Dentures – Lubbock, TX
Complete Your Smile
with Dentures
Your teeth are designed to last forever, however, you’ve lost several over the years. Whether from decay, disease, or injury, an incomplete smile has drastically lowered your self-esteem and quality of life. You don’t need to live with the challenges of significant tooth loss any longer. We offer the latest solutions using dentures in Lubbock. They are carefully crafted to look and feel like your real teeth, so you can chew, speak, and smile confidently.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Every tooth is crucial for a healthy, functional smile. Losing even one compromises your oral and general health, but losing most of or all your teeth can have devastating consequences. Dentures are an effective option to treat major tooth loss. Although they are a tried-and-proven method to replace missing teeth, you’ll still need a consultation with your dentist in Lubbock to ensure they are the right choice for you.
Dentures are recommended for patients who have severely damaged or missing teeth throughout one or both arches. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your smile and learn more about your medical and oral health history. In some cases, you may need additional procedures before rebuilding your smile, like tooth extractions or periodontal therapy.
Types of Dentures
Dentures have undergone several improvements over the years, giving you more options to rehabilitate your smile. Depending on your severity of tooth loss and preferences, you might be a candidate for:
Partial Dentures
Patients who still have a few healthy teeth can benefit from a partial. Prosthetic teeth are created from an impression of your mouth, which are affixed into a gum-colored base. It features a metal framework, which allows it to clip or clasp onto your remaining teeth to stay in place.
Full Dentures
An entire arch is treated with a full denture. An acrylic base is custom-made from durable, comfortable material, which holds prosthetic teeth. The denture rests on top of your gum tissue using suction or an adhesive. Although they have a bad reputation for looking and feeling fake, dentures are more realistic than ever; however, you will need to have them replaced every 5 to 7 years.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are unlike any other treatment because they recreate the entire tooth structure, including the root. An average of 4 to 10 titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as roots. A denture is attached via abutments to hold your new teeth in place. You’ll never need to worry about any slipping or irritation, and your dental implants can last forever with the proper care.
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures are an investment in more than just a beautiful smile. They offer several advantages, including:
- Improves your self-esteem
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Speak clearly
- Supports your facial tissues
- Durable, high-quality materials
- Natural-looking appearance
- Cost-effective solutions
Denture FAQs
When you’re initially researching dentures in Lubbock, you may find that your mind is flooded with an endless stream of questions. Should I sleep with them in? Is it hard to talk with them? Is there anything I can’t eat? Luckily, we’re here to answer all of these questions and more. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team!
Can I Sleep with My Dentures?
Dentures come with several noteworthy benefits, including the ability to address moderate to severe tooth loss. However, they do restrict blood flow to your gums, which can cause soft tissue irritation. The good news is that you can help prevent that from happening by removing them each evening. Plus, there is the added benefit that you can thoroughly clean your dentures while you doze. So, while you can sleep with your dentures, it’s better not to.
Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made for each patient, ensuring that they aren’t bulky or obtrusive in any way. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there won’t be a learning curve. As you learn to maneuver your dentures, you may experience a slight lisp. To prevent that from happening, try biting down and swallowing before speaking. This will ensure your dentures are in the right place and clear any excessive saliva that would’ve otherwise muddled your speech. Do your best to be patient with yourself and remember to practice, practice, practice. The more you do, the sooner you’ll adjust to your new and improved smile!
What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?
Your dentures can significantly improve your bite, allowing you to enjoy all of the foods tooth loss may have caused you to skip. Of course, there are still a few things our Lubbock dentist will recommend you skip. For example, nuts, raw apples, corn on the cob, and other hard foods that require extensive chewing power aren’t ideal. Sticky ingredients, like caramel, should also be avoided. And, of course, it’s a good idea to steer clear of unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on ice, opening chip bags with your teeth, and smoking.
Why Do My Dentures Smell?
If your dentures smell, it’s likely due to bacteria being trapped in the various nooks and crannies of your dentures. However, it could also be the result of sores or an infection from prolonged irritation of the soft tissue in your mouth. In both cases, implementing a solid oral hygiene routine is the best option. Try rinsing your dentures frequently throughout the day, brushing them each morning and evening, and putting them in a denture-friendly cleaner each night to soak. You should also brush and floss any natural teeth you have and visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning. If you’re consistently struggling with a bad odor on your breath or gross-smelling dentures, then talk to your dentist. They’ll be able to provide you with specific tips on how to keep your mouth and your dentures fresh.
Complete Your Smile Today
If you’re ready to enjoy a complete smile again, it’s time to schedule your consultation. Contact our office today to see if dentures are the best option for you.