Losing a tooth, or teeth, whether due to trauma or tooth decay, can be upsetting. Your self-confidence is often tied to your smile and when there’s a gap in your smile, your self-esteem can be affected. However, rest assured that the gap in your smile can be temporary. Many options are available to replace a missing tooth. All of the options, including bridges, implants, and dentures, can leave patients unsure about where to start.
Residents of Redlands, CA, can turn to Dr. Terry Vines of Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry. Dr. Vines is a family dentist who cares about the health and appearance of your smile. He understands the importance of having a smile you can be proud of and he has the advanced skills and technology to fix your smile, fast.
Dentures are often chosen by patients who want replacement teeth to look and feel like natural teeth but don’t have the budget for bridges or implants. While dentures used to get a bad reputation for being uncomfortable or not appearing natural, technology has advanced a great deal in recent years. Now, patients can get completely customized dentures that are an exact match and fit comfortably in the mouth.
Complete dentures replace the full set of teeth and some of the surrounding tissue of the top, bottom, or both arches.
Partial dentures are used when only some teeth need to be replaced. This denture type is made up of replacement teeth and is attached to a plastic base that matches the inside of your mouth. These dentures snap into place using metal framework. The partial denture fills the gap created by missing teeth and keeps other teeth from moving. The denture can be removed for sleeping and cleaning.
The denture process takes up to six weeks and several appointments. First, Dr. Vines will make impressions and take measurements of your jaw. Next, models will be created to test the fit, shape, and color prior to casting the final denture. After the denture is created final adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit.
Patients with dentures find that their new teeth look and function much like their natural teeth and that most people don’t even notice the dentures. If you need to replace missing teeth or are concerned about the health of your existing teeth, call Dr. Terry Vines. He will work with you to ensure that your smile is healthy and happy.