Types of Dentures
At Dental Partners of Creve Coeur, we offer several types of dentures to suit your specific needs and preferences:
- Complete Dentures: Complete dentures, also known as full dentures, are used when all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw (or both) are missing. Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gums have healed, while immediate dentures are made in advance and placed immediately after tooth removal.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored acrylic base, which is connected by metal framework or clasps that hold the denture in place. Partial dentures fill the gaps left by missing teeth, preventing the remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures offer a more stable and secure fit compared to traditional dentures. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, and the dentures are attached to these implants, providing improved comfort, function, and aesthetics.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures offer numerous benefits, making them an excellent choice for tooth replacement:
- Improved Appearance: Dentures restore the natural appearance of your smile, providing a more youthful and attractive look.
- Enhanced Function: Dentures improve your ability to chew and speak, allowing you to enjoy a varied diet and communicate effectively.
- Support for Facial Structures: Dentures help maintain the shape of your face, preventing the sunken appearance that can occur with missing teeth.
- Custom Fit: Custom-made dentures are designed to fit comfortably and securely in your mouth, providing a natural feel and appearance.
- Cost-Effective: Dentures are a cost-effective solution for replacing multiple missing teeth, offering a more affordable option compared to other restorative treatments.
The Denture Process
The process of getting dentures at Dental Partners of Creve Coeur involves several steps to ensure a precise fit and optimal results:
- Initial Consultation: During your initial consultation, Dr. Singh will evaluate your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and determine the best type of denture for your needs. We will take digital X-rays and impressions of your mouth to create a detailed treatment plan.
- Tooth Extraction (if needed): If any remaining teeth need to be extracted, Dr. Singh will perform the necessary extractions and allow time for your gums to heal.
- Impressions and Measurements: Once your gums have healed, we will take detailed impressions and measurements of your mouth. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom dentures will be fabricated to match the exact shape and contours of your mouth.
- Try-In and Adjustments: Before the final dentures are made, you will have a try-in appointment to ensure the fit and appearance of the dentures. Dr. Singh will make any necessary adjustments to achieve a comfortable and natural fit.
- Final Placement: Once the final dentures are ready, you will return to our office for the final placement. Dr. Singh will ensure that the dentures fit securely and comfortably, making any additional adjustments as needed.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your dentures. Here are some tips for caring for your dentures:
- Clean Daily: Clean your dentures daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleanser. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and damage the dentures.
- Handle with Care: Handle your dentures carefully to avoid dropping or damaging them. When cleaning your dentures, fill the sink with water or place a towel in the sink to cushion any accidental drops.
- Soak Overnight: Soak your dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out and losing their shape.
- Rinse After Eating: Rinse your dentures after eating to remove any food particles and prevent staining.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit Dental Partners of Creve Coeur regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Dr. Singh will monitor the condition of your dentures and address any issues promptly.
Is Denture Treatment Right for You?
Dentures are an excellent solution for many patients with missing teeth. During your consultation, Dr. Singh will assess your specific dental needs and discuss the benefits and potential challenges of getting dentures. Ideal candidates for dentures typically have:
- Healthy gums and remaining teeth (for partial dentures)
- A desire to improve the function and appearance of their smile
Schedule Your Denture Consultation
If you’re ready to restore your smile and improve your quality of life with custom dentures, contact Dental Partners of Creve Coeur to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sartaj Singh. Our team is here to provide you with the highest quality care and ensure your smile remains healthy and beautiful. Discover the benefits of dentures and take the first step towards a complete, confident smile today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
What types of dentures does Dental Partners of Creve Coeur offer?
We offer three main types of dentures depending on how many teeth are missing and what your specific situation calls for. Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw and can be either conventional, made after the gums have healed following extractions, or immediate, placed the same day teeth are removed so you’re never without teeth during healing. Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth while natural teeth remain, using a metal framework and clasps to stay in position. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants for significantly improved stability and a more secure fit. Dr. Singh will assess your oral health and help you understand which option is the best fit for your situation.
How long does it take to get dentures?
The timeline depends on which type of denture you’re getting and whether extractions are needed first. If teeth need to be removed, there’s a healing period before conventional dentures can be fitted, which typically takes several weeks to a few months depending on how your gums heal. Immediate dentures can be worn right away but usually require adjustments as the gums change shape during healing. Once impressions are taken, the fabrication of the final dentures at the dental lab typically takes a couple of weeks. Dr. Singh will give you a realistic timeline at your consultation based on your specific starting point.
Will dentures look natural?
Modern dentures are custom-fabricated to closely match the appearance of natural teeth and gums, and the materials and techniques have improved significantly over the years. Dr. Singh takes detailed impressions and measurements to ensure your dentures are shaped and colored to complement your facial features and match the appearance of your natural teeth as closely as possible. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how natural well-made dentures look, and many find their confidence with their smile is restored quickly.
Will I be able to eat normally with dentures?
You’ll be able to eat a wide variety of foods, though there is an adjustment period, particularly in the first few weeks. Starting with softer foods cut into small pieces helps you get used to chewing with your dentures without strain. Over time, as you become more comfortable, you can reintroduce most foods. Very hard, sticky, or tough foods require more care, and some patients find certain foods easier to manage with implant-supported dentures, which provide a more stable chewing surface. Dr. Singh will guide you through the transition and address any concerns that come up as you adjust.
How do I clean and care for my dentures?
Clean your dentures daily using a soft-bristle denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser, regular toothpaste is too abrasive and will scratch the surface over time. Rinse them after every meal to remove food particles. When you’re not wearing them, soak your dentures in water or a denture soaking solution overnight to keep them moist and prevent warping. Handle them over a folded towel or a sink of water to cushion any accidental drops. Bring them to your regular dental visits so Dr. Singh can check the fit and condition and make any adjustments needed.
How long do dentures last and when do they need to be replaced?
Well-maintained dentures typically last 5 to 10 years before they need to be replaced. Over time, the fit changes as the jawbone and gum tissue naturally remodel, which causes dentures to become loose and less effective at chewing. Ill-fitting dentures can cause sore spots, difficulty eating, and accelerated bone loss. Dr. Singh checks the fit of your dentures at your regular visits and will let you know when a reline, adjustment, or replacement is needed. Wearing poorly fitting dentures and ignoring the problem tends to make things worse over time.
What is the difference between regular dentures and implant-supported dentures?
Traditional removable dentures rest on the gum tissue and rely on suction and sometimes adhesive to stay in place. They can shift during eating and speaking, and over time the lack of root stimulation causes the jawbone to gradually resorb, changing the fit. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone, which means they stay firmly in place, function more like natural teeth, and actively help preserve the bone. They’re a significantly more stable and comfortable option for patients who are good implant candidates, and Dr. Singh will let you know if they’re a viable path for your situation.
Are dentures covered by dental insurance?
Yes, most dental insurance plans include at least partial coverage for dentures as a prosthetic procedure, typically at 50% after your deductible, though the specifics vary by plan. Some plans have waiting periods for major restorative work or coverage limits on how frequently dentures can be replaced. Implant-supported dentures may have different coverage considerations, with the implant component sometimes falling under a separate benefit. Call our office at (314) 432-0960 before your consultation and our team will verify your benefits and give you a clear picture of your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
