Get dentures in Plano, TX by experienced dentist Dr. Wilhite and restore your smile.
Call for an appointment: (972) 964-3774
If you have lost some or all of your natural teeth from tooth decay, gum disease, or injury, dentures may be the ideal solution. Dentures offer a variety of benefits.
- They improve your smile. Dentures allow you to have restored teeth and a natural looking grin again.
- They improve your chewing ability. Missing teeth can prevent you from chewing properly, or cause stress to other parts of your mouth.
- They improve your speech ability. If you are missing many of your teeth, your speech has probably been affected. This can cause embarrassing frustration or lead you to avoid speaking entirely. Dentures can restore your teeth to allow you to speak properly again.
- They give you your confidence back. You do not have to be embarrassed to smile, speak, or chew when you have dentures. Your renewed confidence in your smile can give you your life back.
How Do Dentures Work?
Dentures are a prosthetic device used to replace missing teeth. Complete dentures are used for people who have no remaining teeth left in their mouths. Partial dentures are for people who have lost several teeth in a row. Dentures are removable and held in place with a special adhesive. This allows for proper cleaning and care. However, some prefer to have dental implants that allow their dentures to have more stability in their mouth. These dental implants create a no-slip solution for dentures, which some people prefer. Dr. Wilhite is happy to assist you with any of your denture needs.
Types of Dentures
Complete Dentures
Complete or full dentures are used when the dentist needs to replace an entire set of teeth. Dr. Wilhite DDS will attempt to save one or more teeth before recommending these dentures. Complete dentures are usually required when all existing teeth are beyond redemption.
These acrylic resin dentures are supported by remaining gum tissue and are not as stable as a dental implant anchored to the bone. As per the American Dental Association, some patients can develop speech impediments because of complete dentures. This is because of the thick material covering the neuromuscular control of cheeks and tongue.
Pros of complete dentures:
- Restores eating, though you may need to chew slowly
- Improves confidence and self-esteem
- Maintains youthful appearance
- Affordable cost for dentures
Fixed Partial Dentures
Fixed partial dentures (FPD) or implant-supported dentures are recommended when only a few teeth are missing. It involves placing two dental implants and artificial teeth in between. The denture teeth are permanently screwed or glued to the mouth unlike conventional dentures. These dental bridges are ideal for patients that want to replace 3 or more missing teeth. These are not removable dentures as compared to other types of false teeth.
Pros of fixed partial denture:
- Improved appearance
- Increased security with permanent dentures
- A fixed bridge is stronger than removable artificial teeth
- Better bite than temporary dentures
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures (RPD) are used when a few natural teeth need to be replaced in the upper or lower jaw. These are not permanent dentures and can be replaced or removed easily. They are recommended if you want to replace missing teeth to restore a more natural function, look, and feel.
The denture consists of a gum-colored acrylic base and false teeth. There are two or more plastic or metal clasps to hold the dentures in place. They also allow for increased support. These are recommended for patients that need to wear dentures if they are not suitable candidates for surgery or an implant-supported bridge.
Pros of removable partial dentures:
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Cost-effective
- Strong
- Maintains structural integrity of remaining natural teeth
Implant-Retained Dentures (Overdentures)
Implant supported dentures are modern dentures that are held in place through dental implants in the natural gum line. These overdentures typically require at least four implants. They can be placed in both the lower and upper jaw.
These allow better chewing and provide more stability as compared to traditional dentures. These dentures need to be removed nightly to let the gum tissue rest. You should also clean them using a denture cleaner.
Pros of implant retained dentures:
- Robust and stable
- Doesn’t loosen
- Custom fit
- Better chewing ability
- More natural looking
Immediate Dentures
You may need to wait 6 – 8 weeks for custom dentures after your teeth have been extracted because of gum disease or tooth decay. Temporary dentures are placed during this time when your mouth is still healing. Denture wearers can use this right after their teeth have been removed.
These don’t look very natural, and the denture material requires more upkeep. They are ideal for patients with sensitive teeth and gums. These are great when you start wearing dentures as they allow for a smoother transition.
Pros of immediate dentures:
- Allows for talking and eating before the final dentures are made
- Provides an alternative to teeth while the mouth is still healing
- Minimizes bleeding and swelling after extraction
All-On-4 Implant Dentures
These dentures are ideal for patients that require a complete set of new dentures. They employ 4 dental implants to replace teeth in the upper and lower jaws. Your dentist can remove it, but you cannot take it out yourself.
Pros of all-on-4 implant dentures:
- Durable denture material
- Natural looking
- A temporary prosthesis can be placed right after the implant procedure
Economy Dentures
Economy dentures are inexpensive, generic, and premade. With that being said, Dr. Wilhite and other dentists don’t recommend them since they can lead to poor oral hygiene and harm oral health. Denture adhesive is required for keeping these dentures in place.
Pros of economy dentures:
- Easily accessible
- Affordable
Should You Get Dentures?
New dentures are used primarily to replace lost teeth. Tooth loss can occur because of:
- Poor oral care
- Periodontal disease
- Severe tooth decay
- Tooth extraction
- Facial muscle injury
- Infection
- Certain genetic diseases
Risk factors for tooth loss:
- Being older than 35
- Tobacco use
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart problems or diabetes
- Not getting teeth professionally cleaned
- Irregular teeth exams
- Poor at-home dental care
You need enough healthy gum tissue and jawbone structure to support dentures. False teeth can only remain in place if there is enough natural tissue remaining.
Contact Us Today
Contact us today to set up your consultation. We can discuss your goals and options for dentures.