Restore Your Smile and Confidence With Dentures
Dentures have been a reliable and popular solution for people missing teeth for centuries. Whether you’ve lost teeth due to aging, injury, or dental issues, our Vero Beach, FL, dentist, Dr. Morgan Clay offers dentures that can help restore your smile and oral function. At Vero Beach Dental Care, our team is proud to provide the traditional method of restoring your smile and getting you back to living freely.
Call (772) 770-2225 to schedule your dentures consultation with Dr. Clay!
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore oral functionality and aesthetics. They come in two main types: full dentures and partial dentures.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are used when all the teeth in one or both dental arches (upper and lower) are missing. These are further categorized into two types:
- Conventional Full Dentures: These customized dentures are fitted after any remaining teeth are removed and the gum tissues have healed. The process can take several weeks.
- Immediate Full Dentures: Immediate dentures are pre-made and can be placed immediately after tooth extraction. While convenient, they may require adjustments as the gums heal and change shape.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain in the dental arch. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored base, often connected by a metal framework to secure them in place.
Benefits of Dentures
- Restored Aesthetics: Dentures can significantly improve the appearance of your smile, enhancing your confidence and self-esteem.
- Improved Speech and Chewing: Missing teeth can affect speech and make chewing difficult. Dentures restore proper speech patterns and enable you to enjoy a wider variety of foods.
- Facial Structure Support: Full dentures can provide support to the facial muscles, preventing a sagging appearance that can occur when teeth are missing.
- Affordable Option: Compared to some other tooth replacement options like dental implants, dentures are a more cost-effective choice.
Who Is a Candidate for Dentures?
You might be a suitable candidate for dentures if you have:
- Multiple missing teeth
- Oral health issues that make dental implants or bridges impractical
- Adequate jawbone structure to support dentures
A thorough examination by our Vero Beach dentist will determine your candidacy and help decide the most appropriate type of denture for you.
How Does the Dentures Procedure Work?
Consultation
Your journey with dentures begins with a consultation at Vero Beach Dental Care. Dr. Clay will assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine the type of dentures that will best suit your needs.
Impressions
To create custom dentures, a member of our team will take impressions of your mouth. These impressions will serve as a mold for crafting your dentures.
Fitting and Adjustments
Once your dentures are fabricated, you’ll return for the fitting. Dr. Clay will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Learning to Wear Dentures
It may take some time to get used to wearing dentures. Speaking, eating, and smiling will become more natural with practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s generally recommended to remove dentures at night to give your gums and jaw a break. However, your dentist can provide specific guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Dentures are designed to restore your ability to eat a wide variety of foods. However, it may take some time to adapt to eating with dentures. Start with soft foods and gradually reintroduce harder or chewier items into your diet as you become more comfortable. Cut food into smaller pieces, use both sides of your mouth to chew, and avoid biting directly into very hard or sticky items to minimize the risk of dislodging your dentures.
Dentures may need replacement due to factors such as wear and tear, changes in oral anatomy, damage, staining, frequent repairs, advancements in technology, and evolving medical conditions. Over time, dentures can wear down, lose their fit, or become damaged from accidents or biting on hard objects. Changes in the shape of your mouth or jawbone can also affect the fit of your dentures.
Initially, dentures may slightly affect your speech as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. You might experience temporary difficulty with certain sounds or pronunciations. However, with practice and patience, most people adapt quickly, and their speech returns to normal. If speech issues persist, consult your dentist, as they can make necessary adjustments to improve your comfort and speech clarity.