When it comes to restoring someone’s smile that has been affected by missing teeth, dentures are an excellent option. In many cases, dentures provide an affordable and non-invasive solution that can give you back your confidence and ability to eat and speak comfortably. At Chatt Implant Center in Chattanooga, TN, our experienced team offers a variety of denture designs that can help you feel confident and comfortable again.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth. They can be partial or full, depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced. Full-mouth dentures—sometimes called “plates”—are used when all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing or need to be extracted for some reason. Whereas partial dentures only replace the teeth that are already missing; they snap into place around your other teeth.
Dentures are custom-made to fit each individual’s mouth, ensuring comfort and functionality.
Why Consider Dentures?
In addition to giving you a healthy smile, there are many benefits to getting dentures, including:
- Improved appearance: Missing teeth can cause facial muscles to sag and make you look older than you actually are. Dentures can give you a more youthful and vibrant appearance by filling in the supportive structures behind your lips and cheeks.
- Improved confidence: When you have missing teeth, it can be difficult to smile or speak confidently, even around your family. Dentures can give you the confidence to interact with others without worrying about your smile’s appearance.
- Improved oral health: Missing teeth can lead to other dental problems, such as accelerated bone loss, shifting teeth, and TMJ disorder. Dentures can help prevent many of these issues by replacing missing teeth and providing support for the surrounding ones.
- Improved eating and speaking ability: Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat certain foods and speak clearly. They can hold you back from feeling comfortable taking pictures or socializing at mealtime. Dentures can improve your ability to chew and speak, allowing you to enjoy a wider range of foods.
Getting Full-Mouth Dentures
Investing in full dentures is a multi-step process that typically takes several weeks to complete. The first step in getting dentures is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Whitmire to discuss your options. During the consultation, we will examine your mouth and determine if dentures—and which denture design—are the right option for you.
If dentures are recommended, the next step is to take impressions of your mouth. This involves using a special material to create a mold of your gums and any remaining teeth. The mold will be used to create custom dentures that fit your mouth perfectly. In most cases we can fit you with something to wear on the same day as any dental extractions.
Once your final dentures have been created, we will have you try them on to ensure they fit properly. Occasionally a try-in is needed so that any necessary adjustments can be made early on. When your dentures have been adjusted, the final fitting can take place. Dr. Whitmire will place the dentures in your mouth and make any final adjustments to ensure they fit comfortably and securely.
After you receive your final dentures, you will likely need to schedule follow-up appointments with Chatt Implant Center. This will allow Dr. Whitmire to check the fit of the dentures and make any necessary adjustments.
Schedule Your Consultation
Full-mouth dentures are an excellent option for our patients who are missing all of their teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They provide a non-invasive and affordable solution that can improve your appearance, confidence, your overall health. If you’re considering dentures, it is important to consult with a dentist with extensive training in denture design to determine if they’re the right option for you.
Chatt Implant Center in Hixon is a great choice for all your dental needs. With Dr. Whitmire leading the way, you can rest assured that you will receive quality, individualized care. Give us a call today to reserve your consultation!