If you have missing or damaged teeth, you must replace them. Dentures can restore oral function and aesthetics for patients with missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth with dentures is a great way to improve your health and confidence. With all the advances in dental technology, we can custom-make dentures to look just like your natural teeth. Longview Family Dental can provide you with a set of dentures in Longview, TX, that look natural and function well.
Missing or damaged teeth can lead to further oral health problems that impact your overall health. Lost teeth can lower your quality of life and affect how you eat, talk, and smile. These side effects can lead to frustration and lower self-esteem. Restorative dental treatments like dentures restore the look and function of your teeth.
What Are Dentures?
A denture is a dental appliance that replaces missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. Crafted from various materials, such as acrylic, metal, or both, dentures aim to restore the smile’s appearance. Dentures also support facial muscles and essential functions like chewing and speaking.
Typically, dentures are removable. However, dentures can also use support from dental implants.
Benefits of Dentures
No matter the type of denture, dentures can provide many patients for patients with multiple missing teeth. Dentures:
- Prevent further tooth loss
- Create a balanced bite
- Help patients bite and chew
- Prevent shifting teeth
We use dentures made of high-quality materials. Dentures that use porcelain materials match your desired tooth shade or the color of any remaining natural teeth.
Different Types of Dentures
Multiple types of dentures are available for our patients. The type you need will depend on your unique needs, circumstances, wants, and budget. We will examine your smile to see which denture type fits you:
Full Dentures
Also known as complete dentures, full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth on the upper or lower arch. These dentures rest directly on the gums and are held in place by suction.
Some patients will also need denture adhesive to help them remain in place. While dentures do not restore full biting abilities, they provide a functional and aesthetic solution for individuals with no natural teeth in one or both arches. You must remove dentures daily to rest the gums and clean them.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are designed for individuals with some remaining natural teeth. You can get a partial on the upper or lower arch. A partial denture has replacement teeth attached to a framework that clasps onto the remaining natural teeth. Partials ensure stability and prevent the movement of the adjacent teeth.
However, sometimes, the metal clasps can be seen when speaking or smiling. This creates aesthetic issues. Partials can also put a strain on the teeth holding the prosthesis in place. A partial is also removable and should come out daily.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures, or implant-supported dentures, combine the stability of dental implants with the convenience of dentures. Dental implants are titanium posts that a dentist or oral surgeon surgically places in the jawbone. They replace the missing teeth roots and provide a platform to secure the denture.
The implant fixtures fuse to the jawbone to create a secure and durable base for the denture. This option provides enhanced stability, improved chewing efficiency, and a more natural feel than traditional, removable dentures.
Process for Getting Traditional Dentures in Longview, TX
The process begins with a consultation. Our dentist will assess your oral health, take impressions, and discuss your preferences and expectations. If you have remaining natural teeth, our dentist may suggest an extraction. Our dentist will perform this step before the denture fabrication process begins.
We will take precise impressions and measurements of your oral structures to ensure a proper fit and function. Then, we will create a wax model of the dentures for you to try on. This allows us to make adjustments before the final dentures are fabricated.
Once we complete the adjustments, a dental lab will create the final dentures. Our dentist ensures a proper fit and makes any necessary final adjustments during the placement appointment.
We will provide instructions on how to care for your dentures, including how to clean and maintain them. Schedule a follow-up appointment if you have any concerns or require an adjustment.
Process for Getting Implant Dentures
The process begins with the surgical placement of dental implants into the jawbone. You will need about 2-8 dental implants to secure a denture. A healing period will follow that lasts about 3-6 months. During this time, the bone and the implants will fuse. You will wear a temporary denture during this period.
After healing, we will take impressions to create your custom denture. Depending on your needs, the denture may be fixed (permanent) or removable. We will attach the final implant denture to the abutments, providing stability and functionality similar to natural teeth.
How Much are Dentures?
Denture cost depends on the type of denture, the number of missing teeth, and the number of implants. Dental insurance plans often cover a portion of restorative dental care, including treatments that replace missing teeth.
At Longview Family Dental, we participate in major PPO insurance plans. We also accept CareCredit and Alphaeon. These companies offer flexible financial options to keep restorations within your budget.
Replace Your Missing Teeth
Contact Longview Family Dental today to restore your missing teeth with dentures in Longview, TX. To learn more about your options, visit Dr. Chris Goelz. Call us today at 903-662-7811 or schedule an appointment online.
If you have questions about dentures, let us know at your next visit. We’re here to help.