Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and help restore your ability to eat, speak and smile comfortably. At Oak Park Family Dental, we provide complete and partial dentures for patients who are missing several teeth or an entire dental arch.
If you are looking for dentures in Lenexa, KS, our dental team can evaluate your oral health, discuss your tooth replacement options and help determine whether complete or partial dentures are appropriate for your needs.
Call Oak Park Family Dental at 913-492-9660 to schedule a consultation.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made dental appliances used to replace missing teeth. Depending on how many teeth need to be replaced, dentures can restore some or all of the teeth in an upper or lower dental arch.
Dentures can help restore important everyday functions, including:
- Eating and chewing
- Speaking clearly
- Supporting the appearance of your smile
- Providing support for facial structures
- Replacing multiple missing teeth
The type of denture recommended depends on the number of missing teeth, the condition of your remaining teeth and gums, your overall oral health and your personal treatment goals.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures, also called full dentures, are designed to replace all of the teeth in an upper or lower dental arch.
A complete denture may be appropriate when a patient has lost all of the teeth in an arch or when the remaining teeth cannot be predictably restored.
Complete dentures are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth and are designed to provide a natural-looking appearance while restoring basic chewing and speaking functions.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are designed for patients who are missing several teeth but still have healthy natural teeth remaining.
A partial denture fills the spaces created by missing teeth while working with the remaining natural teeth. Depending on the design, a partial denture may use a framework or clasps to help provide stability.
Partial dentures may be an option when replacing multiple missing teeth without replacing every tooth in the dental arch.
Who May Need Dentures?
Dentures may be considered for patients who have lost multiple teeth because of conditions such as:
- Extensive tooth decay
- Advanced gum disease
- Significant tooth damage
- Dental trauma
- Tooth loss associated with aging
- Teeth that can no longer be restored
Not every patient with missing teeth needs dentures. Other tooth replacement options, including dental bridges or dental implants, may be appropriate depending on your oral health and individual circumstances.
A dental examination is the best way to determine which option may be suitable.
Benefits of Dentures
Replacing missing teeth can have functional as well as cosmetic benefits.
Depending on your individual situation, dentures may help:
Improve Chewing
Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew certain foods. Dentures can restore some of the chewing surface needed for eating.
Support Speech
Teeth play an important role in forming many sounds. Replacing missing teeth may help improve speech for some patients.
Restore Your Smile
Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth and can help create a more complete-looking smile.
Support Facial Appearance
Multiple missing teeth can affect the appearance and support of the lips and cheeks. Dentures can provide additional support to these areas.
Replace Multiple Teeth
Instead of replacing several missing teeth individually, a partial or complete denture can replace multiple teeth with one removable appliance.
What Is the Denture Process?
Getting dentures usually begins with a comprehensive dental examination.
1. Dental Examination
Your dentist evaluates your teeth, gums and overall oral health. If you have remaining natural teeth, their condition is also considered when determining the most appropriate treatment.
2. Treatment Planning
Your dentist discusses your tooth replacement options and explains whether complete dentures, partial dentures or another restoration may be appropriate.
3. Measurements and Impressions
Measurements and impressions may be taken to help create dentures that fit the shape and dimensions of your mouth.
4. Denture Fabrication
Your custom denture is created based on the information collected during your appointments.
5. Fitting and Adjustments
Once your denture is ready, your dentist checks its fit and function. Adjustments may be recommended if the denture feels uncomfortable or does not fit properly.
Are Dentures Comfortable?
Modern dentures are designed to fit the patient’s mouth as comfortably as possible. However, it can take time to become accustomed to wearing a new removable appliance.
You may initially notice changes in how the denture feels when eating or speaking. Your dentist can evaluate the fit and make adjustments when necessary.
If your denture causes persistent discomfort, sore areas or difficulty eating, contact your dental office rather than continuing to wear an uncomfortable appliance without evaluation.
How Do You Care for Dentures?
Proper denture care can help keep your appliance clean and comfortable.
Your dentist will provide specific instructions based on your type of denture, but general care may include:
- Clean your dentures regularly as directed.
- Handle dentures carefully when removing or inserting them.
- Keep dentures in the recommended solution or storage method when they are not being worn.
- Clean your gums, tongue and remaining natural teeth.
- Continue regular dental examinations.
- Do not attempt to repair a damaged denture yourself.
- Contact your dentist if your dentures become loose, damaged or uncomfortable.
If you still have natural teeth, maintaining those teeth is particularly important.
Dentures vs. Dental Bridges
Dentures and dental bridges can both replace missing teeth, but they work differently.
A partial denture is removable and can replace multiple missing teeth.
A dental bridge is generally fixed in place and uses adjacent teeth or implants for support.
The appropriate option depends on factors such as the location of the missing teeth, the condition of the remaining teeth, your oral health and your treatment preferences.
Learn more about [dental bridges in Lenexa] and discuss the differences with your dentist.
Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Dental implants are another option for replacing missing teeth. Unlike traditional removable dentures, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and can support individual crowns, bridges or implant-supported dentures.
Traditional dentures may be appropriate for some patients, while implants or implant-supported restorations may be considered for others.
Your dentist can discuss the advantages, limitations, expected maintenance and suitability of each option based on your individual circumstances.
Learn more about [dental implants in Lenexa].
Can Dentures Replace All Missing Teeth?
Yes. Complete dentures are specifically designed to replace all teeth in an upper or lower dental arch.
However, the best replacement option varies from patient to patient. Some people may be candidates for complete dentures, while others may benefit from implants or implant-supported restorations.
A dental examination is necessary to determine the available options.
What Happens If Missing Teeth Are Not Replaced?
Missing teeth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. Tooth loss may make eating and speaking more difficult, and the remaining teeth may experience changes in how they function.
Replacing missing teeth can help restore oral function and provide support for your smile.
Your dentist can explain whether replacing your missing teeth is recommended and which treatment options may be available.
Dentures After Tooth Extraction
Some patients may need teeth removed before receiving a complete or partial denture. The timing of denture treatment depends on the patient’s oral health and the type of denture being planned.
If you need an extraction, your dentist can explain the healing process and discuss when a denture or another tooth replacement option may be appropriate.
Learn more about [tooth extractions in Lenexa].
How Long Do Dentures Last?
The lifespan of dentures varies depending on factors such as the type of denture, daily use, oral changes and how well the appliance is maintained.
Your mouth can also change over time, which may affect how well an older denture fits.
Regular dental visits allow your dentist to evaluate your dentures and oral health and determine whether adjustments, relining, replacement or another treatment may be appropriate.
Dentures for Older Adults
Older adults are not the only people who can benefit from dentures. Tooth loss can occur at different ages for many reasons.
For older adults with multiple missing teeth, dentures can be one option for restoring basic oral function and replacing missing teeth.
The treatment plan should always be based on the individual’s oral health, remaining teeth, bone and gum condition and personal needs.
Why Choose Oak Park Family Dental for Dentures?
Oak Park Family Dental provides general and restorative dental care in Lenexa, Kansas. The practice lists complete and partial dentures among its general and family dentistry services.
The office is located at 12148 W. 95th St., Lenexa, KS 66215, and the practice lists 913-492-9660 as its phone number.
Patients can discuss their missing teeth, existing dental work and available tooth replacement options with the dental team before deciding on treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
What are complete dentures?
Complete dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace all teeth in an upper or lower dental arch.
What are partial dentures?
Partial dentures replace multiple missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. They are removable and are designed to work with the patient’s remaining teeth.
Can dentures look natural?
Dentures are custom-made to replace missing teeth and are designed with appearance and function in mind. Your dentist can discuss tooth shape, color and overall appearance during treatment planning.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Dentures can help restore chewing function, but patients may need an adjustment period when learning to eat with a new denture. Your dentist can provide guidance on adapting to your new appliance.
Do dentures need to be removed?
Traditional removable dentures are generally removed according to your dentist’s instructions, particularly for cleaning and care. Follow the specific instructions provided for your denture.
Can I sleep with my dentures?
Your dentist can advise you about when to wear and remove your dentures. Follow the care and wearing instructions provided for your specific appliance.
What should I do if my dentures become loose?
Contact your dentist for an evaluation. Changes in the mouth or normal denture wear can affect fit, and your dentist can determine whether an adjustment or other treatment is needed.
Are dentures the only option for missing teeth?
No. Depending on your oral health and treatment goals, options may include dental bridges, individual dental implants or implant-supported restorations.
Schedule a Denture Consultation in Lenexa, KS
If you are missing multiple teeth or all of the teeth in an arch, dentures may be one option for restoring your smile and oral function.
Contact Oak Park Family Dental at 913-492-9660 to schedule a consultation and learn more about complete and partial dentures in Lenexa, KS.