An Attractive, Affordable Solution to Missing Teeth
Are missing teeth negatively affecting your lifestyle? We can help. If you’re in Omaha or La Vista, NE, and want to fulfill a complete smile once again, Panneton Dental Group can help! Dr. Mark Panneton and our team can provide you with dentures as a convenient and affordable restorative solution.
Dentures are an excellent solution for those who need to replace damaged or missing teeth. Not only do they provide a natural-looking appearance, but they also restore the functionality of your teeth, making it easier to chew and speak. To learn more about our denture treatments or to schedule an appointment, call the Omaha dental office at (402) 934-5200 or our La Vista office at (402) 537-4620.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances that are designed to replace missing teeth. They’re typically made from acrylic resin, but some may also contain porcelain or other materials. Our patients favor dentures due to their natural-looking appearance and affordability. Best of all, the denture process is fast and minimally invasive — you won’t have to undergo complex surgery or deal with a long recovery period.
Reasons for Needing Dentures
Tooth loss occurs for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Tooth decay that’s left untreated can destroy the structure of teeth over time.
- Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is another leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
- Other factors like tooth fractures, trauma to the face and mouth, or complications from oral surgery may also lead dentists to extract damaged or unsalvageable teeth.
The resulting missing teeth make it difficult to bite, chew, and speak effectively. Getting dentures restores these functions and provides aesthetic and cosmetic benefits.
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures offer many benefits beyond their cosmetic appearance. They can:
- Improve your ability to chew and speak
- Enhance your facial features
- Prevent further tooth loss
- Boost your confidence and self-esteem
Types of Dentures
There is a different denture for every patient. The options available depend on your individual dental needs.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are designed to replace an entire set of upper or lower teeth. These prosthetics are custom-made to fit the unique contours of the patient’s mouth. Full dentures are typically recommended when all the natural teeth in one arch are missing or need replacement.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are recommended when only a few teeth are missing, offering a removable alternative to bridges or dental implants. These prosthetics consist of replacement teeth attached to a base that matches the color of the patient’s gums. Partial dentures are often secured using clasps that attach to the remaining natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures combine the stability of dental implants with the functionality of traditional dentures. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone, providing a secure foundation for the denture. Implant-supported dentures offer increased stability during chewing and speaking, preventing issues like slipping or shifting. However, the process is more complex and may require additional healing time.
How Dentures Process Works at Panneton Dental Group
The denture process typically involves several visits to your dentist’s office. During your initial consultation, Dr. Panneton will examine your mouth and determine the best course of action. If you need to have any teeth extracted, this will be done first. Your dentist will then take impressions of your mouth to create a mold for your dentures.
Once the mold is created, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. There may be several appointment fittings to make sure the size, shape, color, and bite alignment of the dentures are optimal before finalizing them. Finally, Dr. Panneton will provide you with instructions on how to care for your dentures.
Caring for Your Dentures
It’s essential to properly care for your dentures daily and consistently to ensure their longevity and maintain good oral hygiene. You should:
- Clean your dentures thoroughly every day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle denture cleaning paste or unscented soap to gently scrub all surfaces of the dentures. This helps remove food debris and plaque that can build up on and stain dentures.
- Rinse your dentures very well after brushing. Make sure to wash away any soap or toothpaste residue which can cause irritation and inflammation in the mouth if leftover on dentures.
- Soak your dentures in water or the recommended denture cleaning solution overnight. This helps keep dentures hydrated and removes additional bacteria, debris, and stains from the surface of the dentures.
- Avoid using hot or boiling water temperatures for cleaning dentures as the heat can warp and distort the shape of them over time. This can negatively impact the fit.
- Take your dentures out nightly for at least six to eight hours. This gives your gums and jaw bones vital rest from the pressure of dentures. Your tissues remain healthier and better able to manage daytime denture use if given healing breaks each night.
- See your dentist promptly if dentures become damaged or ill-fitting over time. Refusing to visit your dentist for damaged or ill-fitted dentures can hurt your gums and oral health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, dentures can last up to five to seven years. Over time, your dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced due to normal wear and tear. To make sure your dentures fit correctly, you’ll need to come in for adjustments from time to time.
We recommend seeing your dentist at least once a year for a denture and oral health check-up. You must practice good oral hygiene and proper denture care to ensure your dentures last long.
Initially, dentures may affect your speech, but this is temporary. Your speech will improve as you become accustomed to wearing them. If this issue continues to persist, reach out to your dentist to see if they can help adjust your restorations.
Yes, you can eat normally with dentures. However, it’s important to start with soft foods and gradually reintroduce harder foods as you become comfortable. Your dentist can provide you with a list of foods you can eat as you get used to your dentures.
The average age for people to get dentures is around 40 to 49. Around this time, many denture wearers get their first full set of replacement teeth. However, there are people of various ages who get dentures.
There are individuals in their twenties who may need to wear dentures due to extensive tooth decay or accidents. Dentures aren’t necessarily a sign of aging and can be necessary for many different reasons.