Dentures – Indianapolis, IN
Replace Your Missing Teeth with Confidence
When faced with an entire arch of missing teeth or even just a few, you may wonder if you’ll ever see a full, complete smile again. With the help of dentures by Indy Dental Group, our team can rebuild your smile in such a way that ensures greater functionality and aesthetics. Nowadays, dentures are made using high-quality materials, so you don’t need to worry about teeth that appear fake, bulky, or ill-fitting. If you’re interested in learning if you’re a candidate for dentures, call our office today to schedule an appointment.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
The only way to find out if you are a candidate for dentures is to schedule a consultation with a member of our Indy Dental Group team. If you’re missing multiple, nonconsecutive teeth along a row, you may be eligible for a partial denture. However, if you have no remaining teeth along the top or bottom arch, a full denture may be suggested.
You will need to have good overall health and be free of any gum disease. Should additional problems be present, we will need to address them before moving forward.
Types of Dentures
Your discussion with our team members will include the different types of dentures you can choose from. Based on the number of teeth you are missing as well as your budget, we will recommend the one that is right for you:
Partial Dentures
Made out of an acrylic base that matches the color of your gums, a partial denture acts like a puzzle piece, filling in the gaps along an arch. The teeth are often made of porcelain or acrylic, and they replace the vacated areas of your smile so that you can eat, speak, and smile easily. Partials also have metal clips that attach to healthy teeth so that they replace in place.
Full Dentures
When missing an entire arch of teeth, a full denture can be created. Made of the same materials as a partial denture, these prosthetics do not possess metal clips, as they rely solely on a person’s natural suction and denture adhesive. Full dentures can rebuild a person’s incomplete smile, allowing for better oral function and aesthetics.
Implant Dentures
The most superior form of tooth replacement is dental implants. Instead of relying on natural suction to hold your new teeth in place, an implant denture attaches to 4-6 implant posts that are surgically placed within the jawbone. Fusing with the bone tissues over several months, these prosthetics are permanent and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Benefits of Dentures
Many great benefits come with dentures. No matter the type you choose, you can expect to feel confident once again in your smile:
- Better oral function that allows you to eat your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile confidently
- Improved bite force and chewing power so your denture doesn’t slip
- Greater longevity (30+ years or a lifetime with implant dentures)
- Greater oral health
- Prevention of facial collapse or sagging
- Continuous jawbone stimulation (implant dentures)
Denture FAQs
For those who are missing one, several, or all of their pearly whites, dentures can be the life-changing solution needed to enjoy a full smile again. Even so, it’s normal to want to know as much as possible about the treatment before going forward with it. To help you be confident and well informed about your decision, here are several frequently asked questions we get from our patients about dentures. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for or want to schedule your initial consultation, feel free to give us a call today!
Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?
You’ll likely experience some discomfort if you require any teeth to be removed before receiving your custom dentures. Fortunately, this can be managed easily by taking over-the-counter and/or prescribed pain relievers as instructed. Once you wear your dentures for the first time, you might experience some mild irritation as your gums (and any other remaining natural teeth) get accustomed to the new oral appliance. Transitioning to new dentures can involve a longer adjustment period, but the timeframe is different for each patient. If you notice any persistent discomfort, notify us right away so we can address the underlying issue and ensure your dentures are well-fitted.
Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?
It can take some time to grow accustomed to speaking with your dentures on for the first time since your mouth is used to talking with your natural pearly whites. The amount of time this takes will vary between people, but the more you practice, the faster you’ll get used to speaking clearly. If you want to speed up the process, try reading to yourself out loud and pronouncing difficult words or phrases repeatedly. Make sure to start slow and pay attention to the movement, as fast speech can end up sounding muffled if you aren’t accustomed yet.
Can I Sleep with My Dentures?
We highly recommend that you don’t sleep with your dentures on. Of course, you’ll usually need to keep your prosthetics in for 24 hours when first receiving them. Afterward, however, you should begin removing them every night before bed. This will allow your gums to have a break to recover and get the nutrients they need to remain healthy. Otherwise, keeping your dentures in can restrict circulation and lead to soft tissue irritation as well as make it easier for bacteria to accumulate in the space between your artificial teeth and your gum line. To avoid these issues, simply take your dentures off and store them in a cup of water or denture cleanser overnight.
Can You Still Eat Steak with Dentures?
Foods that have a tough texture can be difficult to chew and grind with dentures. Even so, it isn’t impossible as long as you take the proper measures. When choosing your steak, be sure to stick with tenderloin or beef cuts that don’t consist of excessive connective tissues/muscle fibers. These can end up making it more challenging for you to chew through. Try cutting up your steak into smaller pieces to make it easier for you to chew and eat.