Dentures

Dentistry has multiple solutions to this problem:

1. Dental implants
2. Full or partial dentures
3. Some combination of the two

While dentures are just one of the many viable options for replacing missing teeth, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method. If you do determine that dentures are right for you, then you will also need to decide on what specific type of denture would work best. Your options include partial dentures all the way to implant-supported overdentures. During your denture consultation, Dr. Brumbach will give you his professional recommendations. He will work with you to decide which option would be best suited for your individual circumstance.

What Are Removable Dentures?

Dentures are made of an acrylic resin that is used to form a gum-colored base that holds the prosthetic teeth. The base is placed over the bony ridge of the missing teeth, and is created to look and function like a normal set of teeth. The dentures are held in place by fitting close to and even suctioning against the ridges. This is why it is vital that dentures are fitted specifically for the patient. The fit and look of dentures are completely custom made for each patient!

It takes time to become accustomed to wearing dentures. Some users may experience a little bit of trouble talking and eating at first. But over time, the muscles, nerves, and ligaments inside of your mouth will work together to adapt to the new dentures. The user will soon become acclimated to the feel of the dentures and may even see improvements in their own facial skeleton and soft tissue, creating a younger-looking appearance.

What Types of Full Dentures Are Available To You?

Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures are given to you immediately after teeth are removed and are considered temporary. The muscles will need time to adapt, and your gum’s jaw bone will always shrink after tooth extraction. It is best to let your mouth completely heal after the extraction before permanent dentures. Immediate dentures serve the purpose of giving you new teeth immediately and to help you acclimate to the look and feel of wearing dentures.

Conventional Full Dentures: After your adjustment and healing period, we create permanent dentures that will accurately fit your mouth. The dentures are uniquely constructed and designed to achieve whatever aesthetic look you are hoping for. As we build the dentures over several visits, we discuss the smile you would like (I.e. bigger, whiter, younger).

Implant-Supported Overdentures: Some patients may need additional support for lower or upper dentures. If this is the case, we may be able to anchor the dentures to dental implants. The number of implant anchors depends on how much additional stabilization is needed for the upper or lower denture.

There are many variations that all provide peace of mind. Each denture option gives you the additional security, improved functionality and comfort that you need. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Brumbach to discuss the options that may be best for you.

What Types of Partial Dentures are Available?

Transitional Partial Dentures: These temporary, plastic dentures act as a tooth replacement and space-saver while your mouth heals from tooth removal. Once your mouth has healed entirely, we can place the dental implants. These are a relatively inexpensive means of helping you to adapt to the new feeling of wearing dentures.

Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs): RPDs are made out of vitallium and are constructed to be durable and last a very long time. Because they are metal-based, they are lighter, more comfortable, and provide a better, more customized fit. However, they are a bit more expensive than its plastic counterparts.

How We Create and Fit Your Dentures

We follow an extensive, meticulous process to create a unique set of dentures for each patient. To start, we make a mold of the top and bottom of your mouth in order to capture the pattern of the alveolar ridges. Next, the mold is sent to the dental laboratory so that they can make the base of the denture. The lab and the dentist consult with each other and pick from a variety of sizes and shapes of prosthetic teeth – choosing the set that will give each patient the most natural-looking teeth. Once the dentist and the patient have agreed on how they look and feel in wax (a temporary phase) the permanent dentures are created.

The last step is one of the most important – Dr. Brumbach will have to “balance” your bite, meaning that he makes sure that the upper and lower dentures fit together in order to naturally stabilize each other. This will allow you to speak and eat normally after a brief adjustment period, and allow the dentures to perform their function effectively.

What You Can Expect Over Time

1. re-line your immediate dentures by adding to the existing denture base to better fit the areas where you’ve lost tissue; or
2. upgrade to a set of conventional full dentures.

We find that option two – moving to a set of conventional full dentures – is more comfortable, functional, and economical for our patients. If taken care of properly, these dentures can prove to be durable and long-lasting for our patients.