Dentures – Garner, NC
Treating Tooth Loss with a Proven Solution
Our team at Samia Family Dentistry of Garner never wants patients suffering from tooth loss to feel hopeless about their future. No matter how long it has been since you have lost one or more of your teeth, it’s important that we help you regain a level of confidence so that you can embrace the quality of life you deserve. With dentures in Garner, we can restore your appearance and make eating and speaking easier again. All you need to do is call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Samia today.
Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Whether a person is missing all of their teeth or just a few, full and partial dentures can be a viable option. In fact, while there are alternative solutions for those with multiple missing teeth, like a dental bridge or dental implants, these traditional prosthetics can still deliver exceptional results. So, if you are struggling with several considerable gaps in your smile or you don’t have any of your natural teeth left, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us to see if this tooth-replacement solution is right for you!
Effects of Missing Teeth
Oftentimes, patients focus on the aesthetic drawbacks of missing teeth. While that’s certainly noteworthy, there are other negative effects that need to be considered, starting with a restricted diet, which can lead to indigestion and malnutrition. It’s also very common for patients struggling with tooth loss to have trouble speaking without slurring their words. Simply put, the gaps in your smile can take a serious toll on your overall quality of life, so we recommend exploring your treatment options sooner rather than later.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Good news: dentures are suitable for a wide range of patients, including those who have lost all of their teeth. To determine if you’re a candidate, Dr. Samia will need to perform a complete oral examination. After all, it’s important that the individual not only have good general overall health but also that they have healthy gums to support their new set of teeth.
If for one reason or another dentures are not the ideal tooth-replacement solution for you, don’t worry – that doesn’t mean you need to live with gaps in your smile moving forward. Instead, we will explore the other options available.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
At your consultation, we won’t just discuss dentures. We’ll also provide you with further details on the other solutions available, including dental bridges and dental implants. Dental implants have skyrocketed in popularity over the last several years because they are incredibly unique. In addition to being easy to maintain and able to help patients at all stages of tooth loss, they can last for 30+ years with proper care, and they are the only tooth-replacement solution that can stimulate your jawbone.
Ultimately, if you are considering dentures, there’s only one thing left to do: schedule a consultation with us! That way, we can learn how to address your unique dental needs as well as how to give you a healthy, strong, and complete smile again.
How Dentures Are Made
Every denture is as unique as the smile it’s created for. We take careful steps to make sure your restoration suits your needs and aesthetic preferences here in Garner. From quality materials to a meticulous fabrication process, you can rest assured that every aspect of your new teeth will be made with you in mind! Keep reading to see what we mean.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Your dentures involve two different pieces: the base that will support your restoration, and the false teeth that will fill out your smile.
Generally, denture bases are made out of a gum-colored acrylic but can also be crafted from nylon or resin. Partial dentures additionally use metal clips to help keep the restoration in place.
The false teeth can be made from porcelain or resin. Both materials are highly customizable, but many patients do prefer porcelain because it feels more similar to natural teeth. Porcelain also tends to be more durable than resin.
The Denture Creation Process
Actually creating your dentures is a multi-step process that goes something like this:
- Sizing. Dr. Samia will take impressions of your mouth to ensure the plaster model of your dentures is accurate. In other words, he’ll measure your gums and any remaining teeth so that your dentures will fit snugly and comfortably.
- The rough draft. We’ll send the plaster model off to a dental lab, where skilled technicians will begin the process of manufacturing your customized dentures. After designing a “rough draft” of your restoration, they’ll send it back to us so we can confirm the fit.
- If everything looks good, our trusted technicians will take over again to mold the acrylic base and set the porcelain teeth. This part of the process is more involved – your dentures will essentially take several hot baths so the technicians can shape the materials and remove plaster residue.
- Final fitting. Once your dentures are polished off, our team will handle the final fitting. We’ll have you return to the office to test out your dentures, make any necessary adjustments, then send you off with your new smile!
This might seem like a lengthy process, but rest assured, we take great care to make sure your dentures will be a good fit for you.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
Since you’ll be wearing a completely new oral device, you might experience some temporary oral discomfort. As you get more and more used to how they sit in your mouth, though, this discomfort should fade, and you should be able to eat, speak, and go about your daily routine as you normally would. We recommend that patients get plenty of practice with wearing their dentures and stick to a soft food diet during the adjustment period. Let us know if you need any help or extra advice, though, and we’ll be glad to provide assistance!
Types of Dentures
To determine which type of denture a person needs, they must undergo a scheduled consultation with our denture dentist. This will provide the necessary details so that the appropriate prosthetic is created.
Partial Dentures
If large gaps exist along an arch because of multiple missing teeth, food and harmful bacteria can become easily trapped, increasing the risk of gum disease. Not to mention, an uneven bite can cause wear and tear to existing tooth enamel. However, a partial denture can be crafted to fill in the spaces much like a puzzle piece. Created using acrylic and gum-colored materials, the metal framework will be used to hold it in place when anchored to natural teeth.
Full Dentures
An entire row of missing teeth can be easily replaced using a full denture. Made from similar materials as a partial denture, this type of prosthetic requires no metal framework but instead relies on natural suction to stay in place. Many patients choose to purchase denture adhesive, though, to ensure added security, especially while eating and speaking. Each denture is custom-made to fit comfortably and snugly over the gums for maximum stability.
Implant Dentures
If an entire arch of teeth is missing and a more permanent solution is preferred, implant dentures can be a possibility. As long as the individual has enough jawbone density, between four and six titanium implant posts can be placed into the jawbone to create a stable foundation of support. Once the implants fuse with the bone, a custom denture can be attached on top of the implants to create a permanently affixed set of teeth.
Benefits of Dentures
If you're on the fence about getting dentures, you should know they do more than replace missing teeth. For many patients, they’re a lifeline to a more complete and confident life. Whether you’ve lost a few teeth or need a full set, dentures can restore the function of your smile in a number of ways.
At Samia Family Dentistry of Garner, we custom-design dentures to fit comfortably and look natural, so you can do almost anything you used to do with your natural teeth. If you're curious about how these prosthetics can help you, read more below.
Psychological Benefits
Dentures restore not only your smile but also your emotional well-being. Many patients say they feel more confident, outgoing, and comfortable in social situations after receiving their dentures. You may find yourself smiling more, engaging in conversation, and even laughing without worry.
We believe everyone deserves to feel good about their smile, and dentures provide a powerful boost to your mental and emotional health. The first time you look in the mirror and feel whole again, you’ll know you made the right decision.
Clearer Enunciation
Gaps from missing teeth can affect the way air moves in your mouth when you speak, affecting certain words and sounds. Dentures fill in those spaces, helping to improve speech clarity and reduce impediments like slurring, whistling, and mumbling. With properly fitted prosthetics, many patients find it easier to communicate with confidence.
At first, you might have a small lisp, but once your mouth adjusts to your dentures, conversations will start to feel more natural again.
Improves Nutrition
Chewing becomes difficult when you're missing teeth, which can lead to avoiding healthy, fiber-rich foods. Dentures make it easier to enjoy a wider range of meals, from crunchy vegetables to lean proteins. Better chewing means better digestion, fewer instances of reflux or indigestion, and more nutrients in your diet.
If you enjoy eating out with friends and loved ones, dentures can help you continue those traditions. At our Garner dental office, we’ll ensure that your prosthetics fit well so you can chow down with confidence.
Preserves Oral Health
Dentures don’t just fill in gaps—they help protect your mouth's structure. By supporting the muscles in your cheeks and jaw, they maintain your facial shape and reduce the “hollow” or “sunken” look that often accompanies tooth loss.
They also prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of place which can lead to bite misalignments, jaw pain, and tooth damage. So, not only will these prosthetics help you look younger, but they’ll also keep your oral health in check.
Expands Opportunity
A complete, confident smile can open many doors in ways you may have never considered. Dentures can help you feel more at ease during conversations, upping your game in interviews, conferences, and everyday interactions with co-workers and clients.
Whether you're reentering the workforce or just want to feel more like yourself in daily life, these prosthetics can truly change the game. If you’re ready to boost your confidence and explore new possibilities, give us a call and schedule your consultation.