At Clarkston Dental Care, Dr. Michael Sesi offers dentures in Clarkston, MI to patients missing permanent teeth. He often recommends implant-secured dentures over removable options for longevity and improved bite function. Dentures and partials are restorative dentistry treatments that we can provide to bring back the functionality of your mouth and enhance your overall oral health.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable oral prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and some of the gum tissues. This common and affordable dental restoration is made of acrylic, metal, and false teeth. They can restore entire or partial rows of missing teeth on the top or bottom arch. When many patients think of dentures, they think of removable dentures that they place in a glass at night. However, there are alternatives to traditional dentures that improve the look of teeth and bite function. We also offer implant dentures which are dentures are are secured by dental implants.
Types of Dentures
We offer several types of dentures to accommodate each patient’s unique needs. Each type is custom-made to match the size, color, and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Complete Dentures
Complete or full dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They are an excellent choice for individuals who have lost all their teeth or require extraction of remaining teeth due to decay or damage. Complete dentures come with a gum-colored base that supports artificial teeth, providing a natural look and feel. Dentures remain in place with muscle control, suction, and sometimes denture adhesive.
Partial Dentures
On the other hand, partial dentures are best suited for individuals who still have some natural teeth remaining. They fill the gaps left by missing teeth, preventing the remaining teeth from shifting positions. The false teeth are fused to a framework made from acrylic and metal. It includes clasps that will snap onto a few of the remaining teeth to hold the prosthesis in place.
Implant Dentures
For those seeking an even more stable and secure solution, denture implants offer an excellent option. These involve attaching the denture to two to eight dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone. The implant fixtures ensure that the prosthesis stays in place without the need for adhesives or clasps.
Removable vs. Implant Dentures
Traditional dentures are removable. While it may seem simple to care for these dentures, they do not fully support the bite. Removable dentures often use adhesives that can be messy and slip around the mouth. Patients with removable dentures may not be able to eat certain foods because their dentures are not stable.
However, traditional dentures are more affordable than implant dentures. The process to get them will be quicker and they will provide support for the facial muscles, helping to maintain your youthful appearance.
Dental implants can support dentures for more functional restorations. Implants are titanium screws that we place in the jaw bone. Once the implants fuse with the jaw bone, they create a stable foundation for dentures. Implant-secured dentures can not only look like real teeth but also feel like natural teeth. You will never have to worry about your denture slipping, speech slurring, or messy denture adhesive.
However, dental implant placement requires surgery. You must be healthy enough to undergo the procedure and have enough bone density to support the implants. This type of restoration is also more expensive and will the process will take significantly longer to complete.
Immediate vs. Conventional Dentures
In certain cases we can provide immediate dentures especially after extensive tooth extraction. An immediate denture is a pre-made appliance that your dentist will place right after they extract your teeth. It essentially ensures that you never have to be without teeth. The downside to it is, as your mouth heals and changes shape, your dentist will need to make adjustments or reline the denture for a proper fit.
Conventional dentures, on the other hand, are made after your gums and tissues have fully healed. This healing process can take 3-6 months after tooth extraction. These dentures, made from durable materials, offer the most personalized fit and require fewer adjustments compared to immediate dentures.
Receiving Dentures in Clarkston, MI
The process to receive traditional dentures compared to implant dentures is very different. For traditional dentures, we will simply take dental impressions that will be used to fabricate your dentures. We send the molds of your teeth to a dental lab where they will create your custom dental restoration. It typically takes about two weeks for us to receive them.
For implant dentures, before implantation, we always ensure that patients are in good oral health. If needed, we can provide periodontal disease treatment or a tooth extraction. Then, we take digital impressions of the teeth, which we use to create the dentures. Next, Dr. Sesi places the implants into the jaw bone underneath the gums. Over three to six months, the implant posts heal.
Once the implants are secure, we place the permanent denture. We will provide you with a temporary restoration as your dental implants heal. Although patients who receive traditional dentures will have quicker treatment, implants provide permanent results. Dental implants stay in the mouth as long as patients continue to care for their oral health.
Denture Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance is vital to extend the lifespan of your dentures. You must take care of your oral health and your appliance for it to last and function properly. This includes brushing your dentures every day with a soft bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, rinsing it after every meal, and storing it in water or denture cleaner overnight. Also, visit your Clarkston, MI dentist regularly for a checkup to ensure you’re in good oral health and to monitor any changes in fit and comfort in your denture.
Schedule a Consultation for Dentures in Dentures in Clarkston, MI to Restore Your Missing Teeth
Do you want to replace your old denture or restore full arches of missing teeth? Feel free to request an appointment with our dental team on our website or call 248-985-2906. Do not hesitate to ask our team any questions you have about dentures or implant treatment. They are always glad to help.