Whether you are missing several teeth or nearly all of them, partial and complete tooth loss presents many different hardships on those affected by it. Not only can missing teeth make a person feel self-conscious and embarrassed around others but tooth loss also affects our abilities to speak and chew normally as well. Thankfully, Dr. John Shoemaker has been effectively treating tooth loss with removable and other types of dentures at his Sherman, TX dentistry practice for many years. Dentures help to give those missing some or all of their teeth their dignity, speech, and chewing capabilities in a comfortable and convenient manner.
Dentures are but one option for treating missing teeth, but they are certainly not the only one! Candidates for dentures are also usually likely candidates for other restorative options such as dental bridges and dental implant supported prosthetics. Each type of restoration has its own particular strengths and specific situations that they are ideally suited for. An expert dentist like Dr. Shoemaker will be able to effectively and accurately recommend the most appropriate and beneficial treatment option for each patient’s unique clinical circumstances. There are several factors to take into account when deciding what the best teeth replacement option is for you!
What are Removable Dentures
Full or partial dentures consist of a gum colored base that is made from specialized plastic that fits over the existing anatomy of the patient’s alveolar bone that used to hold their teeth. This plastic base is fitted with partial or complete arch of artificial teeth that are designed to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth! Dentures are held into place primarily by the force of suction that exists between them and the structures of the mouth, which is why properly fitting dentures are an absolute requirement for using them effectively. Dentures that are used on the upper arch get added support from the relatively large surface area of the palate area of the mouth.
These restorations take a little bit of getting used to, but the end result is a patient that can bite, chew, speak, and smile normally again. Once a patient is familiar with their dentures, they will notice that it is remarkably easy to “train” their mouths to accommodate the dentures and to learn to utilize them effectively. Dentures also help to support the features and underlying structures of the face and jaw and can help to create a more youthful appearance.
Available Types of Full Dentures
Immediate Dentures
This type of restoration is typically used on a temporary basis in order to assist a patient in transitioning to a more permanent type of removable or other type of denture after the successful extraction of remaining unhealthy or failing teeth. Immediate dentures are not for long term use because when the musculature of the face and mouth adjusts to accomodate the immediate denture the natural shrinkage of gum tissue will require a better fitting and more permanent denture for the patient. Immediate dentures are very beneficial in that they provide an instant set of teeth for patients to use while their mouth is healing from extractions or implants and they also act as “training dentures” and help a patient familiarize themselves with the nuances of dentures.
Conventional Full Dentures
This type of denture is used after the immediate denture has served its purposes of allowing the mouth to heal and get used to dentures. These dentures are permanent and will fit as near to perfectly inside the patient’s mouth as possible to ensure a good fit and proper function. Full dentures are designed to look, feel, and function as close to natural teeth as is possible. These dentures are removed for cleaning everyday and must be cared for properly at all times. Conventional dentures are often the “gold standard” for treatment and replacement of missing teeth but they can vary widely in price and quality depending upon the materials that are used in their fabrication.
Implant-Supported Overdentures
Implant-supported overdentures are used to provide enhanced support and stability to dentures, especially the bottom arch. Two or more dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw of the recipient and restorations are then firmly attached to the implants using hardware. Typically the upper jaw requires more implants, usually three or more, than the lower jaw does due to issues of bone density that affects the jaws. Patients treated with an implant-supported overdenture often report a tremendous balance of comfort, functionality, aesthetics, and value with this type of denture. Implant-supported overdentures are one of the most effective types of dentures that are still easy to clean and maintain.
Types of Partial Dentures
Transitional Partial Dentures
This type of denture is a relatively inexpensive removable plastic restoration that serves as a temporary tooth replacement and a “spot saver” while patients wait for their mouth and gums to heal after extractions but before dental implant placement. Once the healing process has completed, the patient will be ready for their dental implants to be placed. Transitional partial dentures are similar to immediate dentures in that they are used to prepare a patient to receive their permanent dental restoration as well as to allow them time to become familiar with their denture.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are usually fabricated from cast vitallium. These expertly crafted and metal based removable partial dentures are stronger, lighter, and less obtrusive than similar restorations made from plastic resins. Although removable partial dentures cost a little more, they tend to fit better and more comfortably than temporary restorations and immediate or transitional dentures. These partial dentures are more affordable than dental implants, fixed bridgework, or implant supported dentures.
Video Testimonial
How Dentures are Made & Fitted
Dr. Shoemaker is very talented in creating high quality dentures that are look wonderful and function properly. The process of making dentures for patients in Sherman, TX seamlessly blends manufacturing, science, and art into a fully capable and beautiful looking teeth replacement restoration. After Dr. Shoemaker and his patient have agreed that a denture is the proper treatment option for their unique clinical situation, then a precise mold will be made of their alveolar ridges on both the top and bottom arches of the mouth. At the dental laboratory, the technician and Dr. Shoemaker will work in tandem to create the base mold and to choose replacement teeth that will look, fit, and feel the best for the patient for a fully functional and natural-looking smile. When both doctor and patient are completely satisfied with the prototype, then this version of the denture will be turned in to be made into a permanent restoration.
In order to ensure the most natural speech and eating abilities, it is imperative to make sure that your bite is balanced with the new dentures. The upper and lower dentures must come together in a way that both sides are balanced and have no malocclusion between them. Once Dr. Shoemaker is satisfied that the dentures are fitting properly to perform admirably, the patient will be able to leave our Sherman, TX office with a brand new denture and a renewed sense of self-confidence.
What to Expect After Getting Your Dentures
If you have recently decided to replace your missing teeth with dentures then you may have had extractions performed on any remaining teeth and an immediate denture created for the interim while your permanent denture is crafted. It is normal to experience some tissue shrinkage and reduction of bone tissue in the areas that teeth were extracted from. You may find that after just a couple of months your immediate or temporary dentures do not fit nearly as well as they did right when you received it. There are two main options moving forward from this stage of the process. Patients can choose to have their immediate denture reworked to fit their mouths properly; this is a quick and cost-effective option, but is not the best long-term solution.
Another option is that patients can opt to have a new and full set of conventional full dentures to permanently replace their previous dentures. A full set of dentures will fit better, last longer, and will represent a better long-term investment for Dr. Shoemaker’s Sherman, TX patients. With proper care and maintenance, full dentures will continue to offer a fully functional, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing teeth replacement option for those that have lost most or all of their teeth or that are unsatisfied with their current dental restorations. Although there are many different types of dentures that can effectively treat the ongoing problem of tooth loss, Dr. Shoemaker is talented and well-versed in the provision of high quality and affordable dentures.
Patient Testimonial
Contact Dr. John Shoemaker for Dentures in Sherman, TX
Dr. John Shoemaker has proudly served the Sherman, TX and neighboring areas of Texas for over 25 years and has restored the smiles of hundreds of patients with removable and other types of dentures. Missing teeth can cause more than just inconvenience; missing teeth can cause embarrassment, discomfort, and problems biting, chewing, and digesting food. Fortunately technology and material science has allowed for the creation of more advanced and modern dentures. Dentures today are nothing like those that your parents or grandparents used to wear! You can regain the confidence in your bite, your speech, and your smile with removable dentures from Dr. John Shoemaker. To learn more about the different denture options available or to schedule your no-obligation denture consultation with Dr. Shoemaker, contact our Sherman, TX office today!
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