The Solution for Missing Teeth and a Beautiful Smile
Complete dentures are a popular option for people who have lost all of their teeth. They provide a functional and aesthetic solution for those looking to restore their smile and improve their oral health. Fortunately, our Wasilla dentist offers complete dentures as a safe and effective way to restore and enhance your smile.
Contact our Alaska dental office today at (907) 373-2440 to schedule your appointment and find out if dentures are right for your oral health!
What Are Complete Dentures?
Complete dentures are a type of dental appliance used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw or both. They’re custom-made to fit each individual’s mouth and are typically made of acrylic resin. Complete dentures rest directly on the gums and are held in place by suction or denture adhesive.
They provide a functional and aesthetic solution for individuals who have lost all their teeth due to decay, gum disease, injury, or other reasons. Complete dentures can restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Components of Complete Dentures
- Base: The acrylic base is designed to mimic the appearance of natural gums.
- Teeth: The prosthetic teeth are typically made from acrylic or porcelain and are designed to resemble natural teeth.
- Flange: This is the part of the denture that extends into the cheeks and lips, aiding in retention.
Benefits of Complete Dentures
Complete dentures offer several benefits for individuals who have lost all of their natural teeth, including:
- Improved Aesthetics: Dentures restore a natural appearance to the face by replacing missing teeth, supporting the lips and cheeks, and preventing the sunken-in look often associated with tooth loss.
- Enhanced Chewing and Speaking: Dentures enable individuals to chew food more effectively, which aids digestion and nutrition. They also help in clearer speech, preventing slurring or mumbling caused by missing teeth.
- Restored Oral Function: Complete dentures allow people to regain the ability to eat a wider variety of foods, including those that require more chewing, leading to a more balanced diet.
- Easy to Maintain: Dentures are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Regular cleaning and proper hygiene practices can help ensure their longevity and prevent issues like bad breath or oral infections.
- Cost-Effective: Complete dentures are generally more affordable than other tooth replacement options, like dental bridges, making them a viable choice for individuals on a budget.
- Customization: Dentures can be customized to fit the individual’s mouth comfortably. Modern denture materials and techniques allow for a better fit and improved comfort.
- Minimal Healing Time: Unlike dental implants that require healing time after surgery, dentures can be worn almost immediately after they are fitted and adjustments are made.
Getting Your Complete Dentures
You can expect to go through the following steps when getting complete dentures:
- Initial Examination: Our Wasilla dentist will evaluate your oral health, take a medical history, and discuss your expectations.
- Impressions: Accurate molds of the mouth are taken to design the dentures.
- Try-In: Before the final product, a preliminary denture model is tested for fit, bite, and appearance.
- Adjustments: Necessary adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit.
- Final Fitting: You’ll receive the final denture, and aftercare instructions are provided.
Candidacy for Complete Dentures
To qualify for complete dentures, several factors must be considered, including:
- Complete tooth loss
- Good oral health
- Strong jawbone
- Realistic expectations
- Commitment to oral hygiene
To learn more about your denture candidacy, contact our dentist in Wasilla today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete dentures can last between 5 to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of complete dentures varies depending on several factors such as oral hygiene, wear and tear, and the materials used to make them. Keep in mind that as we age, our mouth changes, and the dentures may not fit as well as they did when they were first made.
It can take several weeks or even months to get used to wearing complete dentures. During this time, you may experience some discomfort, soreness, and difficulty speaking or eating. However, with time and practice, most people can adjust to wearing dentures and enjoy their benefits.
Transform Your Smile With Dentures Today!
Schedule an appointment by giving our Wasilla dentist a call at (907) 373-2440. By understanding the candidacy requirements and what to expect during the process, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of complete dentures for years to come.