Tooth loss can lead to complications and potential future oral health issues. Unfortunately, lost teeth can compromise self-esteem, alter the bite, and affect the smile’s aesthetics. Luckily, recent advances in dentures allow those who suffer from tooth loss to replace their teeth and get their smile back. At Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide dentures for patients in Raleigh, NC.
Dentures are custom-made replacement teeth that closely resemble your natural teeth. This restorative dentistry treatment can improve your original tooth position.
Getting Full Dentures in Raleigh, NC
Our dentures create an aesthetically pleasing smile, prevent sagging facial muscles, and reestablish proper face height and profile. Full dentures improve tooth function and restore your ability to eat, chew, and talk properly. Complete or full dentures replace full arches of missing teeth.
We will work closely with each patient to carefully design their oral appliances. Our team ensures that each denture looks and feels natural, is cost-effective, and lasts. We take dental impressions to create their full dentures, working with a dental lab to create durable dentures.
Dentures usually consist of a gum-colored base and fake teeth that match the shape and color of natural teeth. We may also recommend dental implants to secure a full denture in place.
Partial Dentures in Raleigh, NC
Partial dentures are a great solution for people who are missing only a few select teeth. Even if patients have single missing teeth, their natural teeth can shift to fill in the gap.
Shifting teeth can cause headaches, neck pain, and jaw pain. This pain can also lead to tooth sensitivity and difficulty chewing and swallowing. Partial dentures are an economical option to replace missing teeth. They fill in these spaces to avoid shifting problems.
If you are interested in this less invasive approach, we will make impressions and have the lab construct a partial denture to match your existing teeth perfectly. Depending on the design, the partial denture will be held on by clasps or slip over the teeth. The end result will be a natural-looking smile that is easy to manage with proper daily oral hygiene.
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How Can Implants Secure Dentures?
Implants are small metal posts that are inserted into the jawbone to help support and secure dentures. These implants act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a stable foundation for the dentures.
Implants offer many benefits. Dental implants can prevent the dentures from slipping or moving around while eating or talking. They make dentures feel more comfortable and natural. Implants can also help preserve your bone structure. They prevent further bone loss that can occur with traditional dentures.
Dental implants are also permanent. After the implant posts heal, they will stay in the jaw bone. While you may need to replace your false teeth over time, the implants will stay in place.
Are Dentures For You?
Dentures might be a good option if missing or badly damaged teeth need replacement. However, before treatment, we must consider your overall oral health and review the cost of dentures.
First, during your denture consultation, we will discuss your dental history, overall health, and any specific concerns. We will also examine your mouth and assess your current oral health. After an exam, we will determine if dentures are a suitable treatment option.
While you must have missing teeth for dentures, you must also have good oral health. We will recommend root canal therapy, tooth extraction, gum disease treatment, or other treatments as needed.
If you get implant-supported dentures, you need healthy jaw bone to support the implant posts. We will recommend bone grafting to build healthy bone tissue.
Once you are ready for treatment, we will explain the denture fitting process and how we will adjust your dentures for a proper fit. We will ensure your final denture blends in with the look of any remaining natural teeth
Immediate vs. Conventional Dentures
An immediate denture is a removable denture placed in the mouth directly after we remove the remaining teeth. This allows you to have teeth immediately after a tooth extraction. You don’t have to go without teeth during the healing process.
However, these dentures are temporary. Once your mouth fully heals, we will place the final denture.
A conventional denture is a removable dental appliance we place after you are healed from a tooth extraction. Conventional dentures are custom-made once the gums fully heal for a more precise fit. They are also more durable and long-lasting than immediate dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We’re here to help. We welcome you to read answers to common questions about dentures in Raleigh, NC.
How do I care for my dentures?
If you have removable dentures, remove them each night before bed. Gently clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner. Soak your dentures in water or a denture-cleaning solution. This will keep them moist and prevent them from drying out.
If you have implant-supported dentures, you can brush and floss your false teeth like your natural teeth. When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. You can use a threaded floss or water flosser to remove food debris from beneath your restoration.
What happens if I damage my dentures?
If you damage your dentures, we can provide denture repairs. We can rebase or reline your dentures if needed. You’re more likely to need denture realignment if you have removable dentures.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Yes, you can eat normally with dentures, but it may take a little time to adjust. At first, start with soft foods and cut your meals into small pieces. As you get used to your dentures, you can slowly add firmer foods back into your diet.
Dentures help restore your ability to chew, making eating more comfortable than with missing teeth. We recommend that you chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth to keep your dentures stable.
Do dentures look natural?
Yes. At Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Cynthia Elderkin makes sure your dentures look as natural as possible. She works closely with our local dental lab, which uses high-quality materials to create teeth that match your desired tooth size, shape, and color. Dr. Elderkin also personally color-matches your dentures to blend with any remaining teeth.
How long does it take to get dentures?
Getting dentures can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It takes several weeks to receive removable dentures, while it can take 3 to 9 months to receive your implant dentures. Dr. Cynthia Elderkin will create a treatment plan for you and give you an estimate of your treatment timeline.
The process of getting removable dentures often takes a few weeks. If teeth need to be removed first, healing time may add a few extra weeks.
Implant dentures take longer because after the implants are placed in the jaw, they need time to heal and bond with the bone. This healing period usually takes up to 6 months. You also need weeks for the abutment to heal.
How long do dentures typically last?
The lifespan of dentures depends on the type and how well you take care of them. Removable dentures usually last 5 to 10 years. Over time, your gums and jawbone can change shape, which may cause your dentures to fit less comfortably. Dr. Elderkin can help keep them adjusted.
Implant-supported dentures tend to last longer. While the false teeth themselves may need replacement after 10 to 15 years, the implant posts will stay permanently.
Restore Your Smile at Stonehenge Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Do you have multiple missing teeth? Call Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for dentures in Raleigh, NC, today at 919-295-0936. You may also request a dental appointment with our team online.