Dr. Albert Caves offers dentures in Columbus, GA as a replacement option for patients with missing teeth. We sympathize with the emotional and physical difficulty that comes with losing your teeth. Dentures and partial dentures provide an effective solution to restore beauty and function to the smile.
About Dentures in Columbus, GA
Dr. Caves will carefully design dentures to fit comfortably and securely in your mouth. Advances in materials and technology ensure that today’s cosmetic dentures look natural, allowing you to eat, speak and smile confidently.
The teeth play an important role in the appearance of the face, and people who are missing teeth often look older than they are. Without a healthy tooth structure, the lips and cheek will sag or droop. Replacing teeth can greatly improve the appearance of a patient.
In addition, once a patient has lost a tooth, the bone structure begins to deteriorate. If a skilled dentist does not treat a patient, that bone will continue to break down, causing unwanted problems in the future.
We offer additional restorative dentistry treatments at our dental office in Columbus, GA.
Types of Dentures
Full dentures are designed to replace all of the upper or lower teeth. Partial dentures are made to fill gaps in the smile. Dentures can either be removable or fixed. Fixed dentures are secured in place with dental implants.
Traditional Full Dentures
Conventional full dentures are what most people think of when they hear the word “dentures.” These replace an entire set of upper or lower teeth. We will recommend them when a patient has lost most or all of their teeth in one or both jaws. The process involves creating a custom-fitted acrylic base that sits snugly on your gums. The base holds a set of false teeth made from acrylic or porcelain.
- Pros: Full dentures restore your smile and improve chewing and speaking abilities. They’re also cost-effective compared to other dental restoration options.
- Cons: They may feel bulky and require time to adjust. Over time, the fit may change as your gums and jawbone naturally shrink.
Traditional Partial Dentures
For those missing only a few teeth, traditional partial dentures provide a practical solution. Partial dentures fill the gaps left by several missing teeth and attach to your existing teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. The base of partial dentures usually consists of a gum-colored acrylic material. At the same time, the teeth are made of acrylic or porcelain.
- Pros: Partial dentures prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting. They help to maintain facial structure, and enhance your ability to chew and speak.
- Cons: Metal clasps might be visible, and they can lead to discomfort or irritation in the mouth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
If you’re looking for a more stable option, implant-secured dentures are the best restoration for people with multiple missing teeth. This type of tooth replacement has a significant investment initially. However, implant-supported dentures provide superior long-term benefits.
These dentures use dental implants as a foundation. The dental implants offer a secure fit that feels more like natural teeth. Your dentist surgically places titanium posts into the jawbone that then fuse with the bone over time. The dentures snap onto these implants, offering a sturdy and reliable solution.
- Pros: Implant-supported dentures offer superior stability and comfort. They don’t shift or slip, allowing you to eat and speak with confidence. They will also help to maintain bone structure. Also, dental implants secure the denture in place, so they feel very similar to natural teeth. In some cases, we can take an existing denture and convert it into an implant-supported denture, saving the patient some of the cost.
- Cons: The procedure requires surgery and a longer healing time. It can also be more expensive than traditional dentures.
Which Type of Denture is Right For Me
If you are considering dentures, Dr. Caves will carefully explain your options along with the costs and treatment time frame.
There are a few things you should consider when making your choice. First, think about the number of teeth you need to replace. If you need to replace all your teeth, you will choose between a traditional complete denture and an implant-supported denture. If you are only missing a few teeth, you will get a partial denture or one that is supported with dental implants.
You must consider your budget. Dentures and partials cost less than implant-supported options. However, teeth implants typically save you money in the long run because they offer better stability and do not require adjustments.
Finally, think about your lifestyle and preferences. If you desire the most comfort possible and stability, implant-supported dentures provide a superior experience. However, if you prefer a non-surgical option, traditional dentures may better suit your needs.
Caring for Your Dentures
Regardless of the type of denture you choose, proper care is essential. Take good care of your device ensures they last and function well. Here are some tips for maintaining your dentures:
- Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner.
- Soak your dentures overnight in a special denture-cleaning solution to keep them fresh.
- Rinse your dentures really good before placing them back in your mouth.
- Visit your dentist regularly for adjustments and check-ups.
Taking good care of your dentures not only extends their life but also helps maintain your oral health.
Schedule a Consultation for Dentures in Columbus, GA
If you have missing teeth or are about to lose your teeth, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Caves to discuss what treatment options are available for you.