Your Guide to a Complete, Functional Smile With Dentures
If you’re considering dentures, you’re not alone. Millions of people rely on dentures to restore their smiles, improve their ability to eat and speak, and boost their confidence. Whether you’ve lost teeth due to decay, gum disease, injury, or age, dentures can offer a functional and natural-looking solution. At Balsam Dental in Waynesville, NC, Dr. Andrew Sharman and Dr. Serene Nagia provide personalized denture care to help patients regain their quality of life. Before you make the decision, here’s what you need to know about dentures and what to expect from the process.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in two main types: full dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all teeth in the upper or lower jaw need to be replaced, while partial dentures fill in gaps when some natural teeth remain. Modern dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably and are crafted to look like your natural teeth, giving you a smile you can feel proud of.
Why Consider Dentures?
Tooth loss affects more than just your appearance. It can make it difficult to chew food properly, leading to nutritional deficiencies and digestive issues. It can also impact your speech, making certain sounds harder to pronounce. And beyond the functional challenges, missing teeth can affect your self-esteem and willingness to smile or engage socially. Dentures address all of these concerns by restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Types of Dentures
At Balsam Dental, we offer several denture options to meet your unique needs. Full dentures rest on the gums and are held in place with natural suction or denture adhesive. Partial dentures use metal or acrylic clasps to attach to your remaining natural teeth. For patients looking for more stability, we also offer implant-retained dentures, which anchor to dental implants for a secure, long-lasting fit. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which type of denture is best suited to your oral health and lifestyle.
The Denture Process
Getting dentures typically involves several appointments. First, we’ll perform a thorough examination of your mouth, take impressions, and discuss your goals and preferences. If any remaining teeth need to be extracted, we’ll coordinate that step as well. Once your mouth has healed, we’ll create a custom set of dentures designed to fit comfortably and look natural. You may need a few adjustment visits to ensure the perfect fit, as your gums and bone structure can change during the healing process.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
It’s normal to experience an adjustment period when you first start wearing dentures. Your mouth needs time to get used to the new appliance, and you may notice increased saliva production, minor soreness, or difficulty speaking and eating at first. These issues typically resolve within a few weeks as your muscles adapt. Practicing reading aloud and starting with soft foods can help speed up the adjustment process. Our team at Balsam Dental will provide guidance and support every step of the way to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper care is essential to keep your dentures looking great and functioning well. Remove and rinse your dentures after eating, and brush them daily with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too harsh. When you’re not wearing your dentures, store them in water or a denture-soaking solution to prevent them from drying out and warping. You should also continue to care for your gums and any remaining natural teeth by brushing gently and maintaining regular dental checkups.
Benefits and Limitations
Dentures offer many benefits, including improved appearance, better nutrition, clearer speech, and restored confidence. However, they do have some limitations. They may feel less stable than natural teeth, especially lower dentures, and they may require periodic adjustments or replacements as your mouth changes over time. For patients seeking maximum stability, implant-supported options can provide a more permanent solution.
Is It Time to Consider Dentures?
If you’re struggling with missing teeth or dealing with dental issues that may lead to tooth loss, dentures could be the right solution for you. At Balsam Dental, we’re here to help you explore your options and find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget. From consultations to fittings and follow-up care, our team is committed to supporting you through every stage of your denture journey.
Contact Balsam Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharman or Dr. Nagia. Let us help you restore your smile and reclaim your confidence with high-quality dentures tailored to your needs.