At the Lancaster dental office of Douglas B. Weber, D.D.S., we understand that preserving your natural smile is important for your quality of life. Sometimes, however, teeth are lost or must be extracted. When this happens, it can affect your ability to perform simple daily tasks, such as eating and speaking, as well as your self-esteem. As your partner in dental health, it is our job to help you find the tooth-replacement solution that best fits your lifestyle. For many, dentures are the perfect option.
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What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable replacements for teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. High-quality, personalized, and well-fit dentures can restore your youthful appearance and confidence while improving your ability to eat and speak naturally.
There are a variety of denture options available today to fit every patient’s dental, personal, and financial needs. Three options are full conventional dentures, overdentures, and partial dentures.
Full conventional dentures:
This type of denture is used to replace all teeth on one or both jaws. They are custom made to imitate your gumline and teeth, and to fit your mouth perfectly. Full dentures are one of the most affordable solutions available. The main disadvantage to this option is that they may become unstable because of the gradual bone loss that occurs after tooth loss.
Overdentures: Though slightly more expensive, overdentures are an extremely stable, long-term option. They are supported by natural teeth, if available, or by dental implants, which support the overdentures but also help maintain bone volume and your natural facial structure.
Partial dentures: This option is possible if you have remaining teeth, and the two types are removable and fixed. Partial dentures are supported by permanent teeth or dental implants that surround a gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. Permanent partial dentures are cemented to crowns that are placed on the existing teeth on either side of the gap. The removable partial denture has internal clasps that can attach to clasps placed on the crowns. This option keeps the teeth surrounding the gap from moving, and it is very stable while esthetically resembling your natural teeth.
What Is the Process for Getting Dentures?
The process for getting your custom dentures takes place over several weeks and visits to Douglas B. Weber, D.D.S. It begins with Dr. Douglas Weber getting to know you, your lifestyle, and what you need from your denture experience. You will be walked through your options so you can decide what is best for your unique situation. Once you have decided on the denture option that is best for you, we will take the following steps, which will allow us to craft a beautiful, custom set of dentures designed to maintain the appeal and integrity of your natural teeth and facial structure:
- Dr. Weber will take impressions and measurements of your jaws and how they function with one another.
- Models of the shape and position of your future dentures are constructed so that you can try them out before the permanent ones are created.
- Your final dentures are made and Dr. Weber fits you. Adjustments are made as necessary.
FAQ
Q. How much do dentures cost?
A. The price of dentures varies according to the option you choose, how many teeth are missing, the amount of bone loss that has occurred, and whether you choose to get implants. At Douglas B. Weber, D.D.S., we will work with you to find an affordable option that is right for you.
Q. Are dentures permanent?
A. Dentures that are cemented or bonded to adjacent teeth or dental implants are permanent dentures. This is a great option if you are missing several teeth in a row.
Q. Are snap-on dentures effective?
A. Snap-on dentures are a great alternative to traditional dentures, which rely on suction to stay in place. Snap-on dentures attach to multiple carefully spaced implants, which results in more stability and added comfort for patients.