Dr. Bridges and our compassionate team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center want you to have a strong and healthy smile. We may recommend dentures if you are missing several or more teeth, but the type we recommend will depend on other factors like:

• How many teeth you’re missing
• Your overall physical and oral health
• Tooth sensitivity
• Jawbone health

Choosing the right type of dentures for you is an important step, and we want you to have all of the information you need to feel confident in your decision. To help you stay informed, here are the pros and cons of common types of dentures. 

Traditional Dentures 

When you think of dentures, chances are you picture traditional ones. Traditional dentures are removable replacements for an entire arch of missing teeth. They are supported by your gum tissue and bone and may be held in place with a dental adhesive.

Pros

• Traditional dentures restore the look of your smile.
• This style of denture is relatively affordable.
• The process only takes a few weeks to complete.

Cons

• They may limit some of the foods you can eat.
• They require adhesive which can be messy and inconvenient.
• They do not prevent bone loss in your jaw.

In summary, the traditional options restore much of the appearance and function of your teeth, but they do not prevent the bone deterioration that occurs with tooth loss.

Partial Dentures

For patients who are missing just a few teeth, partials are a good option. These are similar to traditional prosthetics but are not meant to replace an entire set of teeth. They are also supported by the gums and jaw but may also use dental clasps for added stability.

Pros

• Partials are easy to adapt to.
• If needed, they can be adjusted to add teeth.
• They are minimally invasive and relatively affordable.

Cons

• Partial dentures also do not prevent bone loss, and deterioration at the site can affect other teeth.
• They may cause a buildup of plaque around the adjacent teeth.
• Adjacent teeth may suffer trauma from the movement or pressure of the partial.

Since partial implants must be removed at night, they can negatively impact the teeth on either side of them. They are also not as stable as implant-supported dentures.

Implant-Supported Dentures

With a patient satisfaction rate of over 99%, dental implants are the most reliable method for anchoring restorative dental prosthetics. Implant-supported dentures are attached to titanium posts that act as a replacement for the roots of your missing teeth.

Pros

• Implant-supported prosthetics are a stable, permanent solution to tooth loss.
• They don’t restrict your diet.
• Since the posts act as a natural root, they stimulate the jaw bone and prevent bone recession.

Cons

• The process for obtaining dental implants can be lengthy.
• They are a more expensive option than traditional or partial dentures.
• The osseointegration process may take a long time.

If you choose implant-supported dentures, Dr. Bridges will recommend a specialist to place your implants. After that, we will create and attach your personalized prosthetics.

Learn More About Dentures in Duncan, OK

Bring back your confidence with a beautiful and functional smile! Visit our knowledgeable and caring team for expert dental care. To learn more about dentures or to schedule a consultation, call 580-255-4880 or contact us online to start your journey today!

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If you’re worried about aesthetic issues with traditional dentures, Dr. Bridges solves these issues by creating custom dentures with high-grade materials. Here are some common flaws that people worry about and how we resolve them.

Natural-Looking Gum Tissue

Your gums are an essential component of your smile. If your denture gums do not match your natural gums, you may worry about your dentures being obvious. Fortunately, modern dentures are much more convincing than in the past, thanks to advances in technology and dentistry skill.

At your denture appointment, Dr. Bridges customizes the color of the base of your dentures to match the pigment of natural gum tissue. Generally, we use acrylic resin for the base of dentures because it can be dyed in different shades to compliment the wearer’s unique gum tissue.

Additionally, a benefit of acrylic resin is that it can be painted on. So, we can even paint natural details (for example, blood vessels) to mimic the appearance of your natural gums. This helps your new realistic dentures seamlessly blend in with your natural gums.

Tooth Texture and Translucency

Furthermore, another common complaint about dentures is that the teeth look a bit flat because rudimentary dentures are made of plastic. Plastic is famously artificial-looking and doesn’t reflect light like natural enamel.

When you start the denture treatment process at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we employ an extra step so that your new realistic dentures look and feel as natural as possible: the wax buildup. During this stage, we create a wax model of your teeth so that we can fit and make adjustments to optimize appearance and function before final fabrication. Also, we use ceramic material to create artificial teeth, because it closely imitates the appearance of natural enamel.

Teeth Shape and Size

In the past, dentures had limited options for the shape and size of the teeth. Other times, early dentures already came with standard teeth installed. If your dentures look too boxy, they can quickly fade your newfound confidence.

Natural teeth come in all shapes and sizes. Today, dentists can select teeth that complement the features that are uniquely yours.

Perfect Fit

Dentists design new dentures to fit securely in your mouth. However, your mouth can change over time as your age. So, once realistic dentures can eventually look loose and feel uncomfortable. Beyond aesthetic issues, ill-fitting dentures rub against the gums to cause irritation, inflammation, and sore spots. Also, it’s hard to chew with dentures that don’t fit, so this can pose nutritional and digestion issues.

If your dentures don’t comfortably fit, contact our Duncan office as soon as possible. We will happily create a plan for relining or readjustment.

Are you interested in realistic dentures in Duncan, OK? Look no further!

Full, partial, and implant-support dentures are great solutions that can help you regain confidence in your smile after tooth loss. We firmly believe that dentures should not only be functional but flawless in their appearance. Schedule a consultation for realistic dentures or our other prosthetic dental appliances by calling (580) 255-4880 or messaging us online. 

The post Realistic Dentures: Where to Find Them appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Preventative Maintenance for Dentures

The American Academy of Prosthodontics offers these evidence-based tips for maintaining and caring for your dentures. The removal of bacterial biofilm on dentures is of paramount importance to maintaining good oral and overall health.

• Dentures should be cleaned daily by brushing and soaking
• Use a nonabrasive denture cleanser
• Only use denture cleansers once dentures are removed
• Always follow product instructions closely
• Have your dentist clean the prosthetic during dental exams
• Never place dentures in hot water
• Dentures should be stored in water when not in use
• Dentures made with zinc should be avoided
• Denture adhesives should be removed on a daily basis
• Dentures should not be worn 24 hours a day to avoid denture stomatitis

The AAP also recommends that dentures are checked annually by a qualified dentist. Regular exams can help Dr. Bridges search for signs of oral lesions and bone loss. Dr. Bridges can also check the fit and function of your denture during dental visits.  

Denture Options in Duncan, OK

Our Duncan, OK dental office offers three types of dentures. Dr. Bridges can explain the benefits of each option in detail. 

• Partial dentures: Individuals who are missing multiple teeth in one area of the jaw may be good candidates for a partial denture. Partial dentures can fill in sporadic gaps in your smile. Like traditional dentures, partial dentures are held in place by the jawbone and gums. Dental clasps that hook to adjacent teeth can add additional stability. 
• Traditional dentures: Traditional dentures replace an entire arch of teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Full dentures are supported by the gum tissue. Dental adhesives can add additional stability.
• Implant-supported dentures: Dental implants replace missing tooth roots. Unlike partial or traditional dentures, dental implants anchor your denture directly to the jawbone. The titanium posts have the additional benefit of stimulating jawbone growth, which can prevent jawbone recession and the “caved-in” look associated with some geriatric individuals. Many patients report that implant-supported dentures feel and function like natural teeth. If you are interested in this superior restorative option, Dr. Bridges will be glad to discuss the treatment timeline and cost of dental implants during your next visit.

Contact Our Office Today!

Dentures restore oral function. They also allow a patient to enjoy a better quality of life. Chisholm Trail Smile Center offers many restorative treatment options. If you are interested in learning more about dentures, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges in the 73533 area. Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center online, or call our office at (580) 255-4880.

The post Preventive Maintenance for Dentures appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you are looking for a dentist who can help restore your smile after tooth loss, consider Dr. Bridges and our friendly team at Chisolm Trail Smile Center! We have one of the oldest dental practices in Duncan, and enjoy getting to know our patients and understand their dental goals and issues so we can provide personalized, compassionate care. If you are looking for a dental care home in Duncan, OK, call us today!

Here’s a quick checklist of how to best care for your partial dentures:

Give them a rest.

Always take your dentures out at night, before heading to bed. This gives your mouth ample time to recover from wearing the denture appliance all day, and allows the dentures time to soak and receive a deep clean. If your partials don’t have metal clasps, use an over-the-counter denture cleansing solution.  This will help to remove any stains or bacteria which may have accumulated during the day.

Use caution.

Dentures can hold up to a lot of wear and tear in your mouth, but can be surprisingly fragile outside of the mouth. Always be careful when handling them. Clean them over a small towel in case they slip out of your hand. Never use stiff brushes to clean them either. Be sure to properly store them up and away from curious pets or little children.

Clean often.

Dentures are not natural teeth, but they need just as much cleaning as your teeth and gums. Just like teeth, your dentures can attract plaque and tartar; if not properly removed, it can lead to periodontal issues such as gum irritation or infection around the appliance. Give your partials a good scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush and regular toothpaste, or special denture cleaning paste, in the evening before soaking them overnight.

Don’t forget the gums.

Your gums underneath the partial dentures can become irritated and inflamed if not properly cared for. Be sure to lightly brush and massage the gum tissue when you brush twice a day. This can remove plaque buildup and stimulate the tissues to increase blood flow.

See us regularly.

Preventive care visits to our Duncan, OK, practice should continue as normal when wearing partials. Dr. Bridges can check for signs of irritation, receding gums, or tooth decay around the partial. He can also check the appliance to ensure it is still working properly and when it needs to be replaced.

Pay attention.

If you notice a change in how your dentures fit, or if they begin to feel as though they aren’t fitting anymore, schedule an appointment right away. Your mouth’s gums and bones can shift over time, which sometimes leads to an improper denture fit after a few years. Other times, periodontal disease causes a change in how partials fit around the gums. Either way, an incorrect fit can cause painful and destructive problems like sore or bleeding gums or enamel erosion.  Dr. Bridges can adjust your dentures if the fit changes so that you can maintain a comfortable, function bite.

For more information, or to schedule your appointment with us, call us at (580) 255-4880.

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