Simple, Reliable Smile Rehabilitation with Dentures and Partials

Dentures White Background

If you’re searching for Indianapolis dentures, look no further. We understand that smiles are meant to be beautiful. When a person is missing one or more teeth, however, they may not want to share their smile with others.

Not only can missing teeth negatively affect your ability to properly eat and chew your food, they can also impact your physical appearance, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Thankfully, with the help of dentures partial dentures, individuals can replace a few missing teeth or all of their teeth, restoring their smiles quickly and efficiently with just a few dental visits.

It is unfortunate that not many people’s teeth remain perfectly intact throughout their entire life. We all can face tooth loss at some point due to various situations. Do not worry, East Indy Dental Care can help!

Regardless of the reason why the teeth were lost, whether it be to gum disease, decay, an accident, or another issue, dentures may be the right solution for your needs. There are numerous benefits to choosing this dental treatment, yet individuals need to understand what dentures involve before deciding to go this route.

When and Why You May Need Dentures

Woman with Dentures

If you only go to the dentist for emergencies, or every so often, you may be more likely to face tooth loss in your life. We understand that life gets busy, or that the dentist may not be your favorite doctor to see. However, if you don’t care for your teeth as well as you could/should and see the dentist regularly, your mouth can succumb to periodontal disease which can eventually cause you to lose teeth over time.

The primary benefit of wearing a denture is to restore your chewing function. Dentures allow you to properly chew your food which aids in digestion to improve overall health. Wearing a denture can also help someone’s speech. Dentures will not only help you look better by helping bring back that healthy, beautiful smile, but also chew better and feel better.

In terms of appearance, anytime a tooth is lost, the structure of the face can change. When multiple teeth are missing, the muscles of the face tend to sag, which can lead to that person looking slightly older. Dentures help to prevent this issue by providing support for the oral cavity and face. Also, the natural appearance of the smile is restored, giving people the desire to smile again!

Full Dentures vs Partial Dentures

The major different between dentures and partial dentures (“partials”) is the number of teeth that are being replaced by the appliance. A full denture replaces an entire row of teeth (arch), so the patient must have no teeth on that upper and/or lower jaw. People missing only a few teeth on the upper or lower jaw may wish to choose partial dentures, which allows the patients to keep more of their natural teeth in tact.

Full dentures replace all teeth in one or both jaws. This option works best for those missing numerous teeth or who have severe gum disease where saving the teeth is not a good option for the long term. Dentures can be a cost effective treatment for many patients, especially if partially or fully covered by dental insurance.

The absolute best option to replace one or few missing teeth is using dental implants. However, that level of dental treatment can be a substantial investment. Partial dentures tends to cost less than dental implants, but still provides numerous oral and health benefits.

Wearing a partial helps maintain the spacing between the teeth. If one is not worn, the surrounding teeth will drift into the open space, which can cause difficulty when brushing and flossing that area, among other periodontal issues.

Various Types of Dentures and Partials

It is important to know the different kinds of dentures available and suitable for your situation. Dentures come in various different materials and styles, with each of them specially created to meet the need of each and every dental patient. There are innovative designs available, with newer materials and techniques to match, which makes partial dentures increasingly comfortable and cosmetically appealing. They are generally made in a dental lab with special instructions from your dentist and will require a few visits.

Complete Full Denture

Complete dentures are the kind of false teeth worn by people who are missing all of their teeth – either in their upper or lower jaw (or both). They rest on the ridge on top of the gums, and are generally made after enough healing time has passed from the date the teeth were removed.

By allowing the gums to heal before making the denture, the lab can create a better fitting appliance which will give the patient added comfort and better function.

Many offices offer different levels of dentures; from aesthetic custom dentures to economy dentures. So, if a fantastic cosmetic outcome is your concern, you may choose the custom dentures. If money is a bit tight and you want to replace your missing teeth affordably, there is that option as well.

Immediate Denture

Immediate dentures, in contrast, are placed the same day the teeth are pulled. That way, the patient doesn’t have to leave the office without any teeth in their mouth. The dentist takes impressions, shade, etc. prior to the extraction appointment.

Immediate dentures often need to be relined once the healing process is complete, or they may need to be completely remade in order to properly fit the patient’s mouth. Ask your dentist about an immediate denture which can allow you to speak and eat naturally as the mouth heals.

Overdentures

Overdentures are a third option and are used for those who have natural teeth remaining, yet need a partial denture to replace any that are missing or failing. This allows for the benefits of dentures while preserving the bone in the jaw. The remaining teeth offer support and stability for the partial denture. In many ways, the overdenture functions much like a bridge, yet there are differences. For example, overdentures cost less than a fixed bridge, but must be replaced regularly. A dentist can explain the benefits and drawbacks of each option upon a complete examination of the mouth.

Implant Supported Dentures

When it comes to implant supported dentures, dentists use a dental implant to securely support the denture.  It offers a lot of support for a solid foundation and this helps the denture to remain secure in place. Aside from that, the dental implant looks natural and will usually last long.

These are the best option when it comes to stability. Snap-in dentures are usually fastened securely in place onto the existing teeth using dental implants or anchors.

They are unique due to the locator attachments which are placed within the dentures’ tissue side. Just like partial dentures, they are convenient and removable since the locator attachments easily snap either onto the implants or locator receptors.

Caring For Dentures

Dentures must be thoroughly brushed daily to ensure any food and plaque are removed. Using a soft bristle toothbrush with a non-abrasive cleaner will help you maintain your appliance. It is recommended that along with brushing your dentures, you also brush and clean your gums, inside cheeks, tongue, etc.

Dentures must be stored in a safe place to ensure they aren’t harmed. Finally, in the event adhesives are used to secure the dentures, the instructions must be followed exactly to ensure no damage is done to the mouth or dentures.

FUN FACT:

Did you know that some insurance companies will cover you to have your dentures cleaned by a dental hygienist? Call your dental insurance company to find out.

Contact us today to learn about your options when it comes to replacing missing or failing teeth. Dentures are the right solution for many, yet others find they will benefit from crowns, bridges, or other treatment options currently available.

We sit down with each patient to learn about their needs and concerns. Once we complete a comprehensive dental examination, which may include x-rays, we decide what the best treatment options are available for you, with your best interests in mind.

At East Indy Dental Care, we ensure the right treatment plan is selected for your unique needs, timeframes, and budget. Don’t settle for a cookie-cutter approach, one where all patients are given only one option. Your smile is your own, thus your treatment plan needs to be designed for you. We make certain it is.