Dentures Hilliard, OH

Losing teeth can significantly impact your confidence and overall dental health. If you are dealing with missing teeth, you should know about the available solutions to restore your smile and enhance your ability to chew and speak. Dentures offer a reliable and effective way to regain the function and appearance of a complete set of teeth.

At Hilliard Modern Dental in Hilliard, OH, Dr. Benjamin R. Lamielle provides high-quality dentures that restore both function and appearance, giving you a natural-looking, comfortable solution for missing teeth. Dentures are custom-designed removable appliances that replace your natural teeth and support your facial muscles, helping maintain your facial appearance over time.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. They consist of a gum-colored base made from materials like acrylic resin, which holds a set of artificial teeth. These custom-made devices help restore your smile, improve chewing function, and support your facial structure. Whether you are missing all your teeth or just a few, there is a denture solution tailored to your oral health needs.

Dentures can be used for a single arch (upper or lower jaw) or for a full set, depending on your specific needs. Some patients use dental implants to help stabilize their dentures, particularly in the lower jaw, which improves comfort and chewing efficiency.

Types of Dentures

When exploring your options, you’ll find there are several types of dentures available. The choice depends on the number of teeth you’re missing and your specific oral health condition. The most common categories are complete dentures, which replace an entire arch of teeth, and partial dentures, for when some natural teeth remain.

Additionally, advancements in dentistry have introduced options like implant-retained dentures that snap onto dental implants for added stability. Understanding the differences between these removable dentures will help you and Dr. Lamielle determine the best course of action. Let’s look at some of these types in more detail.

Conventional Dentures

Placed after the gums have fully healed from tooth extraction, conventional dentures are a long-term solution designed for durability and comfort. These dentures are custom-made in a dental lab to match the shape of your gums and the appearance of your natural teeth. Because they are made after healing is complete, they often provide a more precise fit than immediate dentures, reducing irritation and the need for frequent adjustments. With proper care, conventional dentures can last for many years, helping maintain your oral health and confidence.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are placed immediately after the teeth are removed, giving patients the advantage of leaving the dental office with a full smile on the same day as the extractions. They act as a temporary solution while your gums and bone heal, which helps maintain your facial structure and appearance. Since the shape of your gums changes during the healing process, these dentures may require several adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. Immediate dentures allow you to transition seamlessly without missing a beat in your daily life or social activities.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are designed to replace all natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, providing a comprehensive solution for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. These dentures restore your ability to chew, speak clearly, and maintain facial structure, preventing a sunken or aged appearance. Complete dentures are carefully crafted to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, creating a natural-looking smile. With proper care and regular dental visits, complete dentures can offer both functionality and a boost in confidence for many years.

Are you ready to discuss which type of denture is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lamielle in Hilliard, Ohio!

Benefits of Modern Dentures

Today’s modern dentures offer more benefits than ever before, going far beyond simply replacing teeth. They are crafted to provide a natural fit and appearance, closely resembling your original teeth and smile. 

One of the most significant advantages is the support they provide to your facial muscles. Without teeth, your cheeks can sink in, but dentures help maintain the appearance of your face, giving you a more youthful look.

Beyond aesthetics, modern dentures significantly enhance your dental health and overall quality of life. They restore your ability to chew a wider variety of foods, which can lead to better nutrition. 

Dentures also help you speak more clearly, as missing teeth can make pronouncing certain words difficult. With a secure and comfortable fit, you can feel confident laughing, speaking, and smiling in any social situation.

The Hilliard Modern Dental Denture Process

Getting dentures is a multi-step process designed to ensure a comfortable fit, natural appearance, and long-lasting results. At Hilliard Modern Dental, Dr. Lamielle works closely with patients throughout each stage to create a smile that restores both function and confidence.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation. During this visit, Dr. Lamielle will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine the type of denture that best suits your needs. This may involve examining remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone structure to ensure a proper fit. Impressions of your mouth are typically taken to provide an accurate model for your denture.

Try-In and Adjustments

Once your denture is designed, a trial version may be created to check the fit, bite, and appearance. This try-in allows Dr. Lamielle to make necessary adjustments before the final denture is fabricated. Patients can provide feedback about comfort and aesthetics, ensuring the final denture meets expectations.

Final Denture Fabrication

After the try-in stage, your final denture is crafted in a dental lab using durable materials that mimic the look and function of natural teeth. Special attention is paid to the shape, color, and alignment of each tooth, creating a natural and attractive smile.

Denture Placement and Follow-Up

Once complete, the final denture is carefully placed and evaluated for fit and comfort. Dr. Lamielle will provide detailed instructions for daily care and maintenance, as well as guidance on adjusting to speaking and eating with your new appliance. Follow-up visits ensure that any minor irritations or pressure points are addressed, allowing your dentures to function optimally.

This structured process ensures that every denture is customized for your oral anatomy and lifestyle, providing a comfortable, functional, and natural-looking solution to missing teeth.

Caring for Your Dentures

Proper care is essential for maintaining your dentures, protecting your oral health, and ensuring they last as long as possible:

• Rinse dentures after each meal to remove food particles, saliva, and debris that can lead to staining or odor. This helps keep your dentures fresh and prevents buildup that may irritate your gums.
• Brush your dentures daily with a soft toothbrush and a denture-safe cleaner to prevent plaque accumulation, stains, and discoloration. Avoid using regular toothpaste, which can be abrasive and damage the surface of your dentures.
• Soak dentures overnight in water or a denture solution to keep them moist, preserve their shape, and maintain flexibility. Proper soaking also helps remove bacteria that may accumulate during the day.
• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth to prevent gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. Healthy gums are essential for a comfortable denture fit.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can scratch or damage the acrylic resin and metal clasps, as this can shorten the lifespan of your dentures.
• Schedule regular dental visits so Dr. Lamielle can check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and monitor your oral health. Professional care ensures your dentures remain comfortable, functional, and supportive of your overall oral health.

Eating With Your New Dentures

Adjusting to eating with your new denture will require some practice. For the first few weeks, it’s best to start with soft foods cut into small pieces. As you get comfortable, you can gradually reintroduce harder foods into your diet. A helpful tip for new denture wearers is to chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. This helps distribute the pressure evenly and keeps the denture stable.

It’s normal to experience some minor irritation or soreness and an increase in saliva flow as your mouth and soft tissues adjust. These issues should diminish over time. Be cautious with very hot or hard foods, and try to avoid extremely sticky items or chewing gum, as they can dislodge your denture. If discomfort persists, don’t hesitate to contact our office for an adjustment.

Schedule Your Denture Consultation in Hilliard

Restoring your smile with dentures can dramatically improve your oral health and overall well-being. Regardless of type, it’s essential to understand the care and maintenance dentures require for their longevity and comfort.

Embracing modern denture technology not only enhances aesthetics but also offers functional benefits that make eating and daily activities more enjoyable. If you’re ready to explore your options and discover the best dentures tailored for your needs, reach out to us today for a personalized consultation with Dr. Benjamin R. Lamielle in Hilliard, OH. Contact us at 614-529-9644 and take the first step toward a natural, healthy smile with modern dentures!