Dentures Tucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Dentures and Partial Dentures Tucson, AZ
Dentures and partial dentures can help restore the appearance, function, and comfort of your smile after tooth loss. At Simply Smiles Dentistry, we provide personalized denture solutions in Tucson for patients who are missing some or all of their natural teeth.
Our dental team evaluates your oral health, remaining teeth, gum condition, and personal goals to help determine which tooth replacement option may be right for you. Whether you need full dentures, partial dentures, or another restorative solution, we can explain your options and help you understand what to expect throughout the process.
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Reasons Patients Choose Dentures
Dentures remain a common tooth replacement option for patients who have lost multiple teeth or all of their natural teeth. Depending on your oral health, goals, and budget, dentures may provide a way to restore chewing ability, improve appearance, and support daily confidence.
Some reasons patients consider dentures include:
- Restoring missing teeth: Dentures can replace missing teeth and help improve the appearance of your smile.
- Improving daily function: Replacing missing teeth may help make eating and speaking more comfortable.
- Flexible treatment options: Patients may choose from different denture solutions, including full dentures, partial dentures, implant-supported dentures, and other restorative options.
- A personalized approach: Your dentist can help determine which option best fits your oral health needs.
“Traditional full dentures and partial dentures are typically more cost-efficient than the alternatives.”
The Denture Process
The denture process begins with a consultation where our dentist evaluates your oral health, discusses your goals, and determines which type of denture may be appropriate for your needs. Impressions and measurements of your mouth are then taken to help create dentures designed for proper fit, comfort, and appearance.
During the design process, our dental team may review options such as tooth shape, size, and color to help create a natural-looking result. A model or trial denture may be used to evaluate the fit and appearance before the final denture is completed.
Once your denture is finalized, our dentist will make any necessary adjustments to improve comfort and function. Follow-up visits allow our dental team to check the fit and help you adjust to your new dentures. The entire process may require the patient to visit the dentist’s office four to five times.
“Our team may ask the patient to try several different sets of sterilized dentures to determine the ideal fit as well as the preferred color and size of teeth.”
Types of Dentures
Dentures are available in several forms depending on the number of missing teeth, the condition of your remaining teeth, and your overall oral health. During your consultation, your dentist can help you compare available options and determine which type of denture may best support your needs.
Here is a shortlist of denture options one can consider:
- Full Dentures
Most commonly used by seniors, these dentures replace a complete set of teeth. They sit directly on top of the gums. Some patients are good candidates for immediate placement. In this instance, the dentist places the previously made dentures immediately after the extraction of the teeth. For everyone else, the dentist may recommend waiting eight to 12 weeks after teeth removal.
- Partial Dentures
If the patient still has a number of healthy teeth left, the dentist may recommend partial dentures. This usually requires the use of a metal piece to which a pink-colored base is attached. The metal helps to anchor the false teeth to the natural teeth to prevent movement.
- Implant-Supported Dentures
This method blends dental implants with dentures. Instead of anchoring all the teeth in place individually, the dentist may add several dental implants that hold the full upper and/or lower set in place. Dentists may use this for partial dentures too. These dentures are not removable once in place. Please note that not all patients are good candidates for these.
- Overdentures or Snap-In Dentures
When patients prefer to retain the ability to remove dentures, but like the stability of implants, they may opt for overdentures. These are handy in instances where a person has no teeth, as the dental implants provide an anchor that the teeth can sit on. For even more excellent stability, patients may opt for snap-in dentures. In this case, the implants have locator receptors, and the dentures have attachments. These work together to snap the dentures into place for a snug fit.
The option a patient chooses will depend on that patient’s unique situation and health. Our team is available to discuss all the options. We will help you determine the right one for you.
“In fact, over the past few years, dentists created hybrids with other dental treatments to provide patients with even more options.”
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How to Care for Dentures
Dentures do require ongoing maintenance outside of the typical oral hygiene routine. Many people believe they can set dentures down by the side of the bed. However, this can lead to warping and cracking over time.
Patients should soak dentures overnight. Avoid hot water, as this may also cause warping. Never use a denture solution directly in the mouth. Patients who use denture solutions should rinse thoroughly before placing dentures in the mouth because denture solutions should not be ingested. Our team can help you determine if a solution is right for your regimen.
It is also important to note that dentures require cleaning, just like regular teeth do. Whenever possible, remove dentures after eating or drinking and rinse them to get rid of food particles. Patients should brush dentures at least once per day. Dentists recommend a soft-bristled brush as a more abrasive brush may cause damage over time.
Even if no teeth remain, continued dental hygiene is essential. Brush the teeth and gums and floss any remaining teeth. Patients may use gauze or a soft bristled toothbrush to clean the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and the tongue. Finally, people who use adhesives should take care to remove it.
“Dentures do require ongoing maintenance outside of the typical oral hygiene routine.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will dentures change my appearance?
When patients lose their teeth, the bone loss may begin to cause the cheek to look hollow and sunken. Dentures can help to fill out space and retain the face’s original shape. Having a full set of teeth that look beautiful and healthy also improves a person’s appearance and overall confidence.
Is it difficult to eat with dentures?
Eating with dentures may feel uncomfortable for a few weeks, just as when people get braces for the first time. However, over time, it becomes easier. In the beginning, try to stay away from foods that meet any of the following criteria:
- Sharp-edged
- Tough
- Sticky
- Hot
Are there any risks associated with dentures?
A 2015 study published by the National Institute of Health found that seniors who wore dentures while they slept long-term faced a higher risk of developing pneumonia. The CDC also believes dentures may negatively affect nutrition. They attribute this to denture wearers avoiding fruits and vegetables because they are more difficult to chew.
Are Adhesives Necessary?
Patients who have lost all their natural teeth may require adhesives, while others may not. Even so, patients with only partial tooth loss may choose to use adhesives for additional support. It may also assist people suffering from neurological disabilities, dry mouth, or who take certain medications.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
Dentures tend to be more affordable than other tooth replacement options. Each case is different, and the individual selections a patient makes can affect the cost. Generally speaking, dentures offer the most cost-effective full tooth replacement. When patients choose hybrid options that involve implants, the price may increase for each implant added.
How Can I Pay for Dentures?
Dental insurance may cover the cost of dentures. However, there may be a waiting period due to a pre-existing condition. Some patients rely on dental savings plans. Your insurance provider can discuss with you the details.
“Some people may also believe that if they remove all their teeth and get full dentures, they’ll never need to set foot in a dentist’s office again.”
Common Myths and Misconceptions
One of the most common myths we hear about dentures is that once a patient gets their dentures created and placed, they are set for life. Dentures typically last for five to 10 years. Since this is a long time, patients may wonder how to know when they need new dentures. If the color has changed dramatically or there is physical damage, dentures may need replacement. A common telling sign is when they no longer fit securely.
Some people believe that if they remove all their teeth and get full dentures, they will never need to set foot in a dentist’s office again.This is not true and regular dental visits are still necessary. Dentists are in the best position to tell patients whether or not they need to get their dentures repaired or replaced. In fact, the dentist may adjust dentures during annual or bi-annual visits to keep them fitting correctly. Dentists also pay keen attention to gum health especially if the patient smokes or suffers from an illness affecting the gums.
Explore Additional Dental Treatment Options
If you are considering dentures, maintaining your overall oral health is an important part of protecting your smile. Simply Smiles Dentistry offers a range of dental services designed to support your oral health before, during, and after tooth replacement treatment.
Our team can help you explore restorative and preventive options based on your individual needs.
Dental inlays and onlays
Root Canal and Crown to Save a Cracked tooth
Routine Dental Procedures
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Denture Terminology
Alveolar Bone
The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.
Clasp
A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.
Denture Base
The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
Edentulous
Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
Pontic
Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.
Rebase
Rebase is the process of refitting denture prosthesis by replacing the base material.
Reline
Reline is when a professional resurfaces the surface of the prosthesis with a new base material.
Resin/Acrylic
Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.
Stomatitis
Stomatitis is the inflammation of the tissue that is underlying a denture that does not fit properly. It can also result from other oral health factors.
Schedule Your Denture Consultation In Tucson
Have you decided that dentures are right for you? If not, consider speaking with our team to see what your options are. For more information, call us at (520) 979-3880