Patients who have missing teeth or teeth that are damaged and need to be extracted will need to decide on how to replace them. Replacing teeth is very important as it will return functionality and health to your smile. There are several restorative dentistry solutions available to choose from including dentures. Dentists have used dentures for many years to replace teeth. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, modern dentures offer patients a natural-looking and comfortable solution for their tooth loss. Restorative dentist Dr. Georgia Haddad offers comprehensive and personalized treatment plans to replace her patient’s teeth with dentures in Oxnard, CA.
Types of Dentures
Dr. Haddad offers various types of dentures to accommodate every patient’s needs. During your consultation, we will review all your tooth replacement options with you and help you decide which one will work best for you. Here, we discuss the different types of dentures we offer. This should help you begin deciding which one will work with your budget, wants, and oral health needs.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are removable dental prosthetics that replace an entire set of teeth on the upper or lower jaw or both. We can create a full denture that will resemble your natural teeth and gums. They will restore your chewing and speech functions, as well as enhance your facial appearance. Complete dentures can work for anyone who has lost their natural teeth due to age, decay, or other dental issues. They are custom-made to fit in each patient’s mouth perfectly. They will remain in place with suction and adhesive if necessary. Dentures require proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and to make sure they will fit properly for as long as possible.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are much like a dental bridge because they are ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth. They are removable dental appliances that you can use when you have some natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. A partial consists of artificial teeth attached to a metal or acrylic framework that fits snugly around the existing teeth and against the gums. They help to restore functionality and aesthetics, improving chewing, speech, and appearance. These prosthetics help prevent the shifting of remaining teeth and provide support to the surrounding oral structures. Careful maintenance and periodic adjustments by dental professionals are important to ensure proper fit, comfort, and longevity of partial dentures.
Dental Implant Secured Dentures
Using dental implants to secure your denture is the best option available. A dental implant-secured denture is a type of dental restoration that is fixed in place, providing a permanent solution for tooth loss. Your dentist will place several dental implants into the jawbone along the top or bottom arch. Then, they will attach a denture to those implant fixtures. This offers improved retention which will minimize teeth movement while chewing or speaking. The dental implants provide a strong foundation for the denture, allowing you to feel comfortable and confident wearing them. Using dental implants to secure a denture will ensure a secure fit and reduce many common issues people often face with removable, full dentures. However, regular checkups and maintenance are still necessary for the best results.
What to Expect When Receiving Dentures in Oxnard, CA
If you are missing teeth or are struggling with an ill fitted denture, Dr. Haddad and our Beach City dental care team can help you regain the function, form, and aesthetics of your smile.
Dr. Haddad works one-on-one with each patient to determine the best course of treatment that will improve their oral health and quality of life. What sets Dr. Haddad apart is her dedication to every patient’s well-being, looking beyond the teeth to ensure total oral health that supports a high quality of life.
If you choose to get a partial denture or a full denture, the process is very different compared to implant supported denture process. Depending on your individual treatment plan, replacing your missing teeth with a denture can take 2 to 3 visits to our Oxnard dentist’s office.
During your first visit, Dr. Haddad will take impressions of your teeth and measurements, which will be used to fabricate your custom denture. The prosthesis will be color-matched to blend in naturally with your remaining teeth. We will also ensure that the shape and size of your false teeth are proportionate to your mouth. Our goal is to create a denture that looks as natural as possible.
At your next visit, we will make sure the denture fits properly and can make adjustments if needed. We will show you how to care for your new teeth properly so that they last as long as possible. It may take several weeks or months to adjust to wearing false teeth. It is important to wear them and use them as much as possible to acclimate.
What is the Process Like to Receive an Implant-Supported Denture?
If you choose to use dental implants to support your denture, the process is much much different. Our dental care team will help walk you through the entire process. Dr. Haddad offers comprehensive in-house dental implant treatment for convenience and high-quality results.
Receiving an implant-supported denture involves several steps. We will first evaluate your oral health and create a treatment plan that takes into consideration the current state of your oral health and needs.
The first phase is to surgically insert the dental implants into the jawbone. Then you will need a few months to heal and allow the implants to fuse to the jawbone. Once the implants have integrated to the bone, then we’ll attach the abutments which serve as the connecting pieces for the implants and the denture.
The next phase is to begin creating the custom denture. We will take impressions and measurements so it can be custom fabricated to fit seamlessly in your smile. The denture will fit securely onto the abutments. Once it is affixed, it will provide improved stability, comfort, and functionality.
Benefits of Dental Implant Secured Dentures
Dental implant-secured dentures provide many added benefits. Patients who choose implant-secured dentures or All-On-Four dentures enjoy a more stable bite, fuller jaw function, and confidence that their denture will not slip. Dental implant-secured dentures also help to stimulate natural bone growth and can prevent further damage to teeth and gums.
Popular FAQs about Dentures
If Dr. Haddad recommends dentures, it is likely you have many questions about what to expect. We have compiled a list of the most popular questions about dentures to help you through this process. If you have more questions about dentures, please contact us.
Are dentures a permanent solution for missing teeth?
Dentures are not a permanent treatment option for missing teeth, but they help a lot. A denture is designed to replace missing teeth and help you chew and speak better. Over time, your mouth can change shape, and you might need to have Dr. Haddad adjust or replace your dentures. While they improve smiles and functions, they need care and regular maintenance to work well and stay comfortable.
How long does it take to get used to wearing dentures?
Most people adjust to wearing dentures in a few weeks. At first, they might feel odd or make your gums sore. You may also find it hard to talk or eat. Your mouth will adjust as you keep using them, and they should start to feel normal. Dr. Haddad will advise you to wear them often and practice speaking and eating with them in your mouth as much as possible. You will need some time to practice and adjust, so please be patient with yourself.
Will dentures change the way I eat or speak?
Yes, dentures might change the way you eat and speak at first. They could feel strange or loose, making it tough to chew or talk clearly. With time, eating and speaking should become more manageable. We suggest that you start with soft foods and practice speaking slowly. When you are alone, you can read out loud to get used to how they feel when speaking. If any issues continue, schedule an appointment with Dr. Haddad. She may need to adjust your dentures for a better fit.
Are dentures uncomfortable?
Dentures can be uncomfortable at first because you need time to adjust. A new foreign object in your mouth might feel strange or make you talk differently. Sometimes, they can rub against your gums and cause sores. Please get in touch with our office if you feel they do not fit right. Over time, most people find their dentures comfortable and easy to wear.
How do I properly clean and maintain my dentures?
To clean your dentures, start by rinsing them under water to remove loose food. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild denture cleaner to brush all surfaces gently. Avoid regular toothpaste as it can scratch. Soak them in water or a denture solution overnight. Always rinse before putting them back in. Please handle them carefully to avoid dropping, and keep them away from the hot water, which can warp their shape.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
You should not sleep with your dentures in. While it may seem easier to leave them in, it is better to take them out every night. Removing them nightly lets your gums rest and keeps your mouth healthy. Leaving dentures in can cause gum problems or even infections. So, each night, remove your dentures, clean them well, and put them in a glass of water or a special solution while you sleep.
What should I do if my dentures feel loose?
If your dentures feel loose, schedule a visit with Dr. Haddad soon. In most cases, this is a sign it is time to adjust them for a better fit. Until then, avoid sticky or hard foods that could make them slip more. Use a denture adhesive to help hold them in place for temporary help. Make sure to clean your dentures well daily to keep them in the best shape. Never attempt to adjust them on your own, or you risk damaging them.
Schedule an Appointment for Dentures in Oxnard, CA
To learn more about getting dentures in Oxnard, CA to replace your missing teeth, contact Beach Cities Dental Group today. You can reach our helpful dental staff by calling (805) 278-8887. We also offer an online form that you can fill out to request an appointment.