The Solution for Missing Teeth and a Beautiful Smile
Complete dentures are a widely favored choice for individuals who have lost most or all of their natural teeth. They offer functional and aesthetic benefits, allowing people to regain their smiles and enhance their oral health. Thankfully, our dentists in Wilmington and Seaford, DE, provide complete dentures as a reliable and effective method to restore and beautify your smile.
Contact our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 to book your appointment!
What Are Complete Dentures?
Complete dentures are a form of removable prosthesis designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, whether in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. These dentures are custom-crafted to fit the unique contours of an individual’s mouth and are typically constructed from acrylic resin. Complete removable dentures rest directly on the gums and are secured in place through natural suction or denture adhesive.
They offer functional and aesthetic solutions for those who have lost all their teeth due to decay, gum disease, injury, or other causes. Complete dentures use artificial teeth to restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Components of Complete Dentures
Complete dentures consist of several key components that work together to provide functionality and comfort.
- Base: Crafted from acrylic, the base is designed to replicate the look of natural gums.
- Teeth: These artificial teeth, often made from either acrylic or porcelain, are crafted to resemble natural teeth closely.
- Flange: This portion of the denture extends into the cheeks and lips, assisting in keeping the denture secure.
Types of Complete Denture
There are a few different types of complete dentures available, including:
- Conventional Complete Dentures: These dentures are crafted and placed in the patient’s mouth once the remaining teeth are removed and the gum tissue has fully healed. This healing process can take several months, during which the patient will be without teeth.
- Immediate Dentures: These dentures are fitted immediately after extracting the remaining teeth. Measurements and models of the patient’s jaws are taken during an initial visit. While this allows the patient to avoid being without teeth during the healing phase, adjustments or relining may be necessary as the tissues heal and change shape.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Complete dentures can be anchored using dental implants. This type of denture includes attachments that connect to implants placed in the jawbone, providing enhanced stability and function compared to conventional dentures.
Benefits of Complete Dentures
Complete dentures provide numerous advantages for individuals who have lost all of their natural teeth, including:
- Improved Aesthetics: Dentures replace missing teeth to restore a natural appearance to the face, supporting the lips and cheeks, and preventing the sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss.
- Enhanced Chewing and Speaking: Dentures allow individuals to chew food more effectively, aiding digestion and nutrition. They also contribute to clearer speech, reducing slurring or mumbling caused by missing teeth.
- Restored Oral Function: Complete dentures enable individuals to regain the ability to eat a wider variety of foods, including those that require more chewing, leading to a more balanced diet.
- Easy to Maintain: Removable dentures are relatively simple to clean and maintain. Consistent cleaning and proper hygiene practices can help ensure their longevity and prevent issues like bad breath or oral infections.
- Cost-Effective: Complete dentures are generally more affordable than other tooth replacement options, such as dental implants, making them a practical choice for individuals on a budget.
- Customization: Dentures can be tailored to fit the individual’s mouth comfortably. Modern denture materials and techniques allow for a better fit and improved comfort.
- Minimal Healing Time: Unlike dental implants, which require healing time after surgery, dentures can be worn almost immediately after they are fitted and adjustments are made.
Getting Your Complete Dentures
The process of obtaining complete dentures involves several key steps:
- Initial Examination: Our dentists in Wilmington and Seaford will assess your oral health, review your medical history, and discuss your expectations for the dentures.
- Impressions: Precise molds of your mouth are taken to ensure the dentures are tailored to fit perfectly.
- Try-In: A preliminary model of the dentures is tested for fit, bite, and appearance to ensure everything is satisfactory before the final product is made.
- Adjustments: Any necessary modifications are made to achieve optimal fit and denture retention.
- Final Fitting: You will receive your permanent dentures, along with instructions for aftercare to maintain their condition.
Candidacy for Complete Dentures
Several factors are considered to determine eligibility for complete dentures, such as:
- Total tooth loss
- Overall oral health
- Adequate jawbone strength
- Realistic expectations
- Dedication to oral hygiene
To learn more about your denture candidacy, contact our dentists in Wilmington and Seaford today.
Complete Denture Costs
The cost of complete dentures typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,000. Several factors can influence the total expense for each patient, affecting the price of your new dentures. Considerations include:
- Location: Prices can vary greatly depending on the area. Urban locations often have higher costs compared to rural ones, due to increased overhead and living expenses.
- Material: Dentures are available in different materials. Higher-quality materials tend to offer a more natural appearance and greater durability, but they come at a higher price.
- Type of Denture: Options include conventional full dentures and immediate full dentures. Conventional dentures are created after tooth removal and initial gum healing, while immediate dentures are prepared in advance and placed immediately after tooth extraction. The expedited process of immediate dentures may result in higher costs.
- Dentist’s Experience and Reputation: Dentists or prosthodontists with significant experience and a strong reputation may charge more than those who are newer to the field.
- Additional Procedures: In some cases, extra dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, may be required before fitting dentures, adding to the overall cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and maintenance, full dentures typically last between five to 10 years. The durability of complete dentures depends on various factors, including oral hygiene, wear and tear, and the materials used in their construction. It’s important to note that as we age, changes in our mouth may cause dentures to fit less comfortably than when they were initially made.
Adjusting to complete dentures can require several weeks or even months. During this period, denture wearers might encounter some discomfort, soreness, and challenges with speaking or eating. However, with time and practice, most individuals adapt to wearing dentures and begin to appreciate their benefits.
Transform Your Smile With Dentures Today!
To arrange your appointment, contact our dentists in Wilmington and Seaford by calling our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589. By familiarizing yourself with the candidacy criteria and the process involved, you can make a well-informed choice and enjoy the advantages of complete dentures for many years. We’re proud to serve the communities of Wilmington, Seaford, and the surrounding areas in Delaware.
