Dentures can help patients rebuild their smiles after tooth loss. Anyone with missing teeth knows that it can change the way you eat, speak, and even feel in social situations. The good news is that a dentist can replace teeth with dentures that look more natural and feel more comfortable than you may expect. With the right fit and routine care, dentures can help you feel more like yourself again.
Tooth loss affects more than the visible smile. Teeth help guide chewing, support speech, and maintain balance between the upper and lower arches. When teeth are missing, it is only natural to start chewing on one side or avoiding foods that once felt easy to eat.
Unfortunately, a missing tooth also leaves a gap for remaining teeth to drift toward. This can change the bite and create new areas where plaque collects. New nooks and crannies can make the mouth harder to clean and may lead to more dental problems over time.
With dentures, a dentist can fill gaps in the smile and restore more normal function. These custom appliances can even support the lips and cheeks, helping the face look fuller after tooth loss. A dentist can explain how replacing missing teeth can protect the patient’s unique smile and their comfort during an appointment.
Different types of dentures can solve different levels of tooth loss. A dentist may recommend complete dentures when a patient no longer has enough healthy teeth in the upper arch, the lower arch, or both. On the other hand, a partial denture replaces several missing teeth while using the remaining natural teeth for support. The ideal design depends on the patient’s oral health, bone support, bite, and personal treatment goals.
Some patients may benefit from implant-supported dentures. These dentures attach to dental implants (metal posts) in the jawbone. Patients who want a more secure fit may prefer this option, particularly if they need frequent adjustments or repairs to their current set of traditional dentures.
Getting traditional dentures starts with a dental exam. The dentist checks the gums, remaining teeth, jawbone, bite, and overall oral health. If unhealthy teeth need removal before denture placement, they will explain the timing and healing process.
Next, the dental team takes impressions or digital scans of the patient’s mouth. These records help create dentures that fit the shape of their gums and support their bite. The dentist will then help choose the shade, size, and shape of the replacement teeth so the final result looks natural. The dentures are typically made off-site in a dental lab.
Once the dentures arrive from the lab, the patient can return to the dentist for a fitting. They may make minor adjustments to ensure the denture feels comfortable. Still, most patients can expect to leave the fitting appointment with their custom dentures.
Dentures are a practical way to restore the smile after tooth loss. A well-fitting denture should look natural and let you smile with ease and confidence. Do you have questions about dentures? Ask our Pasco dental team for more information.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hansenfamilydental.com or call Hansen Family Dental at (509) 302-2880 for an appointment in our Pasco office.
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