Dentures – Des Plaines, IL
A Time-Tested Answer for Tooth Loss
When you have multiple teeth that need to be replaced, dentures likely come quickly to mind as a potential solution. These restorations have been around for centuries, and over time the techniques and materials used to make them have become more advanced. Today’s dentures are more lifelike than ever, and they’re designed to make it easier to speak and chew on a daily basis. Are you thinking you might be a candidate for dentures? Give our team at Brite Smiles a call today.
Why Choose Brite Smiles for Dentures?
- Lifelike, Long-Lasting Prosthetic Teeth
- In-House Dental Implant Placement
- Flexible Office Hours and Little Wait Time
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
When you’re missing any number of teeth, dentures may be a treatment worth considering. Leaving the space in your mouth empty could limit your ability to eat certain foods, speak in front of others, and smile without feeling embarrassed. We recommend that you call our office right away to schedule a consultation; we’ll consider the number of missing teeth as well as your oral health before we decide whether dentures are right for your grin.
Types of Dentures
Getting dentures doesn’t have to mean just one thing; there are different types to consider. We’ll recommend the kind of denture that we feel is best suited to helping your smile function properly again; an estimate of the overall cost will be provided at your initial consultation.
Partial Dentures
If only some of your teeth are missing, you may receive what is known as a partial denture. This type of restoration will be expertly made to fit seamlessly into the various gaps throughout your grin. Your partial denture will use a clasp to stay attached to your natural teeth.
Full Dentures
An entire arch of teeth can be replaced with full dentures. The gum-colored base of the restoration will stay in place thanks to naturally-created suction. Remember that you’ll need to take your dentures out before bed to give your gums a chance to rest while you sleep.
Implant Dentures
A traditional denture can only replace the crowns of your teeth (as in, the parts that everyone can see when you show off your grin). Implant dentures are different in that they can restore the root structure of missing teeth as well. We highly recommend implant dentures for anyone who wants new teeth that look, feel, and function as close to their original smile as possible.
The Benefits of Dentures
The decision to get dentures is a big one, so it’s important to take the time to consider all of the advantages of the treatment. Here are just a few of the reasons why dentures can be an excellent choice for you:
- Dentures made out of natural-looking materials can enhance your self-esteem by helping you feel more confident about the way your smile looks.
- A full set of teeth will let you eat more foods and chew comfortably.
- It is very easy to take care of dentures, and they can last about 7 to 10 years on average if they’re well-maintained.
Dentures FAQs
Will My Dentures Look Like My Natural Teeth?
Today's dentures look better than ever and are highly lifelike! Modern materials and fabrication techniques allow for dentures that closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth, including realistic color, translucency, and shape. In fact, many patients are pleasantly surprised by how natural their smile looks in the mirror. When you come into our Des Plaines office for dentures, our team will take into account your facial structure, skin tone, and personal preferences, so that your new smile feels authentically yours.
Will I Be Able to Eat Normally with Dentures?
Many patients with missing teeth who wear dentures are able to enjoy a varied diet with most of their favorite foods, although some adjustments are necessary, especially in the beginning. Starting with softer foods that require little chewing and cutting your food into smaller, bite-sized pieces helps you build confidence and lets your mouth adjust to the new prosthetic. However, extremely hard, sticky, or chewy foods, such as hard candies, tough cuts of meat, or items like caramel, can dislodge or damage dentures and are best avoided or approached with extreme caution.
How Long Will My Dentures Last?
With proper care, dentures can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, though this greatly varies depending on the materials used and how well they are maintained. Ensuring that you inspect and clean them every day and keep up with your oral hygiene goes a long way toward improving their lifespan. It’s also important to note that over time, the shape of your jawbone and gum tissue naturally changes, which can cause dentures to fit less securely even if the dentures themselves are in good condition.
Will My Dentures Affect the Way I Speak?
It's not uncommon to notice some changes in your speech when you first start wearing dentures, particularly with certain sounds and words (like “s” or sh” sounds). Most patients find that this adjustment period is temporary, and within a few weeks, the muscles of your tongue, lips, and cheeks adapt, and speech returns to normal. Practicing speaking with a trusted family member or friend, reading aloud, and speaking slowly at first can all help speed up the process.
Do I Still Need to Visit the Dentist If I Have Dentures?
Even for patients who wear dentures, regular biannual dental visits remain an important part of maintaining excellent oral health! At these appointments, our team will examine your gum tissue, remaining teeth (if you have any), and check the fit and condition of your dentures. The shape of your jaw changes gradually over time, and keeping up with routine visits allows us to catch issues early before they become uncomfortable problems—for you or your dentures.
