If you’re experiencing complete or partial tooth loss, the experts at Sanders & Soult Family Dentistry can help explore affordable replacement options, including dentures.

Dentures are one of the oldest and most familiar options for replacing missing teeth, and there’s a reason they have stayed popular. Dentures are a simple, flexible, and affordable option, particularly for people missing many teeth. At Sanders & Soult Family Dentistry, our knowledgeable dentists can determine if you’re a good candidate for dentures.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are a replacement option for patients with natural teeth remaining in the top or bottom jaw. Dentures consist of replacement teeth placed on a plastic gum base to keep adjacent teeth from shifting.

Dentures use a metal framework to hold artificial teeth in place. Partial dentures utilize internal attachments rather than exterior clasps, making it possible to remove the dentures easily. This allows for a more natural appearance.

Full Dentures

When the remaining natural teeth can’t support partial dentures, tooth extraction is necessary before placing dentures. There are two types of complete or full dentures – conventional and immediate.

Conventional Dentures

Conventional dentures are made after tooth loss or extraction by adjusting molds to ensure a secure fit. This process requires healing of the gum tissue and jawbone over eight to 12 weeks, leaving patients without teeth during that time.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are started before complete tooth loss and are available for use immediately. Measurements are taken before total tooth loss and therefore do not consider shrinking or gum loss. As a result, immediate dentures require several adjustments over many weeks.

Immediate denture options do not require the patient to go without teeth for long; however, the adjustment process is quite lengthy. As a result, immediate dentures should be temporary pending conventional dentures.

Other Tooth Replacement Options

Bridges are a permanent affordable option to replace all your teeth (implant-supported bridges) or some teeth by connecting to the adjacent teeth via crowns. However, bridges degrade over time and require replacement or repairs.

Dental implants are increasing in popularity and are a longer-lasting solution that involves implanting surgical posts in the jawbone and attaching artificial teeth. Implants are more expensive than dentures and take four to six months to place.

Why Choose Dentures?

Dentures are less expensive than bridges and implants, and the cost is usually covered entirely by insurance. Dentures match your natural teeth, create a beautiful smile, and enhance facial structures. They can last between five and seven years with proper care.

Dentures may initially feel odd or loose, but most patients say this improves as their facial muscles adapt. Any temporary effect on speech or eating will also improve over time.

Denture Care

Patients should avoid bending the denture framework and prevent dentures from becoming dry or cracked. You should also soak dentures in an appropriate denture solution daily, as well as caring for your gums every day.

If you are ready to consider safe, reliable, and affordable dentures, contact Sanders & Soult Family Dentistry at (303) 337-2794 for an evaluation today.