At Dazzling Dentistry, we specialize in transforming smiles and restoring confidence. Missing teeth can keep you from smiling your best as well as impact your oral health. Restorative dentistry plays a key role in helping patients regain both the function and appearance of their smile. We want you to regain a natural-looking smile and enjoy the benefits of a functional bite. As a result, we offer our Arlington Heights patients dentures to restore their radiant smile.
What are Dentures?
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. There are two types of dentures available, including 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 created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned into a patients’ mouth to take the place of where the natural teeth used to be. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order 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, as well as creates a support for 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 numerous 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.
- Enhanced Chewing Ability: You can enjoy your favorite foods with confidence. Dentures restore your ability to bite and chew effectively.
- Facial Support: Dentures provide support to facial muscles. As a result, this prevents sagging due to missing teeth. This contributes to a more youthful appearance.
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 we can provide a routine cleaning and ensure your dentures fit and feel comfortable.
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. Here’s why soaking them overnight is a good idea: 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.
Denture and Partial FAQs
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.
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.
How often should I replace my dentures?
Dentures typically last 5 to 7 years. However, implant dentures last longer. Regular dental checkups, brushing, and flossing will ensure your new teeth last. Our dentist will advise you on when you should replace them.
Replace All Your Missing Teeth
Get custom dentures in the Chicago loop. Call Dazzling Dentistry today at (872) 276-8546. Feel free to request an appointment with us online.