Hi, I'm Dr. Bailey at Bailey Dental Group, and I'd like to answer some questions about dentures.
What are dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances that come in and out and look like natural teeth.
What type of dental professional would I see about getting dentures?
You should see your local dentist about getting dentures.
When would a dentist recommend getting dentures?
A dentist would recommend getting dentures if the teeth are no longer savable, which means they have to be removed. We would like to get a denture placed in there, usually immediately, so that you're not going without teeth.
What are some alternatives to dentures?
There are alternatives to dentures, such as getting implants and having a screw-in cast restoration so that it's not removable.
What type of dentures are there?
The types of dentures available include an immediate placed denture, which means you remove your teeth and the denture is placed that same day. Sometimes we have to replace an existing denture because it's worn out. We can also do what we call a partial, which is when you keep some teeth, but other ones have to go.
How are dentures made?
Dentures are usually made by the lab, and they're made out of a tooth-type material and acrylic.
What happens during the process of making a denture?
There are several steps in making a denture, including several fittings where you come in, we take measurements, and make sure they're fitted. We try them in wax to ensure you like the shape, color, and the bite is correct. Then we send them back to the lab to have them processed into acrylic.
Is getting dentures painful?
For the most part, getting dentures is not a painful procedure. However, there is an adjustment period where you have to adjust the denture so that it doesn't give you a rub or a sore spot.
What should I expect my dentures to look and feel like?
Hopefully, when you get your dentures, they look like a natural set of teeth.
Is it more difficult to speak with dentures?
It is a little bit more difficult to speak with dentures at first. You have to get used to the extra thickness of plastic in your mouth, but it doesn't take long. Usually, you can sing to yourself on the way home, and then you've pretty much got it.
Will having dentures affect my ability to eat and drink regularly?
Having dentures is never like your natural teeth. It's a little bit of a cushier bite, but you can chew as long as you balance it a little bit better with softer bites.
What is the best way to clean and care for my dentures?
The best way to clean and care for your dentures is to use a toothbrush and toothpaste and place them in water overnight. Also, make an appointment at Bailey Dental Group to come in for your exam and get your dentures professionally cleaned. At home, you can use your toothbrush, toothpaste, and a denture bath to soak them overnight.
What special care should I take for my mouth and gums after getting dentures?
Special care for your mouth after getting dentures includes rinsing with a little bit of mouthwash.
How long will my dentures last?
Dentures usually last anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
What if my dentures need restoration, replacement, or repair?
If your denture needs repair, we can take a look to see if it can be done or if we have to replace the whole denture. We can just make another set.
How long will it take my mouth to heal?
If you have an immediate denture, it takes at least a good two weeks to heal up so that you can adjust to tougher foods.
What is the cost of dentures and will my insurance cover them?
The cost for dentures is usually a covered benefit under your insurance. For a definitive treatment plan, come and see us at Bailey Dental Group at (586) 800-2250 to have a consultation and get that treatment plan all set up.
Hope I've been able to answer questions about dentures. Okay, am I done now?
Missing teeth have a significant impact on your quality of life by making everyday tasks such as eating and speaking painful and difficult. At Bailey Dental Group in Richmond, MI, our dentist can restore your smile with the help of traditional or implant-supported dentures. Drs. Cynthia E. Bailey and Tess Marie Finley provide full and partial dentures so you can enjoy a functional smile once again.
Dentures make life easier
A Trusted Dental Treatment Tailored to Your Needs
If you are suffering from widespread tooth loss, our Richmond, MI, dentistry practice can provide you with a number of solutions to help restore the form and function to your smile. Our caring team of dental professionals offers both partial and full dentures, which offer several benefits.
Look Younger
Dentures from our Richmond, MI, dentistry practice use lifelike materials like porcelain and are designed to look just like natural teeth. By filling the gaps in your smile, you can rejuvenate your look and feel younger.
Improve Oral Function
Both partial and full dentures can give you a fully functioning smile, which in turn allows you to speak clearly, chew properly, and eat all your favorite foods so you can enjoy life to the fullest.
Dental implants can support all types of dentures with incredible security. Dentures supported by implants will never shift or click, and have the added benefit of stopping the bone loss that accompanies missing teeth.
Schedule a Dentures Consultation Today
If tooth loss is affecting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with one of our skilled dentists. Drs. Cynthia Bailey and Tess Marie Finley can help you restore your smile and your confidence.
At Bailey Dental Group, we believe that everyone should have access to top-tier care. That's why we offer a number of payment options for every budget. In addition to being in-network with most major dental insurance plans, we also accept CareCredit®, a third-party financing option that allows you to pay off treatment in low monthly installments.
You can ask us a question, request an appointment, or call us today on (586) 800-2250.
I want to book a dentures appointment
Tooth Loss is Incredibly Common:
Nearly 1 in 5 adults over 65 have lost all of their teeth.
* According to the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors.
We Offer Versatile Restorations For:
- Total Tooth Loss: For patients who have lost all of their teeth in one or both dental arches, a custom full denture can restore your smile.
- Adjacent Teeth: Three or more lost teeth in a row may be better treated at our Richmond, MI, dentistry practice with a partial denture rather than a bridge.
- Multiple Gaps: If you have lost a tooth in more than one area of your smile, our dentist can fill gaps in multiple areas with a single partial denture.
- Decayed or Broken Teeth: Dentures can replace teeth that are too decayed, infected, or broken to fix. Extracting these teeth and replacing them with dentures can keep the damage from spreading.
- Gum Disease: Loose or shifting teeth due to gum disease can also be addressed at our practice. Problematic teeth can be extracted and replaced with a custom-crafted denture.
Types of Dentures
Our Richmond, MI, practice offers different types of dentures based on your unique and specific needs. Let's take a look at the three types of dentures available:
- Full: Those who are missing all of their natural teeth can restore appearance and chewing function with full dentures. These restorations are typically crafted from acrylic or other high-quality dental materials. They consist of a gum-colored base and artificial teeth, and they rest on the gums, held in place with mild adhesive.
- Partial: Partial dentures are made in a similar fashion and are an excellent solution for those missing several or most of their natural teeth. Unlike full dentures, however, partials also have specialized dental clasps that attach to adjacent teeth for additional support. Both full and partial dentures will need to be replaced every seven to 10 years.
- Implant-Supported: Patients who want maximum stability can opt for implant-supported dentures. Rather than resting directly on the gums for support, these restorations are attached to dental implants, which are threaded titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures, these dentures prevent the jaw shrinkage that occurs after tooth loss.
Why Choose Implant-Supported Dentures?
There are Two Primary Benefits of dental implants:
- Healthier Smile: When you lose a tooth, the bone tissue begins to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. Left untreated, this can lead to your teeth shifting and further tooth loss. Implants act as bionic tooth roots, effectively stopping the bone loss that accompanies tooth loss.
- Durable Foundation: The second benefit is the level of stability. An implant-supported denture is anchored directly to your jawbone, meaning it looks and acts just like natural teeth. You can eat foods like steak and apples again and laugh with no reservations.
Call Our Richland, MI, Office Today to Renew Your Smile!
Missing teeth not only affect your confidence but can also harm your health overall. Don't let missing teeth do any more damage.
Mother-daughter duo Drs. Cynthia Bailey and Tess Marie Finley have a combined 40 years of dental experience. Let our dentists give you a healthy smile you can be proud of. Contact us online or give us a call today on (586) 800-2250 to schedule your denture consultation at our Richmond, MI, practice.
Schedule your denture consultation
What Can I Expect?
In general, you can expect that receiving dentures will involve:
1. Impressions
Your dentist will take impressions of your bite that will be used to guide the fabrication of your dentures. If you are receiving implant-supported dentures, your dentist will take impressions once the implants have completely fused with the bone tissue and they have been fitted with abutment devices that will attach to the dentures.
2. Fabrication
We will send your impressions to a lab where technicians will craft your dentures based on your impressions. This will take about two weeks, and we will provide a temporary denture in the meantime.
3. Permanent Dentures
When your permanent dentures are ready, you will return to our Richmond office to have them placed. At this time, your dentist can make any necessary adjustments to achieve comfort and balance.
4. Getting Used to Your Dentures
It may take some practice in order to master chewing, biting, and enunciating with your new dentures, but you can expect to become acclimated quickly. You will also be provided with instructions for maintaining your dentures to ensure that they last as long as possible and provide maximum benefits.
Oral Hygiene With Dentures:
Whether you're wearing full, partial, or implant-supported dentures, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing your gums, palate, and tongue helps remove plaque and stimulates circulation, keeping your gums healthy. Follow your dentist's instructions on how to best care for your overall oral health.
- If you have a full denture, after taking out your denture you should brush your gums, tongue, and palate, or wipe them with a clean washcloth. Ensure any dental adhesive is removed.
- If you are wearing a partial denture, remove it before brushing your natural teeth, and clean and massage your gums regularly.
- Both partial and full denture wearers should leave their dentures out while sleeping, to prevent swollen or irritated gums.
- Patients with implant-supported dentures can use a water flosser or floss designed for implants and bridges to clean between the denture and the gumline.
Caring For Your Dentures:
Our mouths change over time. Your dentures will need to be modified for those changes, and for normal wear and tear. You should see your dentist every six months to ensure your dentures are still fitting correctly. However, proper care can increase their longevity. Below are some standard tips on how to care for your dentures:
Stand Over a Soft Surface While Removing
Dentures are fragile and could potentially break if dropped. Taking them out over a towel or a bowl of water can help prevent them from breaking if you accidentally drop them.
Do Not Let Your Dentures Dry Out
Place them in denture cleaner or lukewarm water when you are not wearing them. Never place your dentures in extremely hot or cold water, as this could warp their shape.
Brush Your Dentures Daily
A denture cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner can help care for your dentures, but it does not replace brushing. Brushing your dentures helps remove food deposits and plaque.
Talk to Your Dentist
If your dentures break or crack, don't try to fix them yourself. Imperfect repairs can damage the denture, or your gums or tongue. Call your dentist immediately for an urgent appointment.
Cost of Dentures:
Just as everyone has a unique smile, the cost of your dentures will be unique as well. Our dentists believe everyone should have a smile they can be proud of. That is why our Richmond, MI, office offers payment options like CareCredit and LendingUSA so we can work with your budget to get you the care you need.