Dentures

For those experiencing tooth loss, dentures offer an effective solution for restoring function and aesthetics. Whether you’ve lost a few teeth or need a complete set of replacement teeth, modern dentures provide comfort and a natural appearance. If you’re considering dentures in Louisville, KY, finding the right dentist is essential to ensure a perfect fit and a seamless experience. 

Understanding Dentures: Types and Benefits

Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in different types, each catering to specific needs:

• Full Dentures: Full dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They sit on the gums and are custom-made for a secure fit.
• Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base, often connected with metal clasps to hold them in place.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: For a more secure option, consider implants. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants, providing superior stability and preventing issues like slipping or clicking.

If you have missing teeth, contact us to get the best dentures for a better smile and improved oral health.

The Advantages of Dentures

Dentures come with several benefits, making them a popular choice for tooth replacement:

• Improved Appearance and Confidence: Dentures fill the gaps left by missing teeth, restoring your smile and facial structure. This boost in appearance can greatly enhance self-confidence.
• Enhanced Oral Function: Missing teeth can make eating and speaking challenging. Dentures restore these functions, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and communicate clearly.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Unlike other restorative options, dentures offer a more affordable way to replace multiple teeth, especially when considering full or partial sets.

The Denture Fitting Process

The denture fitting process using advanced technology, particularly digital dentures, has revolutionized how dentures are designed, crafted, and fitted. Digital dentures provide several benefits over traditional methods, offering a faster, more precise, and comfortable solution for patients. Here’s an overview of the digital denture fitting process:

Initial Consultation and Evaluation

The first step in the process is a comprehensive consultation with our dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will examine your oral health, including your gums, teeth, and jaw structure, to determine if dentures are the right solution. The dentist will also discuss your preferences, including aesthetics, comfort, and functionality. 

Digital Impressions and 3D Scanning

Instead of traditional molds that can be uncomfortable and messy, digital dentures are created using 3D scanning technology. The dentist will use an intraoral scanner to capture precise digital impressions of your mouth. This technology captures detailed 3D images of your gums, teeth, and bite, ensuring accuracy in the measurements. The digital impression process is much faster and more comfortable than traditional methods, and it eliminates the need for gooey impression materials. 

Digital Design

Once the digital impression is taken, the data will be sent to a computer-aided design (CAD) system, where the dentist or a dental technician will create a customized design for your dentures. The CAD software allows for precise adjustments, such as tooth size, shape, and placement, ensuring that the dentures will fit your mouth perfectly and align with your natural bite. The design will be tailored to your specific needs, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. 

Virtual Try-In

After the digital design is created, the dentist may use the data to create a virtual try-in of the dentures. This will allow you to see a digital preview of what your dentures will look like before they are even made. The dentist can make adjustments to improve fit, comfort, and appearance. This step is crucial for ensuring that the dentures will meet your expectations. 

3D Printing or Milling

Once the design is finalized, the dentures will be fabricated using advanced technology such as 3D printing or milling. 3D printing uses a layer-by-layer approach to build the denture from a high-quality resin material, while milling involves carving the denture from a solid block of material, such as acrylic. Both methods produce highly accurate and durable dentures. These advanced techniques ensure that the final product is customized to your unique oral structure. 

Fitting and Adjustments

Once the dentures are ready, the dentist will have you try them on to ensure a proper fit. The digital design allows for a high level of precision, but small adjustments may still be needed to achieve the most comfortable and functional fit. The dentist will check the fit in your mouth, ensuring the dentures align with your bite and that there are no issues with comfort or movement.

Follow-Up Appointments

After your digital dentures are fitted, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to ensure that the dentures are functioning as expected. These visits allow the dentist to make any necessary adjustments, such as refining the fit or ensuring that the dentures are comfortable when chewing or speaking.

Caring for Your Dentures

Proper care is vital for maintaining the longevity and appearance of your dentures. Here are some tips:

• Daily Cleaning: Clean your dentures daily with a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive cleanser to remove food particles and plaque. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface.
• Soaking Overnight: Most dentures need to stay moist to retain their shape. Soak them in water or a denture-cleaning solution overnight, as our dentist recommends.
• Handle With Care: Dentures are delicate and can break if dropped. Handle them over a soft surface like a folded towel to prevent damage.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Even with dentures, regular visits to the dentist are crucial. Our dentist will ensure your dentures remain in good condition and check the health of your gums and any remaining natural teeth. 

Exploring Alternatives: Implant-Supported Dentures

While traditional dentures work well for many, some patients prefer the added stability of implants. Implant-supported dentures are secured to titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone. This option offers several advantages:

• Increased Stability: Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures won’t shift or slip, providing a more secure fit.
• Bone Health Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth.
• Enhanced Comfort and Natural Feel: Patients report a more natural feel with implant-supported dentures, making it easier to eat and speak.

Why Choose Our Dentists in Louisville, KY?

Selecting the right professional is key to a successful denture experience. Our skilled dentists offer local expertise and personalized care, ensuring the best outcomes. They provide comprehensive consultations, advanced technology, and ongoing support to meet your unique needs. 

Whether you’re opting for traditional dentures or exploring implants, our local dentists provide a patient-centered approach. Their commitment to comfort and functionality ensures you leave with a smile that looks great and feels natural. 

Conclusion

Dentures are effective and affordable solutions for restoring smiles and improving quality of life. By working with our trusted dentists, you can be confident in receiving high-quality dentures tailored to your needs. From initial consultation to post-treatment care, our local professionals are dedicated to helping you achieve a comfortable and natural-looking smile. 

To schedule an appointment with us today at Aiken and Wilson Dentistry, visit us at 139 Saint Matthews Ave, Louisville, KY 40207, or call (502) 895-3774. Please explore our website to learn more about our various services.