COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Dentures and Implants
A Denture, otherwise known as a complete denture, is an appliance that goes in your mouth that replaces natural teeth, along with supporting the lips and cheek.
A Bridge, otherwise known as a partial denture, simply fills in a gap where teeth are missing. These can be removable to be able to take out and clean and maintain or they can be bonded by a dental professional which is a more permanent and stable option. Permanent dentures can only be removed by dental professionals. Like a complete denture, a bridge will also support your lips and cheek.
DENTURES
- Multiple ways to fabricate them out of acrylic, plastic, porcelain combinations.
- Dentures can be made to fit along with endodontically treated teeth and if necessary, attached to implants for a secure fit.
- Immediate Denture: When teeth are extracted, a denture can be made immediately and put in, allowing mouth to heal below the denture.
- Conventional Denture: After teeth extraction, the gums heal prior to inserting a denture.
- Upper dentures fit into the roof of the mouth, with flesh colored acrylic that covers the palate.
- Lower dentures fit around the gums, allowing room for the tongue.
- Replacement or realignment of the dentures will be necessary over time to keep the bite normal. The alignment can be affected by the extraction of teeth and gums receding.
- Important to continue schedule visits to DHC for gum health and jaw alignment check-ups.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Replacing missing teeth has many benefits, of course cosmetically but also to regain the ability to eat normally as implants are designed to look and act like natural teeth. Compared to dentures, the stability of implants ensures no restrictive diets, talking is no problem and bone health is intact! When you gain back your healthy and natural smile as well as the ability to eat what you want, it is a game-changer!
- Dental implants are made from titanium and the posts are place in the jawbone where needed. The bone bonds to the post, which creates a great foundation for the artificial teeth.
- Implants look and feel natural, gain your confident smile back!
- Bone and gums are easier to maintain
- Eating is much easier, feels natural!
- The permanent denture will last longer, due to healthy jaw bones.
- With proper care, implants can last a lifetime!
SHOULD YOU GET DENTAL IMPLANTS?
At DHC, we understand the importance of a healthy, attractive smile! You want to be able to enjoy life without restrictions on eating, smiling, and talking, please reach to DHC to set up a time to meet directly with Dr. John Tessendorf who will answer all of your questions, address any concerns and help you make the right choice for you!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Complete an initial dental/radiographic exam and review of your dental history. Address, questions, concerns, etc.
- Metal anchors are attached to the jawbone surgically. These act as a replacement for the root of the tooth.
- Titanium posts are attached to the anchors, they come out of the gums, where artificial teeth are attached.
- Typically, we perform this procedure in two surgical visits. The first, we attach the implants to the jawbone and a temporary bridge or denture is used for a few months. This allows then to bond to your jawbone. Then, after healing and jawbone bonding, we create impressions and start making your final denture that will be installed. Can be up to six months to complete this process, but daily life is not usually affected.
- Once complete, as your mouth heals you will return to your normal eating functionality as well as your old smile again!
DENTURES VS IMPLANTS
- Dentures or a bridge can move around it not bonded, affecting speech, and eating habits.
- Implants offer long term stability and normal eating and speech functionality.
- Dentures can cause oral issues such as gum irritation and sores
- Implants allow healing and bonding with the jawbone to ensure bone and gum structure healthy and intact.
- Dentures typically need maintenance and eventually need to be replaced. Daily care if removable and constant inspection of the gums and jaw alignment.
- Implants also need minimal care beyond standard healthy dental practices. Can last a lifetime if taken care of properly.