THE CARE BEHIND A HEALTHY SMILE
DENTURES Lincoln Park
- LaKya Hanna
5.0
DENTURES IN Lincoln Park, MI
General Dentistry is all about smiles, and having a confident, healthy, beautiful smile is important even for patients wearing dentures. Our practice provides personalized denture services that meet the needs and comfort levels of our patients. All of our patients are unique and we create one-of-a-kind dentures that feel good and look natural.WHAT ARE DENTURES?
- Full Dentures are given to patients when all of the natural teeth have been removed. Conventional full dentures are placed after the gum tissue has healed, which can take several months. Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after the teeth have been removed and may require frequent adjustments during the first couple of months of use.
- Partial Dentures consist of fake teeth attached to either an acylic (gum color) base or a metal frame that fits in between your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges.
What Are the Benefits of Dentures?
Replacing missing teeth can improve several aspects of oral function and appearance.
Restore Your Smile
Dentures replace visible gaps caused by missing teeth. Their colour, shape, and arrangement can be selected to complement your facial features.
Improve Chewing Ability
Missing teeth can limit the foods you comfortably eat. Well-fitted dentures may help you chew a wider range of foods, although they do not provide the same biting force as natural teeth.
Support Clearer Speech
Teeth play an important role in producing certain speech sounds. Dentures may improve speech changes associated with tooth loss. An adjustment period is common as your tongue and mouth adapt to the appliance.
Support Facial Appearance
Extensive tooth loss can change the appearance of the lips and lower face. Dentures provide support to surrounding soft tissues and may help restore facial proportions.
Replace Multiple Missing Teeth
Full and partial dentures can replace several teeth within one appliance. This makes them an option for patients with extensive tooth loss.
Offer a Non-Surgical Replacement Option
Traditional removable dentures generally do not require implant surgery. They may be suitable for patients who prefer or need a non-surgical approach.
HOW DO I KNOW IF DENTURES ARE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME?
Dentures may be recommended when multiple teeth are missing or when remaining teeth cannot be predictably restored.
You may benefit from a denture consultation if:
- You have lost several teeth because of decay, gum disease, or injury.
- You struggle to chew because of missing teeth.
- Your remaining teeth are shifting into open spaces.
- You currently wear dentures that feel loose or uncomfortable.
- You have damaged teeth that may require extraction.
- You want to compare dentures with bridges or dental implants.
- You are concerned about changes in your smile after tooth loss.
Not everyone with missing teeth needs dentures. Depending on your oral health, dental bridges or implant-supported restorations may also be appropriate. At Advanced Dental Center – Lincoln Park, we evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite before recommending treatment.
What Happens During the Denture Process?
Getting dentures involves several steps to help create an appliance that fits your mouth and supports comfortable function. The treatment timeline depends on the type of denture, whether extractions are necessary, and the condition of your oral tissues.
Step 1: Comprehensive Dental Examination
Our dentist in Lincoln Park will examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and existing restorations. Dental X-rays may be recommended to evaluate remaining teeth and supporting bone. We will discuss your concerns, medical history, and expectations for tooth replacement.
Step 2: Choosing the Appropriate Denture
Our dentist explains whether full or partial dentures are suitable for your needs. If teeth must be removed, the timing of extractions and denture placement is considered. Patients may also discuss immediate dentures or implant-supported options when appropriate.
Step 3: Taking Impressions and Measurements
Impressions or digital records capture the shape of your gums, remaining teeth, and surrounding oral structures. Measurements help establish the relationship between your upper and lower jaws. These records guide the design of your custom denture.
Step 4: Planning Tooth Shape and Appearance
Artificial teeth are selected based on appropriate size, shape, and colour. The arrangement is designed to support your bite, smile appearance, and facial proportions. Depending on the treatment plan, a wax try-in may allow your dentist to evaluate the appearance and position of the proposed teeth before the final denture is completed.
Step 5: Fitting Your Dentures
When the dentures are ready, your dentist checks their fit, retention, appearance, and bite. Adjustments may be made to improve comfort and reduce pressure points. Your dental team explains how to insert, remove, and clean the appliance.
Step 6: Follow-Up Appointments
New dentures often require adjustments as you become accustomed to wearing them. Follow-up visits allow your dentist to evaluate sore spots, chewing comfort, and changes in fit. If you received immediate dentures, additional adjustments may be needed as the gums heal.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to New Dentures?
Adjusting to dentures takes time, particularly if you have never worn them before. During the first few weeks, you may notice increased saliva, mild soreness, or changes in how you speak and chew.Your tongue, cheeks, and lips need time to adapt to the new appliance.
Tips for Adjusting to New Dentures
- Start with softer foods that are easier to chew.
- Cut food into small pieces.
- Chew slowly and distribute food on both sides of your mouth.
- Practice speaking aloud to improve pronunciation.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions about wearing and removing your dentures.
- Attend adjustment appointments if you develop sore spots.
- Avoid attempting to reshape or adjust the dentures yourself.
Some patients adapt within a few weeks, while others require more time.
Persistent pain, repeated slipping, or difficulty eating should be evaluated rather than accepted as normal.
CARING FOR YOUR DENTURES
- When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break.
- Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up, so it’s important that you brush your dentures every day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. Between brushings, it’s important to rinse your dentures after each meal.
- Use a gentle cleanser to clean your dentures. Many toothpastes, household cleaners, and mouthwashes can be too hard on your dentures, so it is recommended that you use a mild hand or dish soap to get your dentures clean. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for your dentures, or ask your dentist about which products may be best for you.
- When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape, or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require certain soaking solutions, so be sure to ask your dentist which solution is best for you.
- Even if you have a full set of dentures, it’s important to keep your gums and tongue clean. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue every day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
The cost depends on whether you need full or partial dentures, the materials used, and any additional treatment. Tooth extractions, adjustments, and other procedures may affect the total cost. At Advanced Dental Center – Lincoln Park, our team can discuss estimated expenses and applicable insurance benefits after evaluating your needs.
Yes. Advanced Dental Center – Lincoln Park offers full and partial dentures for patients with different patterns of tooth loss. Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch, while partial dentures replace selected missing teeth. Our dental team can help determine which option is appropriate.
Dentures can improve chewing ability, but adapting to them takes time. Begin with soft foods and gradually introduce firmer textures as your comfort improves. Some hard or sticky foods may remain difficult to manage. Advanced Dental Center – Lincoln Park can evaluate your denture fit if eating continues to be uncomfortable.
The timeline depends on the denture type and whether tooth extractions are needed. Conventional dentures may require several appointments after the gums heal. Immediate dentures can be placed around the time of extraction but usually need subsequent adjustments. Your dentist will explain the expected schedule during your consultation.
Sometimes. Denture relining or other adjustments may improve the fit of an appliance that remains structurally sound. However, severely worn or damaged dentures may require replacement. Advanced Dental Center – Lincoln Park can evaluate your current appliance and discuss suitable options.
Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for dentures, although benefits vary. Coverage may depend on waiting periods, replacement limitations, annual maximums, and other policy conditions. Advanced Dental Center – Lincoln Park can help patients review their insurance benefits before treatment.
