If you’re struggling with missing teeth, dentures may be a solution to restore your smile and functionality. Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat, speak, and feel confident in your appearance. At Emerald Isle Smiles, we understand the impact that tooth loss can have on your life, and we’re here to help guide you toward the best option. Dentures offer a versatile and affordable way to replace lost teeth, allowing you to regain comfort and confidence in everyday activities. Dr. Myers will work with you to determine if dentures are the right choice based on your individual needs and oral health.
Removable Dentures
Dentures are a great replacement for missing teeth. They can be removed and put back in at any time. Here at Emerald Isle Smiles, we offer affordable dentures while using the very best material on the market. The reason that Dr. Myers may recommend dentures is that, in some situations, a patient may not have enough healthy teeth or bone structure left for other procedures. In a case like this, the remaining teeth are removed, and a full set of dentures is provided. There are two types of full dentures:
Conventional Full Dentures
With conventional full dentures, all remaining teeth are removed, and the gum tissue is given time to heal. After the healing process, the full set of dentures is placed. The time it takes for the tissue to heal could take a few weeks to a few months. During this time, the patient will go without teeth.
Immediate Full Dentures
Immediate full dentures are placed in the same dental visit. Prior to pulling the remaining teeth, Dr. Myers will take measurements of the patient’s mouth. When the patient returns for the procedure, and directly after the patient’s remaining teeth are removed, the dentures are placed. The patient’s jawbone and mouth may shift in the healing process, so Dr. Myers would recommend a follow-up visit to check the placement of the dentures. Over time, the dentures will need to be tightened as the patient’s mouth heals.
There are also partial dentures. These are similar to a bridge but are removable, and they may be a good option for patients with healthy teeth.
Ask Us About Removable Dentures
You need time to adjust to dentures. The flesh-colored base of the dentures sits over the tops of your gums. Some patients feel that they get in the way or are a bit bulky. The dentures may feel loose at times. Because of this, it may affect the way that you talk or eat. But over time, they become less of a nuisance, and you’ll feel comfortable with them.
For more information about partial or full dentures or to schedule a consultation, please call (252) 354-4688 or email us.
What Is A Flipper?
A flipper tooth is a removable, temporary tooth replacement for patients who have lost a tooth due to disease or injury while they wait for their permanent implant. Flippers are very easy to pop in and out, which is particularly useful for keeping them clean. Another benefit to a dental flipper is that you can eat comfortably with it in!
Common Types Of Dental Flippers
There are four basic types of removable flippers.
- Removable dental flipper or retainer. This type of flipper looks just like an orthodontic retainer, except that it has a tooth or teeth attached to fill in the gaps of your natural teeth.
- Delineator. This type is very similar to a removable retainer type, but it’s made of more pliable material and is only suitable for some patients.
- Essix style retainer. This type is basically an invisible aligner tray that has a tooth or teeth in it.
- Snap-on smile. This type covers multiple teeth and resembles a removable bridge.
How Do I Know If I’m A Candidate For A Flipper?
If you’re looking for a way to fill in those gaps while you wait for a dental implant, call (252) 354-4688 or email us. Dr. Myers will be able to determine which type of flipper will be best for your situation so that you can have your complete smile back!
Replace Missing Teeth At Emerald Isle Smiles
Hybrid dentures, or fixed-detachable prostheses, are dentures that attach to four or more implants in the jaw. They do not rub against the gums like removable dentures can, and they work much more like natural teeth, opening up a wider range of food possibilities to the patient. Because hybrid dentures are not removable, the cleaning process is different than with traditional dentures, and it’s also a little different from cleaning natural teeth. In order to maintain healthy gums and jaw bones, it is critical to clean under and around the dentures as well as clean the actual teeth. We also recommend that you come into Emerald Isle Smiles on a regular basis so that we can remove them for professional cleaning.
Am I A Candidate For A Hybrid Prothesis?
If you are tired of wearing traditional dentures and have always wanted fixed teeth, you could be a good candidate for a set of hybrid fixed-detachable dentures. Call (252) 354-4688 or email us to schedule an appointment so that Dr. Myers can get you on track to have the confident smile you deserve.