At Dazzling Dentistry, we specialize in transforming smiles and restoring confidence. Missing teeth can prevent you from smiling your best and affect your oral health. Restorative dentistry plays a key role in helping patients regain both the function and appearance of their smile. We offer our Arlington Heights and Chicago patients dentures to restore their radiant smile.
What are Dentures?
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. The two types of dentures available are partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth, so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!
Complete Dentures
This restoration method is used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom-made to resemble natural teeth and are positioned in the mouth to take the place of the natural teeth. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.
Partial Dentures
A removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base, which is held in place in the mouth. This fills the space created by missing teeth and supports the remaining teeth to prevent shifting.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are a modern way to replace missing teeth. Unlike regular dentures that sit on your gums, implant dentures are attached to dental implants. These implants are small, screw-like posts made of titanium that are surgically placed into your jawbone. Over time, the implants fuse with the bone to create a strong and stable foundation for the dentures.
Restoring Your Smile with Dentures
Dentures are a time-tested solution for replacing missing teeth. We craft these devices to resemble your natural teeth. As a result, modern dentures offer a seamless blend with your facial features. They help provide a lifelike appearance that restores your smile. Dentures come with many functional benefits.
- Improved Speech: Dentures help you articulate words clearly. When you lose all or some of your teeth, it affects the way you speak. This is because your teeth are necessary to make certain sounds. Replacing multiple missing teeth can help you speak more clearly.
- Enhanced Chewing Ability: When you replace rows and arches of teeth with durable replacements, you can enjoy your favorite foods with confidence. Dentures restore your ability to bite and chew effectively. We may recommend implant dentures so you can eat harder foods. When you get more support for your teeth you can eat the foods you love without restricting your diet.
- Facial Support: Replacing your teeth with dentures can provide more support to facial muscles. It can prevent facial sagging from missing teeth. If you have facial sagging because of tooth loss, getting dentures can create a more youthful appearance.
With today’s advancements, dentures are more comfortable, stable, and look more natural than ever. Our team works closely with you to ensure the perfect fit and proper alignment. We can also guide you on care and maintenance so your dentures last longer and perform well.
How to Care for Implant Dentures
Even though implants support your dentures, keeping your mouth clean is still essential. Brush your dentures, gums, and tongue twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste or denture cleaner to avoid scratching the dentures.
Floss around the implants and under the dentures to remove food particles and plaque. Special floss tools or water flossers can make this easier. Continue to make regular dental visits to our office so we can provide a routine cleaning. We can also ensure your dentures fit and feel comfortable.
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How to Care for Removable Dentures
Removable dentures need more care than implant dentures. Here’s how to keep your dentures clean and your mouth healthy.
Brush Daily
Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be cleaned every day. Plaque, bacteria, and food particles can build up on your dentures, causing bad breath, stains, and even infections.
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a brush made specifically for dentures. Gently brush all surfaces of your dentures to remove food and plaque. Avoid using regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive and damage your dentures. Instead, use a denture cleaner or mild soap.
Handle with Care
If you have a removable denture, it can break easily if you accidentally drop it. You want to handle them carefully. When cleaning your dentures, place a towel in the sink or fill the sink with water. This way, if they slip, they’re less likely to break.
Hold them firmly but gently to avoid bending or damaging the clasps (the parts that hold them in place). If you’re not wearing your dentures, store them in a safe place where they won’t get knocked over or damaged.
Soak Overnight
Your gums and jaw need a break from wearing dentures, so you want to take them out every night. Soaking keeps your dentures moist, which helps them keep their shape and prevents them from drying out.
Use a denture-cleaning solution or water to soak them. This helps remove bacteria and stains. Taking your dentures out at night also gives your gums a chance to rest and prevents sores or irritation.
Visit Our Office
Your dentist can check your dentures for fit and make sure they’re not causing any problems. Over time, your gums and jawbone can change shape, which may require adjustments to your dentures. Regular checkups help keep your dentures comfortable and your mouth healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Receiving dentures is a relatively straightforward process. Yet, patients may have other questions or concerns. Read answers to common questions about dentures in Arlington Heights and Chicago, IL.
Do dentures hurt?
Your dentures shouldn’t hurt when you wear them. However, the first few days or weeks will come with some mild discomfort. This is an adjustment period for your gums and jaws. Most patients should adapt within a few weeks.
When can I get dentures after a tooth extraction?
You can usually get dentures after your tooth extraction once your gums and jaw have healed enough. This healing time is different for everyone, but it often takes 6 to 8 weeks for the gums to heal completely.
In some cases, we can give you immediate dentures right after the teeth are removed. These dentures help you eat and smile while your gums heal, but they may need adjustments as your mouth changes shape. We’ll check your healing progress and let you know the best time for your permanent dentures so they fit comfortably.
Will dentures affect my ability to eat certain foods?
You want to stick to soft foods right after you get dentures. You can gradually reintroduce harder items. With time, you should regain the ability to enjoy a diverse range of foods. Implant dentures are stable enough to help you eat the foods you love.
Can dentures affect my speech?
Yes, dentures can temporarily change the way you speak, especially when you first start wearing them. Traditional removable dentures rest on your gums, so they may shift slightly when you talk until your mouth adjusts. You might notice a small lisp or have trouble pronouncing certain words at first. With practice and time, your tongue and lips will adapt, and your speech will return to normal.
Implant dentures are attached to dental implants that hold them firmly in place. Because they don’t move or slip, they cause fewer speech changes and feel more natural right away. Whether you choose traditional or implant dentures, we recommend that you practice reading aloud and speaking to improve your confidence when you talk.
How do I know if I need new dentures?
You may need new dentures if they start to feel loose, uncomfortable, or cause sore spots on your gums. Over time, your gums and jawbone naturally change shape, which can affect how your dentures fit. You might also notice that it’s harder to chew or that your dentures make clicking sounds when you talk.
If your dentures are cracked, stained, or over five years old, visit our office. We can check their condition and let you know if adjustments, relining, or a replacement is needed to keep your smile comfortable and secure. Our team may also recommend implant dentures in our Chicago or Arlington Heights offices for longer-lasting dentures.
How often should I replace my dentures?
Dentures typically last 5 to 7 years. But implant dentures last longer. If you get implant-supported dentures, your dentures can last 10 years or more before you need replacement. You won’t need to replace your implants.
Regular dental checkups, brushing, and flossing will ensure your new teeth last. Our dentist will advise you on when you should replace them.
How long does it take to get dentures?
The time it takes to get dentures depends on the type you need. You need a few appointments to get a removable denture. First, our dentist takes impressions of your mouth. Then a model is made, and you return to our office where we adjust your dentures to fit comfortably.
Implant-supported dentures take longer because the implants need time to heal and fuse with your jawbone. Then, we can attach the dentures once you’re healed. We’ll explain the timeline and keep you informed throughout the process.
Do dentures have an age limit?
No, dentures don’t have an age limit. People of many different ages need dentures if they have lost teeth.
Older adults are the most common denture wearers, but younger people can also get them if they lose teeth because of injury, decay, or other dental problems. The important thing is that your mouth and gums are healthy enough for dentures to fit properly.
Replace All Your Missing Teeth
Get custom dentures in the downtown Chicago loop. If you’re a new patient in Chicago, call (872) 276-8546. You can call our Arlington Heights office as a new patient at (224) 328-2452. You can also feel free to request an appointment with us online.