If you hide your smile because you're missing teeth, affordable quality dentures can make you feel happy to smile again. A denture is a set of removable prosthetic teeth that can improve the shape of your face while you wear them. They also make it easier for you to talk clearly and chew properly.
Are There Many Types of Dentures Available?
There is a variety of denture types to select from, and each style has its own particular characteristics and benefits. Our dentists will assist you in selecting the denture type that will best suit your needs.
If you need to replace a complete set of teeth in your upper or lower jaw, you'll need a full denture. This type of denture is typically supported by your gum tissue, where it stays in place through suction. If you still have natural teeth remaining but need to fill in some gaps, a partial denture may be the appliance for you. A partial denture is often attached to the surrounding natural teeth with a metal clip.
A flexible partial denture may be the answer for patients who find that they don't tolerate a standard, rigid partial denture very well. This kind of dental appliance holds onto the gums through suction and doesn't require the wearer to apply adhesive or to clasp the denture onto the surrounding teeth with metal clips. Ask your dentist if a flexible partial denture can work for you.
Traditional, full dentures rest on the gums and stay in place through suction. This can be a problem for the gums of the lower jaw because they typically have less surface area where the denture can hold on. Implant-supported dentures solve the problem of denture shifting with the use of dental implants. This is a removable denture, but it snaps into place securely during wear.
How Are All-on-Four Dentures Different?
If all of the teeth on your upper or lower jaw are missing, all on four dentures can be a great choice. With this advanced denture option, a dentist attaches fixed artificial teeth to dental implants that are fused with the jawbone. This type of denture has the appearance and functionality of natural teeth, but it only requires four implants for each dental arch. This type of denture provides the benefits of dental implants, but it's less expensive and involved than getting a conventional full mouth of dental implants.
How Does the Process for Getting Dentures Work?
The procedure for obtaining dentures will be different from patient to patient, however, in each case a dentist will begin with a complete examination of the gums and jawbone. If you have natural teeth that are weak and beyond restoring, they'll be extracted before you are fitted for your new denture. Dental impressions will be sent to a lab where your new denture will be custom-fabricated. Finally, your dentist will fit your denture to make sure it's comfortable and functional for you.
It's our goal to help our patients get affordable quality dentures within their budget. How much you pay for your denture depends on the type of denture you choose and the dental work you need to prepare your mouth for them. For a detailed estimate of the cost of your treatment plan, please schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.
How Does a Soft Reline for Dentures Make Dentures More Comfortable?
From time to time, denture wearers will need to visit their dentist for a reline. This simple process reforms the underside of the denture so that it fits the current shape of the wearer's gum, which can change over time. A soft denture reline is undertaken with material that is soft and pliable, making it more comfortable for most patients. If your dentures don't seem to fit as well as they did in the past, discuss it with one of our dentists.
Are you a candidate for dentures in Tampa? Please contact our dental office today. Our dentists can provide customized denture solutions to help you to chew, talk and smile with restored confidence.