Dentures – Carmel, IN
Smile Even After Severe Tooth Loss
A full set of teeth makes it possible to comfortably chew many different foods, pronounce your words clearly, and smile without embarrassment. Even one missing tooth can disrupt the harmony of your grin; losing multiple teeth or an entire row of teeth can have an even worse effect on your oral health and wellbeing. Before tooth loss starts to seriously disrupt your quality of life, we encourage you to contact our office and set up an appointment with Dr. Springhetti to ask about the process of getting dentures.
Why Choose Springhetti Dentistry for Dentures?
- Implant Procedure Completed Under One Roof
- Carefully Personalized Full and Partial Dentures
- A Dentist That Cares About Strong Relationships
Types of Dentures
You may immediately think of one kind of denture when you hear the word, but there are actually three different kinds to choose from based on your situation: partial dentures, full dentures, and implant dentures.
- Partial dentures are used when you’ve only lost a few teeth and still want to save the rest. The false teeth will be attached to a metal frame that is attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps. Unlike bridges, partial dentures allow you to replace teeth in multiple areas.
- Full dentures are needed when most of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw are gone. Any remaining teeth will have to be extracted to make room. Thanks to the design of the denture, your new teeth will stay comfortably in place with natural suction; you can also apply a denture adhesive if you need to.
- Implant dentures can be partial or full dentures anchored in place by implant posts. When your dentures are permanently attached to the mouth this way, they can be used to chew even tough foods like steak, and they can be brushed and flossed normally.
How Dentures Are Made
Now that you’ve made the life-changing decision to get dentures, you may be curious what the process will look like. Understanding how your new prosthetics are made and what materials are used will help you appreciate your new smile that much more. Whether you need partial or full dentures, here’s how the magic happens!
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Your new dentures are comprised of two main parts: the base of the denture and the teeth. Here’s a closer look at each component:
- Denture Base: The base is the foundational structure that gives your artificial teeth support. It can be made of a variety of materials such as acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. Full dentures are most frequently made with acrylic because it can be tailored to match your natural gum tissue. Partial dentures may use metal clips with an acrylic base, or in some cases nylon may be used instead of acrylic.
- Artificial Teeth: These are often made from porcelain or resin because both have a natural appearance. However, porcelain is generally a more popular option because it both looks and feels like real teeth. It’s also a very durable material. Unfortunately, however, since it can be abrasive to adjacent teeth, it is typically only recommended for full dentures.
The Denture Creation Process
Because each denture is custom made for the patient’s individual mouth, making them requires a multi-step process. Here’s a step by step look at what this typically looks like.
- Step 1: The first step on your denture journey begins at your dentist’s office, where your dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower gums using a thick paste. This is used to create a plaster model that’s essentially a replica of your mouth. The model will also be used to ensure that your final denture is the correct shape and size. Your dentist may also take some measurements of your jaw at this appointment.
- Step 2: Now the cast can be sent to the dental laboratory where your dentures will be made. There, they will create a wax version of your gum line.
- Step 3: Next, the artificial teeth are set in place. A mechanical device called an articulator is used to attach them with wax. The laboratory technician will make minor adjustments by shaping and carving the wax to ensure it looks just like your real gums. This wax base will then be used for your finished dentures.
- Step 4: Now your wax dentures can be sent back to your dentist for a fitting. If they’re approved by you and your dentist, they will be sent back to the dental lab to advance to the next step in their creation.
- Step 5: Once they have returned to the lab, a dental technician will boil your dentures and get rid of any remaining wax portions. They will then be placed in a flask which is a holding device for plaster to be poured to maintain their shape. The entire flask is then placed in hot water to melt the dentures.
- Step 6: Next, holes will be made in the teeth so the material can attach to it. A liquid separator is added to the plaster to stop the acrylic from sticking to it. Then, the lab technician will inject acrylic into the flask to replace the wax.
- Step 7: The plaster is then carefully removed using special lab tools, revealing your new denture. Your acrylic dentures are placed in an ultrasonic bath to remove any remaining plaster.
- Step 8: Any excess acrylic will be cut from the denture at this stage. After trimming it, your denture will be polished to perfection and sent back to your dentist’s office.
- Step 9: Now that your new denture is ready, you can return to the dental office for a fitting. Here, we will make any adjustments necessary to ensure they fit and work properly.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
Though they are custom fit to your individual mouth, it is completely normal for patients to experience some discomfort when they first get dentures. Initially, you may notice some mild soreness or have difficulty speaking and eating. However, with time, your mouth will adjust to your dentures, and they’ll eventually feel very similar to your natural teeth. You can speed up the adjustment process by eating soft foods at first, exercising your facial muscles, and experimenting with denture adhesive.
If the discomfort persists, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Springhetti or Dr. Oberley for help, as further adjustments may need to be made.
The Benefits of Dentures
Psychological Benefits
Dentures can have a huge impact on the state of your mental health. Missing teeth can often lead to self-consciousness, anxiety, and depression, creating a hesitance to smile or socialize. By restoring your smile, dentures help to rebuild your confidence and improve your self-esteem. This renewed sense of self can positively affect your life in many ways, from personal relationships to professional interactions, making you feel more comfortable overall. The psychological boost provided by dentures is one of the most exciting benefits, helping you lead a more fulfilled life full of happiness.
Clearer Enunciation
Dentures can also greatly improve your ability to speak clearly. Missing teeth can often interfere with your tongue placement and breath control leading to slurred or unclear speech, which can be frustrating and embarrassing. Dentures fill the gaps in your teeth, allowing you to articulate words more precisely and confidently. With these prosthetics, you’ll find it easier to pronounce words correctly and communicate effectively, enhancing your overall ability to engage in conversations and express yourself.
Improves Nutrition
Dentures restore your ability to chew a wide variety of foods, which is important for supporting a healthy body and a strong smile. When teeth are missing, it can be challenging to eat the foods you love, often limiting your choices when it comes to your diet. With dentures, you can enjoy a more diverse and healthier menu, ensuring you get the essential nutrients your body needs. This improvement in nutrition can lead to better overall health.
Preserves Oral Health
If you have some natural teeth remaining, dentures help preserve your oral health by preventing them from shifting out of place. Over time, this can lead to bite problems and even additional tooth loss! Denture prosthetics also provide support for your facial muscles, preventing the sunken appearance that often goes with tooth loss. Additionally, wearing dentures can help distribute the forces of chewing more evenly across your teeth and gums, reducing the risk of damage and wear.
Expands Opportunity
A great smile can significantly enhance your career opportunities! It may sound far-fetched, but research shows that dentures can make a positive difference in job interviews, networking events, and professional settings in multiple ways. A complete set of teeth can improve your overall appearance, making you seem more approachable and confident. This can be particularly beneficial in fields that require frequent interaction with clients, colleagues, and customers, ultimately helping you advance in your career and achieve your professional goals.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Will you be getting partial dentures or full dentures? Are you planning on getting dental implants? Will you need to have teeth extracted first? Getting dentures means something different for everyone, and we need to take the unique aspects of your situation into consideration before we can estimate the final price of the treatment. Do keep in mind that whatever costs are associated with dentures, it’s generally well worth the price to maintain a healthier mouth and avoid even more serious oral health problems later down the line.