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Dentures
DENTURES & PARTIAL DENTURES
With an approach that’s as caring as it is innovative, we’re dedicated to bringing back your confidence and comfort through personalized dental solutions at Testa Family Dentistry. One of our most sought-after treatments for reclaiming dental functionality and appearance is the custom-fitted restoration known as dentures in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
What are Dentures?
The mere mention of ‘dentures’ can often conjure images of artificial teeth, but dentures are not just about looks—they’re about living life to the fullest. Dentures are oral prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. They can be partial for patients with some natural teeth or complete for those missing all their teeth on the upper and lower arch.
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Types of Dentures
Understanding the several kinds of dentures available is crucial to finding the right fit for your dental needs. Each type serves a unique purpose, which sets them apart.
- Complete Dentures: Complete dentures are full-arch prosthetics designed for patients with missing teeth. This type of denture is created once the gums fully heal after tooth extraction. Due to the less changing nature of healed gums, conventional dentures typically require fewer adjustments and fitting appointments.
- Partial Dentures: For patients who still have some healthy, natural teeth, partial dentures are used to fill in the gaps. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base, usually held in place by a metal framework or attachments that are more secure and aesthetic than older models.
Why Choose Dentures?
Missing teeth can severely affect your ability to chew and speak clearly, leading to further dental issues. Dentures are a reliable solution that restores these essential functions and enhances facial appearance, preventing the sunken-in look that occurs with multiple missing teeth. Reasons for dentures include:
- Complete Tooth Loss
- Partial Tooth Loss
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
- Improved Appearance
The Dentures Procedure
At Testa Family Dentistry, the denture procedure is a commitment to precision and patient satisfaction. It involves several steps to ensure your new dentures are just right.
Consultation and Assessment
Your smile revival starts with a consultation with our expert dental team. We conduct a thorough examination, including dental x-rays, to determine which type of dentures will suit you best, followed by a treatment plan that’s as unique as your fingerprint.
Preparing for Full Dentures
For those needing complete dentures, any remaining teeth must be removed. If immediate dentures are chosen, they’re placed on the same day, as discussed in your individual treatment plan.
Creating Your Dentures
Dr. Testa or Dr. Daugherty will make an impression on your gums to ensure a perfect fit. Then, we will create a model of your future dentures, and you’ll have the chance to try them on for size, shape, and color before we make a cast of the final prosthetic.
Fitting Your Dentures
When custom dentures are ready, we fit them in your mouth, ensuring proper alignment and bite function. This is usually a significant milestone, but adjustments may still be necessary to perfect the fit.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper care and maintenance of dentures are just as crucial as natural teeth.
- Daily Cleaning: Your dentures should be cleaned daily with a non-abrasive cleanser and a soft-bristled brush to prevent stains and keep them from becoming loose. Remember to handle them carefully and not bend or damage any parts while cleaning.
- Regular Check-Ups: Even if you no longer have natural teeth, keeping to your regular dental visits is essential. This allows us to ensure your dentures are in good condition and fit properly and conduct an oral cancer screening.
- Overnight Storage: Many patients prefer to take out their dentures at night to rest their gums. If your dentist recommends keeping them in, store your dentures properly in a soaking solution to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
The Benefits of Dentures
Beyond the noticeable physical improvements, like the restoration of speech and chewing abilities, dentures offer life-changing benefits that ripple into various aspects of your life.
- Improved Self-Confidence: It’s fantastic how much our confidence can hinge on our smile. With dentures, patients often find themselves more willing to laugh, talk, and socialize without being self-conscious about their teeth.
- Better Nutritional Intake: Proper nutrition is vital for overall health, and dentures enable patients to return to a more varied and nutritious diet by comfortably allowing the consumption of a full range of foods.
- Preservation of Facial Structure: Without the support of teeth and diaphragm, facial muscles can sag, leading to a prematurely aged appearance. Dentures help maintain your face’s natural structure, keeping you looking youthful.
Dentures in Tulsa, OK
When one is missing several or all their teeth, dentures are an excellent restorative procedure to give someone their full smile back. If you’re ready to take the next step towards a new smile, we invite you to book a consultation with our friendly team at Testa Family Dentistry. Trust in us is the foundation of our practice, and we look forward to being part of your dental transformation and revitalizing your smile and your life!
