Do you have multiple lost permanent teeth or upper and lower arches of missing teeth? Dentures can replace rows or full arches of missing teeth. Flower Mound Family Dentistry offers dentures in Flower Mound, TX. Dentures are one of the most popular restorative treatments for patients looking for tooth replacements. While dentures traditionally use adhesive to stay in place, our office offers implant dentures for longer-lasting results.
Types of Dentures
The two main types of dentures are full and partial dentures. Partials are metal and acrylic restorations that can replace at least two teeth. Typically, a partial can replace multiple teeth with false teeth on a gum-colored base attached to natural teeth with metal loops. Complete dentures can restore upper and lower tooth arches.
Full and partial dentures are also categorized as follows:
- Immediate denture: We place this temporary denture after we remove any remaining infected or damaged teeth. This immediate denture ensures you have teeth as your gum tissues heal. We will replace this denture once the lab creates your final restoration.
- Conventional: After we remove the remaining problem teeth and your gums heal, we place a conventional denture. Unlike an immediate denture, a conventional denture is permanent.
- Overdenture: A traditional overdenture fits over any remaining prepared teeth. You can also secure an overdenture in place with dental implants, or small titanium posts we place in the jaw bone. These posts act as new tooth roots. Implant-retained dentures are removable, and you snap-on the denture to the implants. If you get an implant-supported denture, you have a fixed restoration.
Getting Dentures and Partials in Flower Mound, TX
Before you get your restoration, we will ensure you complete any required pretreatments. These treatments include anything from gum disease treatment to bone grafting. You need enough jaw bone to support the implant posts if you receive implants. Grafting takes healthy bone from another part of the mouth or donor bone to build up your natural jaw bone.
Additionally, if you have severely infected or damaged teeth that require removal, we will perform a tooth extraction. Once you are in good oral health, we will begin treatment.
If you receive a removable denture, we will take dental impressions first. We send measurements and the desired shade of your dentures to a lab. Once the lab completes the dentures, you will return for a fitting.
Implant Denture
If you receive an implant denture, we will first surgically implant the post. Dental implants consist of a post that goes into the jawbone, a connector piece, and the restoration. It takes time for the implant post to heal. Over three to six months, the jaw bone grows around the implant post. This process is called osseointegration.
Once you heal, we place the abutment or the piece that connects the implant post to the restoration. You will need several weeks for your gums to heal. We will also take impressions to send to the lab for your restoration. Finally, you will return to our office, where we will secure your final denture.
How to Care for Dentures
Removable and fixed dentures require different care. If you get a removable denture, you must remove your appliance to sleep. Putting your restoration in a cup of dissolvable denture cleaner will keep it moist. You can also brush your mouth and denture separately.
Implant-supported dentures stay in the mouth, so you must brush your denture and any remaining teeth simultaneously. We also recommend that you begin eating softer foods and gradually working up to harder foods over time. It takes time to get used to your new dentures.
Dentures and Partials FAQs
Learn more about dentures in our Flower Mound, TX office with answers to these common questions:
What is “Teeth in a Day”?
Teeth in a Day is a process that ensures you are not without teeth during restorative treatment. During this process, we remove teeth, place implants, and place temporary dentures.
What are snap-in dentures?
Snap-in dentures are also known as implant-retained dentures. These are removable dentures that use implants for support. A surgeon places dental implant posts in the jaw that act as artificial tooth roots. Implants are permanent and fixed. However, you can remove snap-in dentures for cleaning.
Can you eat with dentures?
Yes, you can eat with dentures. However, removable dentures can make eating hard and crunchy foods. You may need to cut tougher foods like steak into smaller pieces.
If you get implant dentures, you restore much more of your bite function, so you have less trouble biting. Implant dentures also lessen the chance of slipping dentures.
How long does it take to get used to dentures?
It will take two weeks to get used to dentures. In the first week after you get your removable denture, you may experience increased saliva production and gum sores. Whether you receive a removable or implant denture, you will notice a difference in your speech and eating.
What dentures look most natural?
Dentures that use porcelain materials for false teeth often look natural. During denture treatment, our dentist will color-match dentures to other natural teeth or your desired tooth shade.
How much are dentures?
The cost of dentures depends on multiple factors:
- Type of dentures
- Whether you need implants
- Pretreatments
Our office will work for you to ensure you have affordable dentures. We accept CareCredit and Alphaeon. Our office also accepts dental insurance to cover part of your treatment cost.
Restore Your Missing Teeth
Replace all your lost permanent teeth with a long-lasting denture. Call Flower Mound Family Dentistry for dentures and partials at 972-848-8745. Schedule a dental appointment with us online.
At your next visit, let us know if you have any questions about dentures. We’re here to help.