Full and Partial Dentures in Greenville, TX

Having missing teeth can be a great inconvenience. If you have lost multiple teeth in Greenville, TX, whether due to disease or injury, then you’re probably looking for a solution to replace them. At Graham Family Dental, we can create partials and dentures that look and feel almost like natural teeth to restore your smile.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are dental prosthetics that are worn to replace missing teeth. They are removable and come in two types – complete and partial. Complete dentures are needed when all of the teeth have been lost on either the upper or lower jaw, and partials are used when some of the natural teeth remain. When you have dentures or partials made at Graham Family Dental, you can have confidence that they will look great. We will also work hard to make sure that they feel as natural as possible in the mouth to restore function to your teeth.

The Benefits of Dentures

Dentures have long been a reliable solution for those suffering from tooth loss. Whether you require partial or full dentures, they offer a host of advantages that can significantly improve your quality of life. Here are some benefits of dentures:

1. Restored Functionality: One of the most important benefits of dentures is the restoration of normal oral functionality. Dentures can improve your ability to chew food effectively and pronounce words clearly, which can be difficult when you have missing teeth.
2. Aesthetics: Dentures are designed to resemble natural teeth and can greatly enhance the appearance of your smile. They also provide structure for the face, which can be beneficial in avoiding a sagging or collapsed appearance that often comes with tooth loss.
3. Customized for Comfort: Dentures are customized to fit your mouth perfectly, providing a comfortable solution to tooth loss. Although they may feel strange at first, most people quickly adjust and can wear them comfortably.
4. Protection for Remaining Teeth: If you’re using partial dentures, they can help protect your remaining natural teeth by evenly distributing the forces exerted when you chew. This can help prevent further tooth wear or loss.
5. Affordability: Dentures tend to be more cost-effective than other tooth replacement options such as dental implants or bridges, making them a popular choice for those on a budget or without dental insurance.
6. Boost in Confidence: With dentures, you can smile, speak, laugh, and eat in public without feeling self-conscious. This can lead to an increase in self-esteem and overall life satisfaction.
7. Durability and Convenience: With proper care and maintenance, dentures can last for many years. Additionally, they are removable, which makes cleaning and maintaining oral hygiene easier.
8. Prevent Facial Muscle Deterioration: The presence of teeth or dentures helps stimulate the jaw and prevents bone loss. Dentures provide the necessary stimulation to prevent facial muscle deterioration, maintaining the structure and overall shape of your face.

Types of Dentures

There are two different types of dentures. Depending on your needs, we can help you find the perfect fit!

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures come in two types: conventional and immediate. Immediate dentures may be more convenient because they are made before any teeth are removed and can, therefore, be worn immediately afterward; there is no waiting period necessary. The drawback to this, however, is that they may not fit as well as conventional dentures, especially if teeth have been removed and the gum tissues are changing as they heal. Conventional dentures, on the other hand, take about eight to 12 weeks to complete. Detailed measurements are taken of the mouth after the teeth have been removed so that the dentures have a close and comfortable fit.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can be used if some natural teeth remain. They not only restore function to the teeth but also prevent the remaining teeth from changing position. They can be fixed or removable. Fixed partial dentures, also called dental bridges, are fixed to the teeth on either side of the gap via dental crowns. A removable partial denture can have a more natural-looking appearance.

Who Is A Good Candidate for Dentures?

Dentures are a common solution for individuals who have lost some or all of their teeth, but not everyone is a good candidate for them. Here are some factors that may determine whether dentures are a suitable solution:

1. Significant Tooth Loss: If you have lost several or all of your teeth due to decay, gum disease, or injury, dentures may be a good option for you. Dentures can be full (replacing all teeth in the upper or lower jaw) or partial (replacing some teeth).
2. Good Oral Health: While dentures can replace lost teeth, the health of your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone is important. Individuals with healthy gums and a strong jawbone can better support dentures. For those with severe gum disease or weak jawbones, other treatments may be needed before dentures can be fitted.
3. Acceptable Overall Health: Certain systemic conditions, like diabetes, can affect the healing process and the fit of the dentures. A detailed medical history is taken into consideration before a decision is made.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Your habits and lifestyle can influence whether dentures are right for you. For instance, if you’re a smoker, you may experience a dry mouth which can cause dentures to fit poorly. Similarly, if you frequently consume hard or chewy foods, you might need to adjust your diet, as these can damage dentures.
5. Patience and Adaptability: Wearing dentures requires an adjustment period, as speaking and eating may feel different at first. The individual must be willing to adapt to the new feeling and practice patience during the adjustment period.
6. Proper Care and Maintenance: Being a good candidate for dentures also means being able to take proper care of them. This includes daily cleaning and regular check-ups with a dental professional.

If you’re considering dentures, it’s important to have a detailed discussion with our dentist about the pros and cons, given your specific health situation and needs.

How Long Do Dentures Last?

The lifespan of dentures can vary based on several factors, such as the material used to make them, the individual’s oral hygiene habits, and changes in the wearer’s mouth and jaw structure. However, on average, a set of dentures should last somewhere between 5 to 7 years.

Over time, dentures will wear and might not fit as well as they once did due to natural changes in the shape and size of your mouth. The jaw and gum line may recede or shrink, causing the dentures to fit less securely. Regular check-ups with a dental professional are important as they can adjust, reline, or replace your dentures to ensure they fit well and are functioning properly.

Additionally, how long dentures last will greatly depend on how well they are taken care of. This includes proper daily cleaning and overnight soaking, handling them carefully to avoid damage, and scheduling regular dental check-ups.

Remember, even with the best care, dentures will eventually need to be replaced. If you notice signs of wear, such as chips, cracks, or loose teeth, or if your dentures cause discomfort, it’s important to consult our dentist in Greenville as soon as possible!

We Offer Dentures in Greenville!

If you are ready to have your smile back, visit us at Graham Family Dental. At this dental office near you in Greenville, TX, you can be sure that you’ll have the look and feel of your old smile back.