Grayslake Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures and Partial Dentures Grayslake, IL

Dentures and partial dentures are most commonly associated with seniors, but many young people wear them too. According to the CDC, adult tooth loss has been on the decline for roughly 70 years. Even so, many Americans rely on dentures to improve not just their smiles but also their speech and ability to chew food comfortably. Dentures and partial dentures fill any tooth loss gaps with false teeth.

Dentures and partial dentures are available at Bright Smile Dental in Grayslake and the surrounding area. We offer a range of tooth replacement options.

If you are ready to learn more about the available options, reach out to us by phone at (847) 993-8023.

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      Reasons to Get Dentures

      While there are other options available, there are several reasons that so many people turn to dentures:

      • Denture may be an affordable solution to tooth loss. Other tooth replacement options tend to cost more, contingent upon the insurance provider. Traditional full dentures and partial dentures are typically more cost-efficient than alternatives. This is true even when factoring in the cost of replacing the dentures every 5-10 years.
      • Lower risk associated with denture procedure. The patient prefers to avoid the potentially painful failure risk associated with bridges. Dental implants also require more invasive surgery, by nature making them riskier. Age and potential bone loss can increase risk.
      • Denture can be received relatively quickly. Dentures typically take less time to receive than implants. Dental implants may take a year or more to complete. Healing periods between steps may last for up to six months.

      Check out what others are saying about our denture and partial denture services on Yelp: Dentures and Partial Dentures Grayslake

      How Dentures Are Made

      Dentures consist of a flesh-colored base and the synthetic teeth attached to it. Today, both components are made of a type of acrylic. The artificial teeth are typically made of acrylic resin, which closely approximates the appearance of real teeth.

      Once the decision is made to proceed with dentures, the patient will make an appointment for the impression. The dentist will put a tray with a thick paste into the patient's mouth to take impressions of the upper and lower teeth. This process usually takes about 20 seconds for each impression. The dentist may offer to apply a numbing agent to the palate beforehand to minimize discomfort.

      Afterward, the impressions are used to make a plaster model of the mouth. The dental lab technician then uses wax to attach the teeth. The wax is shaped and trimmed according to the patient's gum shape.

      Then the wax shape with attached teeth is placed in a container, sometimes called a flask. Dental stone or plaster is poured around to hold it. The wax is then boiled out, leaving a molding in the shape of the gums, and the acrylic material for the dentures' base is poured in.

      The denture is removed from the container, trimmed and polished. At this point, the patient will have the first fitting. While some people may find their dentures fit properly right away, most need to have a few adjustments done for optimal comfort.

      It is normal to need several fitting appointments before the dentures fit the way they should. Patients should not hesitate to let the dentist know if something feels wrong. What may seem like a trivial amount of discomfort during fitting can seriously interfere with your quality of life, later on, so be sure to speak up.

      Types of Dentures

      There are several basic types of dentures. The right option for you can depend on several factors, which Bright Smile Dental can discuss with you. Choosing an option that works for you can help you get the most out of the dentures.

      Dentures can be full or partial. A full set can be necessary for patients who are missing all their teeth. In this case, impressions will be taken of the gums and the teeth made to maintain the proportions and distances similar to the real teeth. A partial set can be an option if the patient still has several teeth in good condition remaining.

      Additionally, there are also fully removable and bridge-supported dentures. Removable dentures are what most people picture: the base that sits on the gums with attached teeth. They can be easily taken out. While this option is typically more affordable, removable dentures may need several adjustments over the years as the mouth's shape changes.

      Bridge-supported dentures are also removable but do not have a base. They are clipped on to four or six dental implants. These implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Eventually, the implants fuse with the bone.

      Due to the implants, bridge-supported dentures tend to be more costly than other options. They also involve minor surgery. However, many people find they feel more secure and are more comfortable because they do not need a base. The implant procedure can also reduce future bone loss, which can be familiar with missing teeth.

      Not all patients are good candidates for fixed dentures. Those who already suffer extensive bone loss may not have enough bone to support the implants. Some other health concerns can also prevent implants from being a good option.

      Replacement Choices to Discuss

      Dentures and partial dentures are two of the most common forms of tooth-replacement treatment. While there are other options available at our practice, we will determine the most effective option for the patient's specific needs. Every patient’s situation and needs a different solution.

      With dental bridges and dental implants, there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding on a replacement option. During a consultation, we will answer any questions the patient has about the various options so they can make an informed decision.

      Choosing Dentures and Partial Dentures Over Other Treatments

      It can be difficult deciding which option is right when deciding on an effective tooth replacement option. Each patient will have to consider the pros and cons while also looking into insurance coverage. During a consultation in our office, we can go into more detail about the specifics. A determining factor is the amount of time a patient can take out of their schedule for treatment.

      In most cases, the dental implant process can take several visits over the span of months. With dentures or partial dentures, the patient will most likely need two visits before they can begin wearing their dentures. Along with that, dentures and partial dentures can replace multiple teeth at once as opposed to dental implants, which only replace one at a time.

      How to Care for Dentures

      Dentures do require ongoing maintenance outside of the typical oral hygiene routine. Many people believe they can set dentures down by the side of the bed. However, this can lead to warping and cracking over time.

      Instead, patients should soak dentures overnight. Avoid hot water, as this may also cause warping. Patients who use denture solutions should rinse thoroughly before replacing as denture solutions should not be ingested. Our team can recommend if solution is right for your regimen. Remember never to use these directly in the mouth, either.

      It is also important to note that dentures require cleaning, just like regular teeth do. Whenever possible, remove dentures after eating or drinking and rinse them to get rid of food particles. Patients should also brush dentures at least once per day. Dentists recommend a soft-bristled brush as a more abrasive brush may cause damage over time.

      Even if no teeth remain, continued dental hygiene is essential. Brush the teeth and gums and floss any remaining teeth. Patients may also use gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and even the tongue. Finally, people who use adhesives should take care to remove this.

      Common Misconceptions About Dentures

      At Bright Smile Dental, we hear a lot of myths about dentures. In some cases, people have inaccurate information about this treatment. We make sure every step of the procedure is explained in detail, and we are always willing to answer any questions our patients may have.

      Myth: Dentures are only for older adults

      Some people may think dentures and partial dentures are only for older patients. In actuality, many patients in their twenties and thirties wear dentures too. An independent marketing data firm called Servata found that 53% of denture wearers were at or under 44 years of age based on an online survey of 500 U.S. adults. While younger patients may be more frequent wearers of partial dentures, older patients are indeed more likely to be wearers of a complete set.

      Myth: Dentures last forever

      There is a misconception that once a patient has dentures, it is not necessary to schedule future appointments with the dentist. You still must go to the dentist twice a year for routine checkups. Dentures may also loosen, requiring a dentist to be readjusted. These consultations are crucial for identifying other oral issues, such as gum conditions.

      Myth: Dentures feel uncomfortable

      While it is true that dentures will take some time to grow accustomed to, most people feel comfortable with the appliance within a few weeks or even days. We can help resolve any concerns people have about the way the dentures fit or function.

      Definition of Denture Terminology
      Alveolar Bone
      The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.
      Clasp
      A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.
      Denture Base
      The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
      Edentulous
      Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.
      Periodontal Disease
      Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
      Pontic
      Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.
      Rebase
      Rebase is the process of refitting denture prosthesis by replacing the base material.
      Reline
      Reline is when a professional resurfaces the surface of the prosthesis with a new base material.
      Resin/Acrylic
      Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.
      Stomatitis
      Stomatitis is the inflammation of the tissue that is underlying a denture that does not fit properly. It can also result from other oral health factors.

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