Dentures – Cleburne, TX
Filling the Gaps in Your Smile
Having a smile with multiple missing teeth or an entire arch can pose several challenges for an individual. Beyond the self-consciousness it may cause, there can be a significant impact on oral health. Any remaining teeth can shift into the vacant spaces, resulting in crowding and an uneven appearance. Plus, exposed gum tissue becomes more vulnerable to infections, potentially leading to further tooth loss. The good news is that our team at Long Family Dental of Cleburne has a solution that not only restores a complete smile, but also protects your oral health: dentures! To learn more about this method of tooth-replacement, continue reading or give us a call today.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
No matter how extensive your tooth loss may be, dentures can help restore your smile. During your consultation, our team will conduct a thorough examination to identify and address any preexisting oral health conditions. For instance, if you are dealing with gum disease or tooth decay, we will make sure to address these issues first. Plus, we’ll determine whether or not extractions are required to create space for your new denture. To find out if you’re a viable candidate for this treatment, continue reading!
Effects of Missing Teeth
Tooth loss can occur due to several reasons, posing risks if left unaddressed. Some common culprits include tooth decay, gum disease, and injury. The American Academy of Periodontology outlines several drawbacks of missing teeth, such as facial sagging, speech difficulties, chewing challenges, and reduced self-confidence.
Fortunately, replacing missing teeth with dentures can mitigate these issues. By restoring both the appearance and functionality of your teeth with dentures, you’ll feel empowered to speak, eat, and smile with renewed confidence!
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Dentures are an incredible solution for patients dealing with significant tooth loss. Yet, if you're considering dentures, it's essential to commit to proper care for your new teeth and overall oral health. Any existing dental issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease, must be addressed before proceeding with this method of tooth replacement.
The type of denture you'll receive depends on the extent of tooth loss. Plus, dentures are a more budget-friendly option compared to alternatives like dental implants. This means even if you're on a tight budget, you can still enjoy the benefits of a complete smile!
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
Patients who aren't suitable candidates for dentures have alternative options to consider, such as dental bridges or implants:
- Dental Bridges – Acting as a literal bridge, dental bridges fill the space left by a missing tooth. Supported by adjacent teeth, they're ideal for patients missing one or a few teeth. However, this tooth replacement method requires healthy surrounding teeth.
- Dental Implants – Dental implants involve inserting a titanium post into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. This option requires a sturdy bone structure to anchor the replacement tooth securely. While it's pricier and involves surgery, dental implants offer unparalleled stability and long-lasting results.
Types of Dentures
At your first appointment, we’ll discuss the various denture options available to meet your specific needs. These include:
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures have an acrylic, gum-colored base attached to prosthetic teeth. Made for patients missing some teeth throughout their mouth, these dentures fill gaps seamlessly, even for non-adjacent missing teeth. They are secured with metal clasps and attached to healthy teeth, and can also be easily removed for cleaning.
Full Dentures
Made from similar materials as partial dentures, full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, providing a complete smile. Held in place with suction and denture adhesives, these prosthetics have been a reliable solution for centuries, offering improved oral health and enhanced functionality in speaking, eating, and smiling. With full dentures, you can regain confidence and embrace a better quality of life.
Implant Dentures
For a permanent solution, consider implant dentures! Our team will strategically position these implant posts along your jawbone, allowing them to fuse with natural bone tissues over time. Following the placement of each implant, a personalized denture is created and securely affixed to the implants. This results in a full, natural-looking smile that functions like natural teeth and can last for decades or even a lifetime.
The Benefits of Dentures
You may wonder why dentures are preferred over traditional dental bridges. Well, here are some key benefits:
- Improved bite force and chewing power
- Boost of confidence and comfort in appearance
- Implant dentures are a long-lasting solution (over 30+ years)
- Maintain a more youthful look
- Jawbone stimulation to prevent facial sagging