A denture is a popular dental restorations used to replace missing teeth. They are essentially false teeth fused together to make one piece. This piece will rest on the gums or be secured using dental implants. Most of them are made up made of acrylic and porcelain. There are several types of dentures including full dentures, partial dentures, and denture implants. Dentures replace multiple teeth or whole arches of missing teeth.
Dr. Nechama Brand and Dr. Abraham Stein are expert restorative dentists in downtown Chicago. After dental school, Dr. Stein completed a residency in prosthodontics making him well-educated in the replacement of missing teeth. When treating patients who suffer from damaged or missing teeth, our dentists recommend implant-secured dentures over removable dentures because they offer more long-term benefits. When secured by dental implants, full dentures allow for a more secure fit and longer-lasting results.
Types of Dentures in Chicago
There are several types of dentures we offer in downtown Chicago. During a consultation, the dentist will determine which one you need. This decision is based on your individual situation. A complete treatment plan will be developed for you based on your needs, wants, and budget. Your
Conventional full dentures: These are removable teeth that are fitted after all teeth have been extracted, and the gum tissue has healed. Your traditional restoration is offered at most dentist offices.
Immediate dentures: Fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted. The gum tissue underneath the denture will heal gradually as you wear the immediate restoration.
Upper denture: Made of acrylic, an upper denture covers the top palate or the roof of the mouth.
Lower denture: This type of denture replaces the bottom row of teeth. It is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.
Partial Dentures: They can replace a set of missing teeth, usually located next to each other. Partial dentures are for patients that still have many healthy teeth remaining.
Denture Implants: A full denture can be secured with dental implants on the upper or lower jaw. The implant fixtures are inserted into the jawbone during a surgical procedure.
Making A Removable Denture
Removable dentures only require dental impressions before they are ready. We will take them during a quick dentist appointment and ship them to a reputable dental laboratory. It typically takes less than a month for the denture to be shipped to us. Our dental team will make sure it fits properly and make adjustments as needed. It is very important to learn how to care for your new fake teeth. Despite this quick treatment time, removable dentures require daily cleaning and upkeep.
The Process of Getting Used to your Denture
This is perhaps the most difficult part for our patients. Unfortunately, placing a foreign object in your mouth will be uncomfortable at first. For most denture wearers, it takes about a month to get used to their dentures. It is important to wear it as much as possible so that you become acclimated to eating and speaking with it. This also reveals if it needs to be adjusted. If you develop a sore spot in your mouth where the denture is rubbing on your gums, please schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible so we can fix it.
The more you practice putting your denture in, the easier it will become. The muscles and ligaments in your mouth will begin to adjust, making it easier over time. We recommend cutting your food up into small pieces to learn how to eat. Chew slowly and on both sides of your mouth. You will also need to learn which foods you can and cannot eat now. Sticky and hard foods will need to be eliminated from your diet. Over time, you will learn what foods you can and cannot eat successfully.
Will I Need Denture Adhesive?
Denture adhesive will simply help secure the denture even more. Some denture wearers assume that it should be used to hold old, ill-fitting false teeth in place. This is not true, and if they do not fit properly, they require maintenance. Regular maintenance is normal and should not be avoided. Your denture may need a reline or to be replaced altogether.
Using Dental Implants to Secure a Denture
Many patients struggle with traditional dentures because they slip and require messy adhesives. With implant dentures, patients can speak easily and eat the foods they love without restrictions. Patients also experience better bone retention with implant-secured dentures.
At Premier Dentistry, we recommend that patients choose implant-secured dentures when possible because they look and function like natural teeth. It is the best way to replace an entire row of missing teeth. Not only is it better for your oral health, but it is also better for your quality of life. However, the dental implant process is more expensive and will take longer. You will need surgery to insert the implant fixtures into the jaw bone. It also takes months of healing time, but in the end, you will have the next best thing to your real teeth.
Am I a Candidate for Denture Implants?
Dr. Brand or Dr. Stein will do a complete evaluation of your oral health and medical history. They may require a bone graft to build up the bone density in your jaw. This will help with the success of the implant fixtures. It is necessary for you to be as healthy as possible for the success of your teeth implants.
What is the Denture Implant Process Like?
First, the implant fixtures will be inserted into the jaw during surgery. Then, they will be left to heal for a period of three to six months. The implants will permanently fuse with your jawbone. Following this period, we will take dental impressions or gather precise measurements. The dental laboratory will make your denture with this information.
Once the denture is returned from the dental lab, we will contact you to schedule your last appointment. The dentist will attach the denture to the implants and make final adjustments. Our staff will teach you how to take care of your new denture implant.
Why Choose Implant Dentures?
Implant-secured dentures offer important benefits. These should be taken into consideration when replacing a full arch of teeth. Permanent and secure implant dentures offer:
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- A stable bite: no more shifting or slipping dentures. Dental implants will hold your new smile in place.
- Healthier gum tissue: the gums and soft tissues will adapt to the fit of your new implant denture, and you will experience minimal to no irritation with a secure new smile.
- Confident speech: with your new teeth held securely in place, you can speak clearly and confidently.
- Ability to enjoy a varied diet: denture implants do not typically have diet restrictions since they function like natural teeth. You can eat a variety of healthy foods without worrying about your set of fake teeth slipping while chewing.
Request a Dental Care Exam Today
Premier Dentistry at Millennium Park is your downtown Chicago dentist office for restorative dentistry. We replace missing teeth using the latest techniques and modern dental materials. When you are ready to make a change in your dental health, give us a call at 312-586-8596 today or request an appointment online.