it to fit perfectly in your mouth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
- Framework: The framework comprises of metal or acrylic material. It also has small metal clasps or precision attachments. They anchor onto the remaining natural teeth to hold the partial denture in place.
- Artificial Teeth: The artificial teeth are made from a durable and natural-looking material that closely resembles your natural teeth. They are attached to the denture base and positioned to complement your existing teeth, allowing for proper chewing and speaking.
You must remove your partial daily to regular cleaning and maintenance. They offer an affordable and non-invasive option to replace several missing teeth. This option will allow you to eat and speak comfortably while improving your smile.
Implant-Supported Dentures
While dentures have been available for many years to replace missing teeth, dental implants are now considered the number one choice for teeth replacement. They offer over a 95% success rate and a permanent solution.
Traditional removable dentures may move around in the mouth, causing slurred speech, difficulty eating, and sometimes even falling out. People who are not adjusting well to dentures can switch over to teeth implants.
Implant dentures, or implant-supported dentures, combine the stability of dental implants with the convenience of dentures.
Denture implants are made of several parts:
- Implant Fixtures: A dental implant is a small, titanium fixture that resembles a screw. They serve as a replacement teeth roots and support the denture.
- Abutment: The abutment connects the implant fixture to the denture. It is usually a small metal piece that your dentist will secure to the implant fixture. It serves as a foundation for the placement of the denture.
- Denture or Partial: The denture or partial is the visible part of the dental restoration that will resemble natural teeth. We will custom create it to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth.
An implant-supported denture will replace several or all of the teeth on the top or bottom arch. An oral surgeon will surgically insert up to eight dental implants per arch in the jaw bone. Once they have fully fused with the jaw bone, your dentist will secure a custom-made denture. The denture can either snap onto the implants, or the dentist can use screws to permanently screw it into place.
Using teeth implants to secure your denture offers many benefits. It will eliminate embarrassing situations when the restoration slips around in the mouth. The dental implants will also act as missing tooth roots which prevents bone loss.
Dentures and Partials FAQs
Replacing your missing teeth is key for long-term oral health. Dentures provide a great solution to restore your dental health and function. Talk to your Dr. Brace if you are considering dentures to replace your missing teeth. If you want to learn more, read some commonly asked questions with informative answers about dentures. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to call us.
Am I a candidate for implant-supported dentures?
Most patients will qualify for dental implants if they have enough bone tissue left. Dr. Brace will provide a thorough dental exam to evaluate all aspects of your oral health and can coordinate any recommended treatment. You may need bone grafting or periodontal therapy treatments prior to denture treatment.
How should I care for my dentures?
You will need to clean your dentures daily. Rinsing your dentures after you eat will help maintain them. Use a soft-bristled brush and a nonabrasive denture cleanser to brush your dentures.
How can I stop dentures from slipping?
The best way to prevent dentures from slipping is to secure them with dental implants. Your dentist will strategically place two to eight dental implants in your jawbone to accomplish this.
The added support from a few dental implants can make a huge difference in the fit and comfort of your dental appliance. If you have removable dentures and dislike using messy adhesives, call our office to receive implant-secured denture treatment.
Will my dentures look natural?
Yes, modern dentures are designed to look as natural as possible. Your dentist will take into consideration the size, shape, and color of your remaining teeth when designing them. With advancements in dental materials and techniques, we can now create dentures that look like real teeth.
How long will my dentures last?
How long your dentures last will depend on several factors. Your oral hygiene, the natural wear and tear, and changes in your mouth will determine when you need to replace your denture. On average, plan on having your for about 5 to 10 years. If you take good care of it with regular maintenance and attend your regular dental check-ups, you may be able to prolong replacement.
Do I have to remove my dentures at night?
We do suggest removing your denture at night. This gives your gums and jaw a chance to rest. Sleeping with a denture in your mouth increases your risk of oral health issues and discomfort. If you need further advice, please consult with your dentist for further advice.
Will dentures affect my speech?
At first, dentures may affect your speech as the mouth adjusts to the new prosthetic. However, with practice and time, most individuals adapt and regain normal speech patterns. Some may require speech therapy to overcome speech difficulties, but the majority of people can speak clearly with dentures.
Schedule a Consultation for Dentures in Cary, NC
If you are considering dentures, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Brace by calling 919.823.7107 to receive full or partial dentures. You can also request an appointment online on our website. During your consultation, Dr. Brace will examine your teeth and discuss the pros and cons of dentures. Let Dr. Brace know if have any questions about your specific denture treatment during your consultation. She will be happy to help you get the answers you need.