At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers several types of dentures, including implant-supported restorations. Additionally, he has undergone advanced training in Predictable Esthetics and Functional Occlusion. Contact us to learn more about our dentures and how Dr. Bridges’ specialized education makes him an outstanding choice for your restorative needs. 

Traditional Dentures

When you think of dentures, you likely picture traditional removable restorations. There are two types of traditional dentures. The first, full dentures, will replace all of your teeth. You could receive an upper denture for your top teeth, a lower denture for your bottom teeth, or both at the same time. Partial dentures may be appropriate if you still have some remaining healthy teeth. 

Both full and partial traditional dentures have a gum-colored plastic base that fits over the alveolar ridge. The synthetic teeth maintain the natural alignment of the bite. Furthermore, they will match any remaining natural teeth. Denture adhesive can help to keep both types in place. Partial dentures also have small clasps that help keep the prosthetic connected to the adjacent natural teeth.

Implant-Supported Dentures

In recent years, implant-supported dentures have become a more common way to replace missing teeth. These state-of-the-art restorations offer greater stability than traditional dentures, and they also provide important health benefits. 

Implant-supported dentures are attached to small titanium implant posts. The dental implants integrate with the jawbone, essentially replacing missing tooth roots. In this way, they can uphold a new dental restoration. Plus, they can also help to regenerate bone tissue. This will reduce the risk of jawbone recession, a common side effect of tooth loss. Once your jaw has healed from implant surgery, your dentist can attach your denture. This type of restoration is permanently fixed in your mouth to fully restore your oral function with no dietary restrictions or embarrassing slippage. 

How to Choose a Dentist for Dentures

If you are researching dentures, you are not alone! The need for these restorations is incredibly common. The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that 36 million Americans are missing all their teeth, and these numbers are expected to rise in coming years. Furthermore, in a multinational study, 19% of the population in 19 countries wears some form of denture.

Once you know what type of dentist does dentures, it is important to find the right dentist for your needs. Look for someone who: 

• Has plenty of experience with dentures and other dental restorations
• Demonstrates a good track record of beautiful, functional results
• Possesses experience in cosmetic dentistry, in additional to restorative treatments
• Has advanced dental training 
• Is a leader in his or her field 
• Is dedicated to personalized care and detailed follow-up treatments 

Dr. Matthew Bridges meets all of the above requirements. His training in Predictable Esthetics means that he can provide stunningly lifelike results when designing dental prosthetics. Furthermore, thanks to his education in Functional Occlusion, he plans dentures that maintain a balanced bite and jaw health. Most importantly, he is committed to each of his patients as individuals. Along with his team, he wants to make everyone feel comfortable and fully informed about their treatment process. 

Learn More about What Type of Dentist Does Dentures

To learn more about dentures and to find a dental practice for your restorative needs, contact our Duncan, OK, office online today. You can also reach us by calling 580-255-4880. 

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The two most common types of dentures are traditional, or removable, dentures and implant-supported dentures.

Which option is best for you?

The amount of information to review may seem overwhelming at first, but a simple look at the pros and cons of each denture option can help you make an informed decision.

Benefits of Traditional Dentures 

Traditional or removable dentures require relatively little up-front costs. While premium dentures can cost $2,000-$4,000 per plate, the average cost of traditional dentures is around $700-$1,800. Partial dentures can cost even less at $300-$500.

The timeline for receiving traditional dentures is also relatively short at a few weeks. After teeth are pulled and the gums heal an impression of the patient’s mouth is taken so the dentures can be tailored to her mouth. The impressions are then sent to a lab so the dentures can be created.

After they are checked on the patient for look, fit and function, adjustments are made and the dentures are sent back to the lab for final processing. They are then cleaned, polished and returned for a final fitting. The entire process can take three to twelve weeks to complete.

These two qualities make traditional or removable dentures one of the most affordable and quick methods of replacing missing teeth.

Disadvantages of Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures require applying adhesive to get them to remain in place in your mouth. This adhesive may need to be re-applied several times throughout the day. Without continuous application of the adhesive, the dentures move around which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.   

You cannot wear traditional dentures to bed. Instead they must be stored overnight in a glass of water or denture cleaning solution to keep them sanitary.

Extensive wear of traditional dentures can cause your jaw to shrink, making the dentures feel loose or causing them to rub painfully on the gums. Because the jawbone diminishes, denture-wearers often experience facial sagging. 

Traditional dentures also do not allow for the same force as natural teeth when biting or chewing. Some wearers will have to cut food into smaller pieces or eat foods softer in texture while wearing them.

Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

The pros of implant-supported dentures are numerous. Because they look and feel like natural teeth, the wearer has no dietary restrictions. Daily care for implant-supported dentures also mimics that of natural teeth; simple flossing and brushing suffice.

Implant-supported dentures can also strengthen the inside of your jaw by allowing the formation of new bone around the implant. This process, known as osseointegration, can improve bone health, preserve natural jaw height, and prevent facial sagging. 

Downsides to Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are often more expensive than traditional dentures. A complete set of porcelain implant-supported dentures can cost between $1,500 and $4,000.

Patients must undergo dental implant surgery before their implant-supported denture can be mounted. This procedure consists of placing implant posts into the jawbone and allowing them to fuse with the jawbone. Once the posts have fully fused with jawbone tissue, small metal abutments are attached to the implants. The implant-supported dentures are then attached to the abutments. 

The process can take 6-9 months to complete. During that time a patient may not have full use of their dental implants.

To summarize:

Pros of Traditional Dentures: 

•  Affordable
• Can be created relatively quickly

Cons of Traditional Dentures: 

• Daily maintenance (adhesive must be applied daily and sometimes several times a day) 
• The wearer must watch what they eat 
• Have to be replaced every so often
• May affect bone health

Pros of Implant-Supported Dentures: 

• Look and feel like natural teeth 
• Low maintenance compared to traditional dentures (no messy adhesive, can be worn to bed) 
• Wearer can eat whatever they like
• Improvement in jawbone health

Cons of Implant-Supported Dentures: 

• Cost 
• Long, invasive procurement procedure

Each person’s needs are special, and at the Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, they are treated that way.

Dr. Bridges and his team take each patient’s health, budget and needs into consideration when advising them on the denture treatment that’s right for them.

Call us today for a free 1-on-1 consultation at 580-255-4880 or reach us through our contact page.

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