Dentures and Partials

We’ve all seen the movies where people stand in the bathroom and suddenly pull out their dentures and place them in a nearby cup. It’s enough to give you the willies, but dentures are a normal and needed aspect of dentistry. In fact, there are some that are permanently placed into the mouth…no bathroom cup needed.

What are Dentures?

A denture is an appliance that replaces your natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips. Dr. Ed is skilled in denture procedures and offered four different types of partial and full dentures.

  • Immediate Denture: a denture fabricated and inserted immediately after teeth are extracted and tissues heal under the denture
  • Partial Denture: a removable appliance that corrects tooth loss by attaching to your natural teeth
  • Implant Supported Denture: a denture fixed in the mouth to eliminate rocking, shifting and slurring of speech
  • All On Four: a permanent implant supported denture that can only be removed in office, if necessary
dental tools with dentures
happy patient loves her new dentures in peru il

"My fears were dispelled when Dr. Monroe walked into the office. It was like meeting an old friend from years ago. He made me feel so comfortable!  He took a lot of time with me, explained the procedure to me step by step, and assured me that everything would be ok! I never thought I would say that I looked forward to going to the dentist, but I sure had a lot of fun, a lot of laughing, and he was right about taking 3 pills and I wouldn't feel a thing. My dentures were a great fit and made me feel like a new, smiling, confident 65 year old woman!"

- Joan S. -

The Significance of Dental Health, Dentures, and Partials

Oral health stands at the forefront of systemic well-being, encompassing a gamut of functions that extend beyond mere aesthetics. A robust dental framework is indispensable, facilitating essential activities such as mastication, speech, and the prevention of potential systemic ailments. The intricate nexus between oral and overall health underscores the profound consequences of maintaining dental integrity.

Nevertheless, many individuals grapple with tooth loss, attributed to a myriad of factors including periodontal diseases, decay, or trauma. In this landscape, dentures and partials emerge as indispensable dental prosthetics. While complete dentures offer a solution for those missing all their teeth, partials adeptly bridge the gap for those missing only a few, ensuring a seamless blend with existing teeth. Both are meticulously crafted to restore function, sustain facial structure, and enhance the overall quality of life.

At A Lifetime Of Smiles, our mission is to understand and address these intricate dental needs, ensuring each patient benefits from the pinnacle of comprehensive dental solutions.

what-are-dentures

What Are Dentures? A Deep Dive into Definition, Purpose, and Materials

The realm of dental health has seen numerous advancements, but dentures remain one of the most widely recognized and sought-after solutions for tooth loss. Whether you've heard about them from a family member, read about them, or are contemplating getting them yourself, understanding what dentures truly are is vital. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the very essence of dentures: their definition, purpose, and the different materials utilized in their fabrication.

Definition of Dentures

Dentures are custom-made, removable prosthetic devices specifically designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Depending on an individual's needs, dentures can either replace all teeth (complete dentures) or just a few (partials). They closely resemble natural teeth and gums, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits.

Purpose of Dentures

The purpose of dentures spans a spectrum of functionalities:

  • Aesthetic Restoration: One of the most immediate and noticeable impacts of dentures is the restoration of a person's smile, which can greatly enhance self-esteem and confidence.
  • Functional Improvement: Beyond aesthetics, dentures restore the ability to chew most foods, facilitating proper nutrition and digestion.
  • Speech Enhancement: Teeth play a crucial role in articulation and pronunciation. Dentures can significantly aid in improving speech impaired by missing teeth.
  • Facial Support: Teeth provide structural support to the face. When multiple teeth are missing, it can lead to a sagging facial appearance. Dentures provide the necessary support, restoring the natural contour of the face.

Materials Used for Dentures

The journey of dentures, from their earliest forms to today's advanced versions, has seen an evolution in the materials used. Here's a look at the primary materials employed in modern denture fabrication:

  • Acrylic Resin: Predominantly used in recent years, acrylic resin was adopted as a replacement for vulcanite in the 20th century for its ease of manipulation and likeness to natural gums. It's lighter, more affordable, and can be easily adjusted to the contours of a patient's mouth.
  • Porcelain: Traditionally, porcelain was the go-to material for denture teeth due to its durability and natural appearance. However, because porcelain can wear down natural teeth in the opposing jaw at a faster rate and is more prone to breakage upon impact, its use has become less common in favor of acrylic resin.
  • Chrome Cobalt Metal: Particularly used for partial dentures, chrome cobalt alloys offer strength, durability, and a compact design. They're biocompatible, resistant to wear and corrosion, and allow for thinner, less bulky dentures, leading to increased patient comfort.
  • Flexible Polymers: Rising in popularity for partial dentures, these materials offer a flexible and comfortable option. They're lightweight and can be translucent, allowing the natural gum color to show through for a more natural appearance.
  • Titanium: In some advanced dental prosthetics, especially when integrated with implant technology, titanium might be used due to its strength and biocompatibility.

In conclusion, dentures, with their rich history and continuous evolution, stand testament to mankind's endeavors to restore not just oral function, but the very essence of human experiences: the joy of a hearty meal, the confidence in a beaming smile, and the nuances of articulate speech. As dental technology continues to progress, dentures, and the materials from which they are crafted, will undoubtedly follow suit, promising even better solutions for future generations.

Teeth in a day

The All-In-One Day Denture Procedure at A Lifetime Of Smiles

Gone are the days when the process of getting dentures spanned several weeks or even months. At 'A Lifetime Of Smiles', our cutting-edge, on-site lab has revolutionized the denture journey. Now, from consultation to crafting, and even the final fitting – it all happens under one roof and can be completed in a single day! Let's delve deeper into this innovative, seamless procedure.

The Denture Consultation: Setting the Groundwork

Your journey towards a radiant smile begins with an in-depth consultation, a cornerstone to ensure personalized care. Here's what this entails:

  • Personalized Assessment: Our skilled dental professionals will conduct a thorough examination of your oral structure, gauge your needs, and discuss your aesthetic preferences.
  • Digital Imaging: Using advanced digital imaging techniques, we capture detailed visuals of your mouth. This not only provides us with insights into your oral health but also aids in designing the perfect set of dentures tailored for you.
  • Discussing Options: Based on the assessment, we'll guide you through the available denture options, from materials to types, ensuring you're equipped to make an informed decision.
  • Answering Queries: It's natural to have questions. Whether it's about the procedure, aftercare, or costs, our team is here to provide clarity on all fronts.

Crafting Dentures On-Site: Precision and Efficiency Combined

Having an in-house lab is our game-changer. Here’s a peek into the craftsmanship:

  • Tailored Molding: From the digital impressions taken during your consultation, we create an exact mold of your mouth, ensuring the dentures fit snugly and comfortably.
  • Material Selection: Whether it's acrylic, metal, or flexible polymer, the choice of material plays a crucial role in the comfort and appearance of dentures. Our experts select the best materials that align with your needs.
  • Crafting with Care: Our on-site lab technicians, equipped with state-of-the-art tools, meticulously craft each denture set, ensuring they are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Swift Turnaround: Thanks to the integrated lab, what used to take weeks now happens in hours. Your dentures are crafted and ready for fitting the very same day!
  •  The Denture Fitting Process: Perfecting Your Smile

Crafting is only half the story. The fitting ensures your new dentures sit comfortably and function effectively.

  • Initial Placement: Your freshly-crafted dentures are placed in your mouth, allowing our dental professionals to check for precision, alignment, and comfort.
  • Minor Adjustments: No mouth is the same, and sometimes minute tweaks are needed. Our team will make any necessary adjustments on-the-spot to ensure a perfect fit.
  • Guidance on Care: We arm you with tips and best practices to care for your new dentures, ensuring longevity and maintaining that bright smile.
  • Aftercare Access: Our commitment to your dental health doesn't end once you walk out. We're always here for follow-ups, ensuring the dentures serve you optimally.

In conclusion, at A Lifetime Of Smiles, we blend technology with expertise to offer a swift, efficient, and comprehensive denture solution. With our same-day procedure, getting dentures is no longer a prolonged ordeal but a swift, pleasant journey to rediscover your smile. We invite you to experience this blend of convenience, care, and craftsmanship firsthand.

Risks and Benefits of Dentures

Benefits of Dentures

  • Restored Aesthetics: Dentures replace missing teeth, helping to restore a natural-looking smile and improve self-confidence.
  • Improved Speech: Missing teeth can affect speech clarity. Dentures can help in articulating words more clearly, reducing the slurring of words.
  • Enhanced Chewing Function: With dentures, one can enjoy a wider range of foods, leading to better nutrition and overall health.
  • Facial Structure Support: Dentures provide essential support to the facial structure, preventing the sagging of facial muscles and preserving the person's appearance.
  • Cost-Effective: Compared to some other dental procedures, dentures can be a more affordable solution for many people.
  • Flexibility: They can be designed for full mouth replacement (complete dentures) or to replace a few missing teeth (partial dentures).
  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure for getting dentures is non-surgical and minimally invasive compared to other dental restoration methods.
  • Prevention: By filling gaps, dentures can help prevent remaining teeth from shifting positions, maintaining alignment.

Risks of Dentures

  • Temporary Discomfort: New dentures may feel foreign or uncomfortable initially, requiring an adjustment period.
  • Mouth Sores and Irritation: Ill-fitting dentures can cause sores and irritation in the mouth, especially if not adjusted timely.
  • Difficulty Eating Certain Foods: Some foods can be challenging to eat with dentures, especially sticky or very hard foods.
  • Bone Loss: Over time, the absence of natural tooth roots (which dentures can't replace) may lead to a gradual bone loss in the jaw.
  • Maintenance and Upkeep: Dentures require regular cleaning and may need adjustments, relining, or replacement over time.
  • Risk of Breakage: Dentures are not indestructible. Dropping them or subjecting them to undue stress can lead to cracks or breaks.
  • Speech Issues: Some people may initially experience lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain words with new dentures.
  • Dependency on Adhesives: Some denture wearers might need to rely on adhesives for a better fit, which can be bothersome for some.

Dentures Don’t Need To Be A Source of Embarrassment

Dentures have never been portrayed as a positive in popular culture. They’re usually associated with the elderly who either take them out or they fall out. Dentures are an important part of dentistry and can be needed at any age. There’s no reason to be embarrassed of denture implants.

smiling couple wearing dentures from lasalle il

Why Wait? Schedule Your Appointment Today!