Dentures – Albuquerque, NM
Overcoming Tooth Loss with Reliable Prosthetics
Dentures remain one of the most sought-after forms of tooth replacement on the market. Dentists and patients alike turn to these prosthetics because of their tried-and-true ability to restore the visual aspects of a smile as well as improve the daily function of teeth. At Valer Dental & Braces, we believe in crafting only the highest-quality prosthetics for our patients, which is why you can expect nothing but the best when it comes to receiving a new set of beautiful teeth. Call us today to find out if you are a candidate for dentures.
Why Choose Valer Dental & Braces for Dentures?
- We Are In-Network with Most PPO Dental Insurance Plans
- Convenient Dental Appointments on Evenings & Weekends
- High-Quality Materials Used to Craft Custom Dentures
Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?
If you are struggling with tooth loss – whether you’re missing a few teeth or you don’t have any left – you might be wondering if you’re a candidate for dentures. After all, they have a reputation for seamlessly replacing a large number of teeth. Below, you will find some helpful information, including what qualifies you for dentures and the other tooth-replacement solutions we offer at our Albuquerque dental office.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Individuals who are without a full set of teeth will experience difficulty when it comes to eating certain foods, speaking in front of others, and feeling confident. Not to mention, the increased risk of loose additional teeth, negatively impacting the look, health, and function even further. That’s why we encourage our patients to schedule a consultation with us sooner rather than later. Our goal is to learn about your dental needs and restore your healthy, happy smile.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Most patients who are without multiple missing teeth or an entire arch are considered good candidates for dentures. That said, the only way to know for sure is to undergo a full examination by our trusted dental team. Not only will we evaluate the state of your existing smile and jawbone, but we’ll also discuss your preferences and smile goals. Then, we will determine if you’re a good candidate for dentures or if we need to explore the other tooth-replacement solutions we offer.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
If we determine that dentures aren’t ideal for you for one reason or another, we will explore your other tooth-replacement options, including:
- Dental bridges – Dental bridges are a great option for patients who are missing one tooth or up to four teeth in a row. In this case, we will anchor the replacement tooth or teeth securely in position with custom dental crowns. With proper care, your restoration can last for several years (if not an entire decade).
- Dental implants – A revolutionary tooth-replacement solution, dental implants are inserted into your jawbone. Since they don’t rest against your gums, they are considerably more durable. Plus, they stimulate it each time you chew, which helps prevent bone loss. So, if you are looking to replace one tooth or an entire arch of teeth, don’t hesitate to ask us about dental implants!
Now, it’s time to take the next step: schedule a consultation! Once that appointment is on the calendar, you’ll be a big step closer to having the complete, healthy, and confident smile you deserve.
Types of Dentures
Choosing which type of denture is right for you is something we will discuss during your initial consultation. This visit will allow us to explain the difference between full and partial dentures as well as those that are held in place by dental implants.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are fabricated using a gum-colored acrylic base as well as artificial teeth that are attached to replicate the missing portions of your smile. They often contain a metal or plastic framework so that they can remain in place with the help of small clasps. Partial dentures are removable, so you can easily clean them in the morning, after meals, and at nighttime.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are crafted much in the same way as partial dentures; however, they do not require any kind of metal or plastic framework, and they don’t possess any clasps. Instead, these prosthetics use natural suction and denture adhesive to stay in place, as they are used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
Implant Dentures
Using between 4 and 6 titanium dental implant posts, implant dentures remain affixed in place for a more permanent and longer-lasting restorative solution. Once the posts fuse with the underlying jawbone, they deliver a durable hold so that the custom restoration is fully supported. Not only do these prosthetics look more natural, but they also allow for a greater bite force so that you can eat all your favorite foods with ease.
Benefits of Dentures
The benefits that come with dentures are hard to beat. Being able to replace your missing teeth with these truly remarkable prosthetics allows you to:
- Enjoy eating your favorite foods again because of your improved bite force
- Keep smiling year after year because of their extended lifespan
- Maintain better oral health because of how easy they are to maintain
- Speak clearly instead of slurring your words
- Feel more confident in your appearance
- Maintain your facial structure
Dentures FAQs
Do Dentures Break Easily?
While dentures are remarkably durable, they are not invincible and will eventually require replacement. With excellent care and maintenance, your appliance may be able to last up to seven years or more, but they can break or fracture due to being dropped, fitting poorly, or having defects such as scratches or notches in their bases. Even if you treat your dentures with the best possible care, they will wear down and eventually break due to the stress of frequent repeated use.
What Should You Do if Your Dentures Break?
The most serious problem a full denture can experience is “prosthesis facture,” meaning that the appliance has broken in two. While this issue is more common for top dentures, it can happen to bottom ones as well. Depending on how your dentures were broken, we may be able to repair your appliance, so call us as soon as you notice that it has been damaged. If the issue is minor enough, we may be able to address it at our office by adjusting the base or repairing a chipped tooth. However, we may have to send it back to the lab for a reline in more severe cases, and we’ll have to recommend replacing your appliance altogether if it cannot be fixed.
Can Dentures Lose Their Fit?
Each denture is designed to fit its patient precisely based on detailed measurements taken of their dental ridges, so they should fit very well when you first receive them. However, dentures often lose their fit over time due to the changing shape of the patient’s mouth, and the appliance may no longer fit comfortably after several years. While denture adhesive can temporarily address the problem in many cases, wearing poorly fitting dentures for too long can lead to a range of oral health issues such as gum disease, bad breath, and difficulty speaking. If your dentures are no longer fitting well, take them to one of our locations in Albuquerque so we can have them adjusted or relined. If your appliance cannot be made to fit properly again, we may have to recommend replacing it.
Can I Sleep with My Dentures?
When you first receive your dentures, you may be instructed to wear them for a full 24 hours, including while sleeping. However, dentists typically recommend removing and soaking your dentures before going to bed after this initial period. Wearing dentures restricts the flow of blood to your gums, which can lead to soft tissue irritation and possibly acceleration of the process of bone loss in the jaw. Removing your dentures for eight hours every night gives your gums the time they need to rest and recover from wearing them throughout the day while also allowing your mouth to clean itself. This will help prevent bacteria from accumulating on the gums as well as the oral infections this buildup can cause. For example, sleeping with dentures has been associated with a higher risk of halitosis, gum disease, and pneumonia.