Dentures in Dunn, NC

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15% of North Carolina adults 65 and older have lost all their teeth, and almost 40% have lost at least six. Gum disease and decay are the most common reasons for tooth loss, as they deteriorate the supporting structures of the teeth. Over time, damage to the gums, periodontal ligaments, and jawbone leads to tooth instability and loss. Unfortunately, many daily actions and activities rely on a full set of healthy teeth. The good news is that dentures can restore eating and speaking capabilities for those struggling with tooth loss. And, with our expertise in implant dentures, we can ensure your oral function and smile are secure for years and years.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures in Dunn, NC | J. Michael Williams, DDSTraditional dentures are removable oral appliances that replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of your smile. They consist of a pinkish base that replicates your gums, with artificial teeth attached to this foundation. Typically, they are made from acrylic resin, a material known for its cost-effectiveness, moldability, light weight, and ability to mimic the look of gums and teeth.

The denture’s base is custom-fitted to match the contours of your gums, ensuring a snug fit. This fit relies on natural suction to hold them in place, particularly for upper dentures. Saliva helps create an airtight seal between the denture and gum tissue, enhancing the suction effect. Some individuals use denture adhesives for added stability, especially with conventional lower dentures.

However, some prefer additional security for their dental appliance and anchor their dentures with dental implants. These implant denture systems provide maximum stability and comfort.

Types of Dentures

At J. Michael Williams, DDS, our goal is to provide solutions that cater to our patients’ individual needs and preferences. To that end, we offer various denture options, from traditional appliances to innovative mini dental implant systems.

Full

Full dentures, or complete dentures, are for patients who have lost all the teeth in their upper or lower arch or need their remaining teeth extracted. These are the kind of dentures you probably imagine floating in a glass on a nightstand.

Partial

Like full dentures, partial dentures are removable appliances. The difference is that they replace only some missing teeth, filling in any gaps throughout the arch. The appliance has plastic or metal clasps that hug the remaining healthy teeth to ensure a secure fit.

Implant-Supported

Dental implants create a supportive framework for restorations like dentures, bridges, and crowns. We place the metal posts into your jawbone, offering durable and stable support. Implant-supported dentures attach to these implants, greatly enhancing the denture experience. With implant-supported dentures, you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth slipping or popping out. This secure fit allows for comfortable and confident eating and speaking.

  1. Implant bridge: Implant bridges and implant-supported crowns can be a great alternative to partial dentures. While bridges replace multiple missing teeth in a row, crowns can replace individual teeth. Dental implants firmly anchor these restorations to provide stable and natural-looking tooth replacement.
  2. Snap-In Dentures: This denture system is an excellent choice for individuals who like the option to remove their prosthetic. With snap-in dentures, the appliance “snaps” onto the implants but can be easily removed for cleaning and oral care at the end of the day.
  3. Roundhouse bridge: A roundhouse bridge is a full arch of artificial teeth that eliminates the need for bulky plastic gums. We offer both semi-removable and non-removable roundhouse bridges. The Fix-on-Six system is a roundhouse bridge supported by 6 to 10 mini dental implants and is only removed during routine dental visits. On the other hand, our permanent roundhouse bridge is cemented to 10 to 12 implants, providing a secure and stable solution that functions as close to natural teeth as possible!

Choosing the Right Dentures

Selecting the best dental prosthetic depends on several factors unique to each patient. These include:

Bone density: The quality and quantity of your jawbone can influence whether you are a candidate for certain types of implant-supported dentures. If you are not a good candidate for traditional implants due to low bone density, mini implant-supported dentures may be a good fit. Mini dental implants require less bone and can offer a stable, long-lasting solution. As a Mini Dental Implant Center of America, we have helped many patients access advanced dental implant solutions they never thought possible.

Lifestyle and preferences: Your daily activities and comfort preferences will guide the choice between removable, semi-removable, or non-removable dentures. For example, a non-removable roundhouse bridge may be the best option if you prefer a more permanent solution that closely mimics the feel and function of natural teeth.

Long-term bone health: Maintaining long-term bone health is crucial, and implant-supported dentures can help by stimulating the jawbone, preventing bone loss that typically occurs with missing teeth. This stimulation helps preserve the natural contours of your face and jaw, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.

Budget: Financial considerations are important. We offer various options for different budgets, from traditional full and partial dentures to advanced implant-supported solutions. Our team will help you weigh the costs and benefits of each type to make an informed decision.

Aesthetic preferences: Your desire for natural-looking teeth and high-quality materials will also influence your choice. Higher quality materials, such as zirconia used in non-removable roundhouse bridges, offer superior aesthetics and durability.

Experience the Best Denture Care!

Dentures restore the function and appearance of natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy your daily life without the discomfort and limitations caused by tooth loss. Our range of denture options, including full, partial, and advanced implant-supported solutions, ensures that we can meet your specific needs and preferences. Contact us today to learn more about our unique denture offerings and find the best solution for your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The process of getting traditional dentures involves several important steps. First, we will evaluate your oral health and take impressions to create a prosthetic that fits you perfectly. We’ll also need to perform any necessary extractions or treatments to prepare your mouth for the dentures. Once your gums have healed, our team will schedule a series of appointments to fit and adjust your prosthetic dentures. The final dentures are then crafted to fit comfortably and function effectively, restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

Certain foods can be challenging to eat with traditional dentures, including sticky, hard, or chewy items like nuts, caramel, and tough meats. However, implant-supported restorations offer a significant benefit in this area. Because dental implants anchor them to the jawbone, they provide greater stability and bite force. This allows you to enjoy a wider variety of foods with ease. With implant dentures, you can maintain a more normal diet, enjoying your favorite foods without worrying about your dentures slipping or causing discomfort.

Eligibility for implant-supported dentures generally depends on the health of your gums and the amount of jawbone available to support the implants. Ideal candidates are those with good oral health and sufficient bone density. However, mini implants are an excellent option for those with bone loss who may not qualify for traditional implants. These smaller implants require less bone and can provide an equally stable foundation for dentures!