DENTURES
Restore the Appearance and Function of Your Smile
Significant tooth loss can have a negative impact on your oral health and quality of life. Fortunately, there are many teeth replacement options available today. Dentures are one of the most common treatments for patients missing most or all of their teeth. At Mississippi Dental Center, MS, we offer several types of dentures depending on your unique needs, including full, partial, and implant-supported options.
Implant-supported dentures offer optimal stability and longevity compared to their traditional counterparts.
Benefits of Dentures
In addition to filling in gaps and spaces left behind by missing teeth, dentures offer a number of other benefits. Dentures:
Prevent shifting of any remaining teeth
- Are removable for easy cleaning and maintenance
- Provide support for the facial features, reducing the effect of hollowed cheeks
- Minimize speech problems caused by missing teeth
- Increase chewing function
- Are typically more affordable than dental bridges or implants
- Can last for up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance
Types of Dentures
At Mississippi Dental Center, we offer several types of dentures, depending on the specific needs of the individual.
Traditional Full Dentures
Full dentures consist of natural-looking artificial teeth set in a gum-colored base. These appliances can be used to replace teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both. Designed to fit snugly against the gums, traditional dentures are supported by the underlying bone ridge.
It is important to understand that dentures may begin to shift or slip after a few years of wear. This is because the jawbone atrophies over time, changing the fit of the appliance. For this reason, we recommend relining your denture every two years and replacing your denture every five to 10 years.
Partial Dentures
Like full dentures, partials rest atop the gums for support but are recommended when you still have a number of teeth remaining. In contrast to full dentures, partial dentures have small clasps that hook around healthy teeth for additional stability.
Partial dentures are an excellent option in many cases. However, patients should be aware that the added stress can compromise the structure of the remaining teeth. Similar to full dentures, we recommend replacing partial dentures after five to 10 years.
Implant-Supported Dentures
While conventional dentures rely on the gums for support, implant-supported dentures are attached to dental implants. Strategically positioned in the jawbone, implants are small titanium posts that serve as artificial teeth roots.
Implant-supported dentures offer optimal stability and longevity compared to their traditional counterparts. Though the treatment timeline is longer, most patients agree the results are well worth the wait.
What to Expect during the Procedure
To create traditional dentures, your doctor must take impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth. These are sent to a dental lab, where a skilled technician will fabricate your personalized dentures. Once they are complete, your doctor will assess the fit, feel, and appearance, making any necessary final adjustments.
Those who choose implant-supported dentures must first undergo dental implant surgery. During this visit, the implants are placed into the jawbone. After three to six months of healing, small connector posts called abutments are added and the final denture is attached.
Contact Mississippi Dental Center Today
Since 1995, we have served individuals and families in our community. We are happy to accept CareCredit® financing to help our patients afford the treatment they deserve. To learn more about dentures or to schedule an appointment, call our office at (601) 987-8722 or contact us online anytime.
