Missing teeth can affect your smile, confidence, teeth’s functionality, and speech. Dentists recommend replacing a lost tooth immediately to protect your remaining teeth and maintain a beautiful and functional mouth. Dentures are an excellent way to replace missing teeth. You can choose between standard and specialty dentures, depending on your needs, the look you want to achieve, and your budget.
Cosmetic dentists recommend specialty dentures because they offer more comfort, improved security, and functionality. They are custom-made and high-quality, made from advanced materials using the best techniques. You can opt for implant-retained dentures for the best stability, or palateless dentures to replace missing upper teeth.
Our experienced cosmetic dentists at SoCal Dental of Valencia are available to provide more information regarding specialty dentures. They can help you make an informed choice to replace your missing teeth in Valencia.
What Are Specialty Dentures
Specialty dentures are a type of dental prosthesis used to replace missing teeth. Although they work almost the same as standard dentures, they are more useful, stable, and comfortable. After placement, an implant holds specialty dentures, making them more secure for a perfect fit. Thus, they serve you better and more effectively.
Specialty dentures are also customized for a perfect fit. Cosmetic dentists design them to suit individual needs and preferences. They are developed using high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology for sophisticated features, a perfect fit, and comfortable use. Thus, you will likely enjoy more benefits when using specialty dentures than standard dentures.
While ordinary dentures can take time to feel comfortable after placement, you will experience fewer issues with specialty dentures. Some of the problems you can avoid by choosing these dentures include pain, discomfort, and difficulties chewing, biting, and eating.
Additionally, they fit perfectly from the dental lab because they are customized according to your natural features and preferences. You will experience a perfect snug fit, precisely what you need to restore your look, smile, and teeth functionality immediately after missing one or more teeth. They are also designed to look and feel like natural teeth.
How Specialty Dentures Differ from Standard Dentures
Dentists use dentures to replace missing teeth. They complete your teeth’s set so you can look, chew, and speak well. Both standard and specialty dentures are very useful in keeping your remaining teeth in place after tooth loss. This way, you can retain a perfect smile and bite. However, they differ in how they are made, fit, appearance, and benefits. Some of the main differences between standard and specialty dentures include the following:
Fit and Stability
Specialty dentures fit better and are more stable than traditional dentures. Dentists use adhesive or natural suction during placement to hold the dentures in place. Sometimes these methods are ineffective in keeping the dentures intact for a long time. Sometimes, they can slip out, especially when eating, brushing your teeth, or speaking. This can be painful and embarrassing.
Specialty dentures fit better and are more stable because they are anchored to an implant. Dentists place an implant on your jawbone, which, with time, fuses with the jawbone to create an even stronger support for the dentures. You can be sure that your dentures will remain stable and secure for years. You can bite, chew, and speak confidently without worrying about occasional slips or slight movements.
If an expert does the implant placement, the accuracy enhances your denture’s stability, giving you a more discreet and reliable connection between your natural teeth and dentures.
Comfort When Chewing
Standard dentures can be very uncomfortable when chewing some foods because they are usually unstable and sometimes do not fit nicely over the gums. You must forgo some of your favorite foods, tough and sticky ones. Since they are held in place by an adhesive or natural suction, they are unreliable enough for regular teeth to function.
Specialty dentures will benefit you more because they are more stable. You can comfortably eat your favorite foods without worrying about the discomfort, pain, or occasional slips of your dentures. Since they are held in place by a strong anchor, you can enjoy all your favorite foods, like you would if all your teeth were natural.
Protection for your Bone Health and Facial Structure
When you lose one or multiple teeth, your jawbone wears away at the gap the missing teeth leave. This can affect the stability of the adjacent teeth. Dentists recommend implants to preserve your jawbone, so your teeth can remain firmly anchored. Standard dentures do not offer this benefit because they are placed directly on the gum. However, specialty dentures are an excellent choice because they are anchored to an implant.
Additionally, as your jawbone wears away, your facial structure changes. You can prevent this by choosing specialty dentures. You protect your jawbone and maintain a beautiful facial structure that boosts confidence.
Improved Speech and Confidence
Before you get used to wearing standard dentures, talking, eating, or even smiling can be difficult. You could experience speech difficulties even after months or years of wearing them, especially if they fit snugly over the gum. This can affect your confidence.
Also, remember that traditional dentures can slip out of place easily as you speak or eat. This can be embarrassing, especially when it happens in a social setting. It can affect your confidence.
These are some of the issues you do not experience with specialty dentures because they fit well and are stable. You can comfortably speak, even on the same day you receive them.
The Benefits Offered by Specialty Dentures
If your teeth are missing, specialty dentures can be an excellent replacement option. Here are some of the benefits they offer:
Stability and functionality
Remember that specialty dentures are anchored to a dental implant. This makes them stable for a very long time. You can enjoy the full functionality of your teeth, including chewing and smiling, without worrying that your dentures can slip or shift at any given time. Additionally, the stability of specialty dentures makes them even more functional. Remember that you need perfect-looking teeth for a perfect smile and confidence. Your teeth’s stability also helps you enjoy all your favorite foods. You can achieve this and more with specialty dentures.
Enhanced Comfort
Compared to traditional dentures, specialty dentures are more comfortable because they fit well and are more stable. You need this comfort to speak confidently, eat, and smile after tooth replacement. You will enjoy this comfort for years since specialty dentures can last up to twenty years. Remember that they also protect your bone density, keeping your other teeth stable.
You Get a Natural Look
You will never recover your natural look and feel when you lose one or more teeth. However, dentists have dental restorations that look and feel exactly like natural teeth. Specialty dentures offer a natural experience that feels like you still have natural teeth. The dentures are firmly anchored on an implant and look and feel like natural teeth. You can smile broadly and socialize without anyone realizing you are wearing dentures.
You Preserve Your Bone Density
The jawbone is critical, as it supports the gums on which your natural teeth develop. Jawbones must remain strong so your teeth can also stay sturdy and stable. You can lose your bone density after losing some teeth and not replacing them immediately. Once your jawbone weakens, it may not be strong enough to support the adjacent teeth.
Dental implants, on which specialty dentures are placed, preserve your jawbone to remain as strong as ever. After placement, the implant integrates with the jawbone for stronger denture support.
Specialty Dentures are Long-lasting
Replacing multiple teeth can be expensive, especially when looking for a solution that will last for years. Dentures are among the most affordable options that dentists recommend for replacing missing teeth. Although specialty dentures are more expensive than traditional ones, they can last up to twenty years without requiring replacement. This is a long enough time for strong, stable, and beautiful dentures that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. If you take good care of the dentures after placement, they can serve you even longer.
You Can Customize Them To Your Liking
Remember that dentures are customized to suit your needs and preferences. Your dentist can create dentures exactly how you like them. If you want to change your appearance a little, you can have them made in your preferred design.
Different Types of Specialty Dentures
When you choose specialty dentures to restore your missing teeth, your dentist will discuss your options, benefits, and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision. The main types of specialty dentures in cosmetic dentistry include the following:
Implant-Supported Dentures
These are the main types of specialty dentures available today. They are attached to a dental implant, which the dentist places on your gum first, to create a stable base for the tooth replacements. Thus, your dentist will surgically place a dental implant before attaching a denture. An implant comprises titanium posts that fit securely on the jaw. The posts are held in place by the jawbone. Once you heal from the implant surgery, the dentist attaches a denture to replace missing teeth.
Implant-supported dentures are more common because of their stability and durability. However, you must have sufficient bone density to receive this type of denture. Remember that the implant is placed in your gum and is supported by the jawbone.
Precision Partial Dentures
These dentures use a hidden connector, a specially designed part fixed to a natural tooth. The denture is designed with a connector that joins perfectly with another connector on a natural tooth to create a strong connection when the denture is placed on the gum. This mechanism secures the denture, so it remains stable when you eat, speak, or brush your teeth. The hidden connector makes the denture feel natural, like your natural teeth.
Precision partial dentures can work very well when replacing multiple missing teeth. You can choose this option if you do not want an implant.
Immediate Dentures
These are the dentures dentists use to protect your gums after a tooth extraction. They are temporary but customized to fit in the space left by the extracted tooth or teeth. Immediate dentures restore your teeth’s functionality and appearance before deciding on the best teeth replacement procedure. They also allow you to enjoy a beautiful smile after tooth extraction as the gum heals for further treatment.
Since they are for temporary use, dentists do not make significant adjustments. You can wear them for a few days or weeks as you prepare for more permanent dentures.
Snap-On Dentures
These are also called implant overdentures. Removable teeth replacements snap on strategically placed implants in your jawbone. They are secure and stable and fit very well. Instead of using an adhesive to attach a denture to an implant, dentists use a snap mechanism for a more secure fit. You can unsnap the dentures to remove and clean them and then snap them back in place.
Snap-on dentures are more convenient because you can easily remove and put them back. Additionally, they are more stable because they are attached to a dental implant.
All-on-4 or All-on-6 Dentures
These are implant-supported dentures that dentists use to replace multiple missing teeth. They can fix dentures on four or six implants in a row to create a more stable replacement for numerous teeth.
The Treatment Process For Receiving Specialty Dentures
Once you choose specialty dentures for your missing teeth and the type that suits your needs, budget, and preference well, your dentist will explain the treatment process. This prepares you for what to expect when the time comes to receive the dentures.
All dental treatments start with the initial consultation, when you discuss your problems and needs with your dentist. Your dentist asks questions and seeks clarification to understand your needs and expectations. They can examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone on the same day to determine your suitability for specialty dentures. If you need an implant-supported denture, the dentist must ensure your bone density is excellent for the surgical placement of the implant.They will also examine the health of your teeth and gums to determine whether you need prior treatment for conditions like gum disease or cavities before receiving a denture.
The dentist can discuss your treatment options and develop a treatment plan on the same day. If you know that you need specialty dentures, they will explain the treatment process and develop a plan for it. In the plan, the dentist will specify the type of specialty denture you want, the number of missing teeth you want to replace, and how many appointments you need within a specified timeframe.
If you are ready to start the treatment process, your dentist will take impressions of the area where they will fit the denture. The impressions will be used in the lab to create dentures that will fit the exact gap left by the missing teeth. If you want an implant-supported denture, the dentist can start this process by preparing you to receive the implant. Prior treatments, like teeth extractions and bone grafting, can sometimes be done before receiving an implant or dentures. These can prolong the treatment process, since you have to heal after extraction or implement placement before receiving a denture.
Remember that specialty dentures are custom-made in a dental lab. They can take a few days or weeks, depending on the availability of the materials needed and your needs. The dental lab will use molds from the impressions taken by your dentist to create dentures that will fit perfectly in the gap left by the missing teeth. Depending on your specialty dentures, additional features can be added to the dentures to attach them to an adjacent tooth or implant.
You will return to the dentist’s office once the dentures are ready. Before placing them, the dentist will test to ensure they fit well. They can make minor adjustments for a perfect fit before attaching an adhesive to an adjacent tooth or implant. If you are satisfied with their look and feel, the dentist will use attachments or connectors to secure the dentures.
After placement, specialty dentures can remain sturdy and stable for years. However, you must care well for them to enjoy long-term service.
Caring for Specialty Dentures After Placement
After receiving dentures, your dentist will give you tips on how to care for them at home to keep them clean, improve your oral hygiene, and ensure long-term service. Here are some aftercare tips you should take note of:
Store Removable Dentures Appropriately
Remember that some specialty dentures are permanently placed, especially the implant-supported ones, and others are removable. If you opt for removable dentures, you can remove them when brushing your teeth or sleeping. Your dentist will recommend storing them in a denture-cleaning solution or a water container to prevent them from drying. If you leave your dentures out to dry, they can warp or crack, requiring replacement sooner rather than later.
Follow the Dentist’s Instructions
Your dentist will instruct you on caring for, handling, and cleaning your dentures after placement to maintain their beautiful appearance and strength. They will also recommend foods to eat and foods to avoid to not damage your dentures. You should follow these instructions to keep your dentures beautiful, strong, and functional.
Do Not Use Hot Water On Them
The materials dentists use to make specialty dentures can be damaged by high temperatures. Thus, your dentist will warn against cleaning or storing them in hot water. You can clean it with warm water or store it in cold water when not in use.
Clean Dentures After Meals
Maintain good oral hygiene habits after receiving dentures to protect them from invasion by harmful bacteria and your adjacent teeth from cavities. If you wear removable dentures, you can remove and clean them after every meal. After meals, a quick rinse of your dentures or mouth will remove food residues that could encourage the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. You can use a denture or soft-bristle toothbrush to clean them and your other teeth.
Handle Dentures with Care
Dentures can easily break or become damaged if not handled well. Your dentures are at a higher risk of damage if they are removable. You must carefully remove, clean, and put them back to protect them from falling or breaking. When cleaning dentures, be gentle and use an appropriate brush and cleaning solution. Harsh chemicals and cleaning tools can damage them.
Visit your Dentist Regularly for Routine Checks
Regular dentist visits are beneficial to ensure your dentures are serving you well as they should. If you receive an implant, your dentist will examine it every time you visit their office. They will examine your dentures, too, and your other teeth, gums, and jawbone. If there is something unusual with your treatment, or teeth and gums, your dentist will handle it right away before it escalates into a significant problem.
You should tell your dentist immediately if you notice something wrong with your dentures. They can repair damaged dentures and replace lost pieces to ensure your dentures are always functional.
Find an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist Near Me
Dentures are very popular for replacing missing teeth in Valencia. You can opt for traditional removable dentures, or specialty dentures, which are custom-made, fit well, and are more stable. There are different types of specialty dentures to choose from. A skilled dentist can help you understand their look and the pros and cons for effective decision-making.
Our cosmetic dentists at SoCal Dental of Valencia have the proper training and experience to customize and place specialty dentures. We can provide all the information you need about specialty dentures, their benefits, the treatment process, and how to care for them after treatment. You can also count on us for a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and jawbone before treatment. With our after-treatment care tips, you can enjoy long-term service after receiving specialty dentures. Call us at 661-554-4545 to discuss your needs and our services at length.