Are you missing rows or arches of permanent teeth? Receive dentures at Ardmore Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Ardmore, PA. Dr. Jeffrey Bellisario offers restorative dental care to replace missing permanent teeth. Multiple missing teeth not only lead to facial sagging and gaps in the smile but also increase your risk of tooth and gum infections.
Even if you haven’t lost your teeth to decay, you can lose more to infection. Harmful bacteria build up in the missing tooth gaps, and the remaining natural teeth can shift and overcrowd the mouth. Because of these problems, we encourage patients with lost teeth to contact our office for care.
Types of Dentures
Multiple types of dentures are available for patients with rows or arches of missing teeth. Our dentists will work with you to find the best option to meet your goals, budget, and number of lost teeth.
Complete Dentures
We recommend full dentures when you’re missing all teeth in your upper or lower arch. They’re custom-made to fit the mouth and are typically made from durable acrylic. Complete dentures restore proper chewing and speaking and improve the smile’s look.
Partial Dentures
We use partial dentures when some natural teeth remain in the mouth. These dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to a metal framework that clips onto the remaining teeth for support. Partial dentures can help prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place and restore the ability to chew and speak effectively.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a more permanent solution for individuals missing multiple teeth. These dentures anchor into the jawbone using dental implants, which are titanium screws that fuse with the bone over time. Implant-supported dentures provide a more stable and secure fit than traditional dentures, allowing for greater chewing efficiency.
Overdentures
Overdentures are similar to traditional complete dentures but fit over a few remaining natural teeth or dental implants. This provides more stability and support for the dentures so they feel more comfortable and functional. Overdentures can also help preserve the jaw’s bone structure to prevent further bone loss.
Denture Treatment in Ardmore, PA
We will ensure our patients are in good oral health before restorative treatment for the best restoration possible. If needed, we can provide tooth extractions and periodontal therapy. We work with a local oral surgeon for patients who want implant-supported dentures.
First, we’ll take impressions of any remaining teeth. If you’re getting traditional dentures, we’ll also take impressions of the gums so that the dentures fit and suction them properly. The lab uses these to craft your dentures and ensure they fit your smile perfectly. It takes around 2-3 weeks to receive your dentures. Then we’ll fit them in the office and make adjustments as needed.
For implant-supported dentures, we start with implant post-placement. We insert titanium implant posts directly into the jawbone. We’ll fit you with a temporary restoration while the implants heal. They require at least 3-6 months to fully fuse with your jawbone for stability. Then our local dental lab will create a permanent replacement to attach to the dental implant posts.
Traditional Vs. Implant Dentures
Traditional dentures are removable appliances custom-made to fit your mouth. They’re made from a combination of acrylic and metal and are held in place by suction, adhesive, or metal clasps. Traditional dentures can replace a few or a full set of teeth and are often more affordable than implant dentures.
But traditional dentures may not fit as well as implant dentures. They can sometimes cause discomfort or irritation if they don’t fit right.
Implant dentures are a more permanent solution for tooth loss. These dentures are fixed in place using dental implants, which are titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone. The dentures are attached to the implants for a secure fit. While implant dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures, they offer several benefits that make them a preferred choice for many patients.
Stable Bite
One of the main advantages of implant dentures is they’re stable and secure. Since they are anchored to the jawbone, implant dentures do not slip or move around like other dentures.
You can eat and speak confidently without worrying about your dentures coming loose. Implant dentures also help to preserve the jawbone and prevent bone loss, which can occur over time with traditional dentures.
Comfort
Another advantage of implant dentures is their comfort and convenience. Traditional dentures can sometimes cause discomfort or sore spots if they don’t fit properly. Implant dentures are custom-made to fit each individual for and secure fit. Implant dentures also require less maintenance. You don’t need to remove them for cleaning or soaking.
Aesthetics
Implant dentures provide a more natural and lifelike appearance. We make custom dentures to match your teeth in size, shape, and color. This results in a more seamless look, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Despite their advantages, implant dentures may not be right for everyone. You may not be a good candidate if you don’t have sufficient bone density or gum tissue. But we may recommend bone or gum grafting to build up your jaw bone or gum tissue.
Implant dentures also require oral surgery to place the implants, which may not be ideal if you’re uncomfortable with surgery. No matter your needs, our dentists can find the right tooth replacement option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? We can help. Read answers to common questions about dentures in Ardmore, PA.
How long do dentures last?
Removable dentures last between five and ten years on average. Implant dentures last 15 or more years. Removable dentures can wear down, become loose, or change shape as your gums and jawbone naturally shift. Regular checkups and proper cleaning can help your dentures last longer and stay comfortable.
Implant-supported dentures are more stable and durable than removable dentures. With good oral hygiene and routine dental visits, implant dentures can provide a reliable solution for missing teeth.
Are dentures comfortable to wear?
Removable dentures may feel strange when you first begin to wear them. It’s normal to experience minor irritation, more saliva than usual, or difficulty speaking and chewing at first. Most people adjust to removable dentures over a few weeks as their mouth gets used to the new appliance. If you continue to feel discomfort or notice sore spots, we can make adjustments to improve the fit and make them more comfortable.
Implant-supported dentures are more comfortable than removable dentures because they’re anchored in place. This stability prevents slipping, reduces irritation, and allows you to speak and chew more easily. Many patients find implant dentures feel closer to real teeth.
Will dentures change the way I speak?
Dentures may slightly affect your speech at first and can cause you to lisp or slur certain words. This happens because your tongue and mouth need time to adjust to the new appliance.
We recommend that you practice speaking and reading out loud. You can also repeat tricky words to help you adjust. Most people regain normal speech patterns within a few weeks.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Yes, but you may need some adjustments. Start with soft foods and cut food into smaller pieces to make it easier to chew. Avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge or damage your dentures. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable eating a variety of foods. You’ll also find it easier to eat if you get dental implants.
Do dentures affect my sense of taste?
Full upper dentures may slightly affect your ability to taste because they cover the roof of your mouth. But most people still enjoy a wide range of flavors. Partials have less impact on taste since they do not cover as much of the mouth. Your brain adapts over time and your sense of taste improves.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
You want to remove traditional dentures before you sleep to give your gums and jawbone a chance to rest. Leaving them overnight can lead to irritation, sore spots, and bacterial buildup. However, some people may need to wear dentures while they sleep for medical reasons. You also don’t need to remove implant-supported dentures.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Do you want a fuller and healthier smile? Contact Dr. Bellisario for denture treatment in Ardmore, PA, today at (610) 839-8967. You may also request a dental consultation on our website. Let us know if you have questions or concerns, and we’ll be happy to help.