Dentures in Nashville
Dentures are an economical option to replace missing teeth and recreate the smile you used to have or the one you’ve always wanted.
- Regain the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile
- Eat and talk without pain or worry
- Dental implants can be used in several ways to stabilize and secure dentures
If you’re missing a significant number of teeth or your current teeth are not healthy enough to last for the long term, sometimes a denture can be your best option to replace everything at once. A healthy looking smile can be created to look like you did in your past or transform your appearance with the smile you’ve always dreamed about.
A digital scan of your mouth and a detailed impression along with photographs is the first step. Next, we try in a prototype to allow you confirm that everything looks perfect – the color, shape, and position of the teeth. Once you’ve confirmed it is what you want, the final denture is created using an artistic process that creates a beautiful set of teeth and gums that are indistinguishable from a natural smile.
Issue – All of the back teeth were already missing and the remaining front teeth were not stable due to bone loss, recession, and mobility.
Solution – The remaining teeth were removed and a set of healing dentures was made to be used for several months while the gums and bone healed. After the tissues completely healed, these premium-life like dentures were made – restoring a beautiful, natural smile.
If you want the increased stability and confidence that implants can provide your dentures, there are several options available. As few as two implants can be used on the bottom jaw to provide a button like attachment to the denture that prevents it from moving around or lifting up. If you don’t want to be able to remove the dentures at all, 4-6 implants can be placed in each jaw allowing for the attachment of a hybrid denture prosthesis that can only be removed in the dental office.
You can read more about dental implants on our Implants Service page and check out Before and After images of different types of denture cases we’ve completed in our Smile Gallery.
FAQs
What are the various types of dentures?
Dentures come in several types. Full dentures are a great option when restoring an entire jaw of teeth or both arches. Partial dentures are a great choice to fill in gaps when some natural teeth remain. Dr. Jones and Dr. Estes will help determine your best type based on your needs. Conventional dentures are removable and not attached to anything. Implant-supported dentures offer added stability but are still removable by the patient. Implant-retained hybrid dentures are not removable outside of the dental office and offer the ultimate stability and lifelike replacement of natural teeth. We will guide you through your options to ensure the best solution for restoring both function and appearance.
How long does it take to get dentures?
In general, receiving new dentures will take several weeks to a few months, depending on several factors. The process involves multiple steps, including a consultation, digital scans, impressions, and try-in appointments to ensure the esthetics are approved. Dr. Jones and Dr. Estes will combine both digital and analog technologies to ensure your dentures fit comfortably and function properly. After our lab partners create the dentures, we will schedule a delivery appointment and any needed follow-up visits to ensure a comfortable fit and to make any necessary adjustments. While the process may take some time, obtaining a well-fitting, natural-looking denture is worthwhile.
Will my new dentures impact how I speak?
When first wearing dentures, you may notice a slight change in how you speak, especially if you’ve never worn a removable appliance before or if your denture tooth positions are modified significantly from where your natural teeth were when they were removed. Dr. Jones and Dr. Estes will ensure your dentures fit snugly, which should help with speech. You may need some time to adjust to speaking with dentures. In most cases, patients with dentures will adapt within a few weeks. Practicing speaking and reading aloud can help speed up the adjustment period and improve your comfort and confidence.
How do I care for my dentures?
Proper care is essential to maintain your dentures and ensure they last. Nashville Restorative Dentistry recommends that you clean your dentures every day with a soft brush and a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner. You should remove them at night to give your gums a rest and soak them in a 1:1 white vinegar / water mixture or a denture cleaner solution. Regular checkup visits are still important to check for tissue health, denture wear and tear and to perform any adjustments that may be needed to maintain a comfortable fit.
Are dentures comfortable to wear?
Dentures are designed to be comfortable, and there may be an adjustment period when you first start wearing them. Dr. Jones and Dr. Estes take great care in crafting dentures that fit securely and look natural. While some initial discomfort is normal, any pain or irritation should subside after your mouth adjusts. If discomfort persists, we will provide adjustment appointments to ensure your dentures provide maximum comfort and functionality, allowing you to eat and speak confidently.
How long should my new dentures last before requiring replacement?
Your new dentures should last five to ten years, or more, when cared for properly. Over time, two main things will happen: the denture teeth will wear down, and the denture’s fit will become less secure as your gum tissue and bone levels change over time. This can create the need to replace the teeth in the denture or to reline the inside of the denture to recreate a secure fit. As time passes, eventually, they may need to be replaced. During routine examinations, Dr. Jones and Dr. Estes will assess the condition of your dentures and oral tissue and propose any necessary adjustments or replacements. Proper maintenance, including daily cleaning and regular check-ups, will help extend the life of your dentures and keep them functioning optimally.
Actual Patients Results
Before
After
Sherry
Issue – All of the back teeth were already missing and the remaining front teeth were not stable due to bone loss, recession, and mobility.
Solution – The remaining teeth were removed and a set of healing dentures was made to be used for several months while the gums and bone healed. After the tissues completely healed, these premium-life like dentures were made – restoring a beautiful, natural smile.
