Dentures can help normalize speech and aid oral function. How can artificial teeth do all that? At Saluda Smilemakers, Dr. Sam Wheeler replaces missing teeth in patients of all ages. He truly is an expert in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Today's dentures combine features of both.
What is a partial denture?
A partial denture is a removable dental appliance which replaces one or more missing teeth. It's composed of tooth- and gum-colored acrylic, a metal frame and customized clasps to hold the denture to adjoining natural teeth. Think of a partial denture as a puzzle piece which perfectly fills a smile gap and restores facial appearance. Carefully crafted according to digital X-rays and oral impressions, these prosthetics last about ten years or longer if you treat them gently and clean them with soaks or pastes approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
What is a full denture?
A full denture replaces a complete arch of teeth on the top and/or bottom of the mouth. Conventional dentures stay in place with the mouth's natural suction and structure. They are placed after extraction sites heel and gums and bone shrink in size and shape.
Immediate dentures are so named because the patient wears them home immediately after tooth extraction. These appliances speed healing and give the patient a normal-looking and functioning smile without any wait time. However, they have one disadvantage: the dentist must refit or even replace immediate dentures as both hard and soft oral tissues reconfigure themselves after the healing process.
Finally, your Saluda dentist offers overdentures supported by remaining natural teeth or a series of titanium dental implants. These appliances are exceptionally secure, and dental implants actually increase bone density and gum health.
A renewed smile
After tooth loss, you deserve to recover your best smile. If you've suffered tooth loss, call Dr. Sam Wheeler at Saluda Smilemakers and arrange a denture consultation. He'll explain all your options and ensure you have the best possible results. Phone the office staff at (864) 445-8124.