What Are Dentures?
Custom dentures can be a great choice if you want to replace several missing teeth. Dentures can restore your smile and help you eat and speak with more confidence. At Riley Dental, our dentist, Dr. Luke Riley, can create partial, full, or immediate removable dentures for residents in Haslet, TX and surrounding areas. Full dentures replace your entire lower arch, upper arch, or both, as opposed to partial dentures, which use your remaining teeth as support. Immediate dentures are an option for patients who do not want to be without teeth while they wait for conventional dentures to be created. They allow you to walk out of your appointment with dentures the same day; however, they will likely need to be adjusted as your gums and bones heal, and you may eventually need to be fitted for conventional dentures. Dr. Riley can help you determine whether partial, full, or immediate dentures fit your goals and then have them custom made to look beautiful. Make an appointment at Riley Dental to get more information about removable dentures.
What Are The Benefits Of Dentures?
A custom-made set of dentures at Riley Dental offers many benefits for a beautiful new smile and restored function, including:
- Provides multiple customizable denture options
- Includes same-day dentures and metal-free partials
- Recreates a beautiful, natural-looking smile
- Makes eating easier by strengthening the bite
- Improves speech and speaking
- Rejuvenates your facial appearance
- Boosts confidence and self-image
- Easy to care for and maintain
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am i a candidate for Dentures?
You could be a good candidate for removable dentures if you are missing most or all of your teeth, but your gums and jawbone are still healthy. If you have natural teeth, they can either be removed if you want a full denture or you can keep them as support for a partial. We offer both metal and metal-free partials. Metal-free is a great option for you if you felt your previous metal partials were too heavy or they wouldn't stay in place, or if you have a metal allergy or want to avoid metal exposure. At your initial consultation with Dr. Riley, he will assess your oral health and explain your choices to fit your budget and needs.
How do dentures work?
Dr. Riley has learned how to craft beautiful, natural-looking dentures from the best prosthodontists. He takes a meticulous approach to ensure the absolute best end results.
If you opt for full conventional dentures, your first appointment will consist of a consultation to discuss your options. If you have had dentures before, Dr. Riley will talk to you about what you did and didn’t like about them, and models will be made of your previous dentures as well as of your oral cavity. If you have not had dentures before, Dr. Riley may perform or schedule an extraction of any remaining teeth.
At your second appointment, Dr. Riley will take more measurements to determine the perfect tooth height, width, and shape and smile size for your face shape. He will also determine shade matching at this point. If you’ve had an extraction at your previous appointment, he will take a model of your oral cavity at this time.
Your third appointment will likely by a try-in of the dentures with only the front teeth in place, and you will be able to observe as he makes necessary adjustments.
At your next appointment, you will have a full try-in. Dr. Riley will double check the tooth height and size, as well as the evenness of your bite, to make sure your dentures are as comfortable and functional as possible.
Once your dentures are finalized and perfected, you will be able to come in and receive your brand new smile.
If you are opting for immediate dentures, your initial evaluation will include radiographs being taken of your mouth and a consultation with Dr. Riley to decide whether immediate dentures are right for you.
At your second appointment, a model of your teeth will be taken to craft your dentures. Dr. Riley will discuss shade matching, face shape, tooth size, and more with you to ensure you receive the most natural look and feel with your new dentures. Dr. Riley may also perform preliminary surgery at this appointment, which is the extraction of the back teeth.
At your third appointment, your remaining teeth will be extracted, and you will receive your completed immediate denture to wear home that same day. As your gums and bones heal over the next several weeks, your immediate denture will likely need to be adjusted and relined to ensure a close fit.
If a partial denture is determined to be the best solution for your oral healthcare needs, Dr. Riley provides both implant-supported and removable options. Using either Valplast or cast metal, he produces beautiful, natural-looking results.
How Do you care for dentures?
It may require time before your dentures feel natural; however, it should become easier to speak and eat normally. If the dentures feel loose, come back to Riley Dental to get your dentures re-fitted. You will need to clean your dentures with a toothbrush two times daily. At night or whenever you take out your dentures, they need to be soaked to prevent them from drying out. You should continue to attend cleanings and exams at Riley Dental so Dr. Riley can examine the fit and wear of your dentures and the overall health of your mouth. He will discuss when your dentures need to be replaced or repaired; however, with ideal treatment, your custom dentures can last for several years.
are dentures covered by insurance?
If you are using insurance, some of the expenses of your custom dentures will usually be paid for. We will talk to your dental insurance to understand your benefits and personal costs. At your initial consultation with Dr. Riley, he will develop your treatment so your dentures match your budget and needs. For help making your dentures affordable with or without dental insurance, Riley Dental takes several payment methods, including payment plans and third-party financing.
Dentures FAQ
Will my dentures look natural?
Yes, they will. Dr. Riley creates beautiful, customized dentures that look completely natural. He will match the shade and shape of your natural teeth and gums to give you a strong, brilliantly stunning new smile that is also in harmony with your facial aesthetics.
What are partial dentures?
For patients that are only missing a few teeth, a full denture may not be necessary. In these instances, Dr. Riley can create a partial denture to fill in the gap between your natural teeth. Not only does a partial denture restore your smile and allow you to eat and talk normally, but it also helps to preserve tooth and gum health and bone density.
Are there other options than dentures?
Yes, there are. Dr. Riley also offers restoration options like dental implants. Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss that implants a metal post in the jaw upon which a crown, denture, or partial is permanently affixed. During your consultation, Dr. Riley will talk to you about treatment options to restore your smile.
How long do dentures last?
While dentures are durable, they're not "forever" solutions. They typically last between 5-7 years. Over time, they can wear out or your mouth can change shape, requiring adjustments or replacement.
Will I be able to eat normally with dentures?
With dentures, there's a learning curve to eating. Initially, it's best to start with soft foods, cut into bite-sized pieces, and chew using both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure. Gradually, as you adjust, you can introduce more varied foods. While many people return to a near-normal diet, it's wise to be cautious with hard or sticky foods. Over time, and with practice, most people find they can eat comfortably with dentures.
Will dentures affect my speech?
Initially, dentures may affect speech, causing slight lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain words. This happens as your tongue and cheeks adjust to their presence. These issues get resolved with practice, like reading aloud and repeating challenging words. Over time, most people find their speech returns to normal or very close to their natural articulation.
restore your beautiful smile
Reclaim your ability to speak and eat with confidence. With beautiful custom dentures, not only will you regain proper function of your teeth and mouth, but you'll love your new smile. Dr. Riley is happy to be able to offer custom removable partial, full, and immediate dentures for his patients in Haslet, TX. Get more information on how custom dentures can restore your oral health by making an appointment at Riley Dental.