Many of our Dallas, Texas, patients visit our office looking to replace a full arch of missing teeth. If this is you, Dr. Huckin is happy to provide dentures and partials to restore your smile and improve your quality of life. Our team works with you to provide a comfortable and customized oral appliance that meets both your oral health needs and aesthetic goals.
Getting Modern Dentures
A consultation is necessary to determine which type of denture will best suit your needs. Additionally, if tooth extraction, dental implants, or other dental work needs to be implemented before you receive your new dentures, Dr. Huckin will let you know so that you can plan accordingly.
After your consultation, Dr. Huckin will take dental impressions if you have any remaining natural teeth. If teeth need to be extracted or the gums need periodontal therapy prior to placing a new denture, we will schedule your recommended treatments as part of your plan.
After you have healed from any planned tooth extractions, new dental impressions will be taken and sent to our labs to create a denture that will fit comfortably on your gums.
After you receive your custom-made dentures, it’s important to continue seeing us regularly for checkups. When you come to our office, we will inspect your dentures for any damages and ensure that your gums are healthy as well.
Traditional Vs. Implant-Secured Dentures
Traditional dentures are removable, secured in your mouth with a dental adhesive and suction. Today’s modern dentures do have many improvements than older ones, however. They’re less bulky and designed to be more comfortable in your mouth. But you don’t get back your full bite function with these dentures. Typically, you only have about 30-40% of your bite function. Traditional dentures are prone to slipping and can even fall out while you’re speaking or eating.
Implant-secured dentures are the preferred form of modern denture. Instead of suction and adhesive, these are secured on a number of dental implants. It helps you get the benefit of dental implants, without the cost of a full mouth or arch of dental implants. You get back your full bite function and you don’t have to worry about the dentures slipping or falling out, no matter what you’re doing.
Since traditional dentures don’t replace the tooth root, you’ll experience continued jawbone deterioration. Your dentures will have to be relined or replaced as your jawbone continues to change. Dental implants stop degeneration and spur regrowth. Implant-secured dentures are designed to be a long-term restoration that won’t need changes.
Traditional dentures also require some more effort when it comes to taking care of them. You’ll have to take them out at the end of the day and clean them thoroughly, soaking them in denture cleaner. Implant-secured dentures always stay in your mouth and you can take care of them like you would normal teeth. You just have to brush like normal and make sure you keep up with your regular dental visits.
Dentures and Partials FAQs
Discover more about dentures and partials with answers to commonly asked questions about these restorations:
How much are dentures?
The cost of your dentures will depend on the type of denture you choose, how many teeth you are missing, and whether or not you use dental implants. Tooth preparation or bone grafting can also add to treatment costs. We will examine your smile and determine if you require additional treatments to prepare your smile for dentures. Our office will also provide you with an estimate of your treatment cost.
Are implant dentures worth it?
Implant-secured dentures are worth it because they:
- Ensure dentures last longer
- Support healthy jaw bone and gum tissue
- Improve bite function
- Combat facial sagging
Do dentures affect taste?
If you receive a denture covering all your upper teeth and palate, you may not taste foods and drinks the same. Covering the palate can dull your sense of taste. Additionally, if you use too much denture adhesive, or if other food is stuck in your denture, you may no longer taste foods and beverages as you would normally.
Why can’t I bite with removable dentures?
Removable dentures are held in place by adhesive. Eating hard or crunchy foods with removable dentures is difficult because they have little support. Removable dentures lay on the gums. Implant-secured dentures have the proper support so patients can eat harder foods more easily. Dental implants replace tooth roots and utilize jaw bone tissue to create a stable bite for dentures and other dental restorations.
Can you sleep with implant dentures in your mouth?
Yes, you can go to sleep with implant-secured dentures in your mouth. Keeping your dentures in at night will help you get accustomed to your new bite. Ensure that you clean your implant-secured dentures properly to prevent bacterial buildup over time.
Do dentures feel like real teeth?
It will take time to adjust to your dentures. However, over time, your dentures will function more naturally. Implant-supported dentures, in particular, feel more natural because they provide support with artificial tooth roots. Speaking, biting, and chewing will get easier over time.
Request an Appointment Online
If you are interested in pursuing dentures and partials for your dental healthcare, schedule an appointment with Dr. Huckin today. We look forward to discussing with you the benefits that a new set of teeth will bring to your daily life!