Dealing with missing teeth can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be that way forever. With dentures from Derby Dental in Austin, TX, you can get back to enjoying your favorite foods. We will have you smiling with confidence and improve your overall oral health at the same time.
Dr. Whitehouse and Dr. Kilkelly are ready to give you a new set of teeth that fit comfortably, look natural, and work just like real teeth. Our dentures will help you feel more confident, no matter where life takes you. Our restorative dental treatments will give you the smile you’ve been dreaming to show off.
Types of Dentures at our Austin, TX Office
Each patient’s needs are different when they experience tooth loss. That’s why Derby Dental offers three types of dentures to provide the right option for every individual. No matter which one you choose, we’ll make sure to customize it just for you.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures fill the gaps between your natural teeth and can replace as many teeth as you want. The prosthetic teeth permanently sit on a gum-colored base, but the entire device is removable. Small clips connect the denture to nearby teeth. This keeps it stable and in place, so you can feel comfortable and secure.
Full Dentures
Full dentures can replace all your teeth in one row. These dentures rest on your gums and stay in place through natural suction or with a little denture adhesive. Full dentures can make a huge difference in how you look and help you bite and chew more easily. We’ll help you enjoy a wider range of foods with dentures.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures look like traditional full dentures, but they have a special feature. Dental implants will permanently anchor them to the jawbone to prevent bone loss in your jaw over time. Four to six implants are placed in the jaw, acting like new tooth roots. This gives the dentures extra strength and ensures they won’t shift when you’re eating or speaking.
No matter your situation, we have a denture solution to help restore your smile and improve your life.
Our Denture Process
Getting dentures is a life-changing process that can greatly improve how you feel and live each day. It starts with a consultation, where our dentist checks your oral health and talks with you about what you need. This is an important step because it helps create a plan that’s just for you.
Next, we take impressions of your mouth to make custom dentures that fit well and work properly. You may try temporary dentures first, so you can see how they feel and make adjustments before we finalize the fit.
When your permanent dentures are ready, we’ll have a fitting to make sure they fit comfortably and work as they should. It’s important that your dentures not only look natural but also help you eat and talk with confidence.
While the process may seem overwhelming at first, our team uses the latest technology to make it as smooth as possible. Our modern dentures will improve more than just your looks. We will get you back to enjoying your daily life without worry or discomfort.
Why Choose Dentures?
Dentures offer many benefits beyond improving your smile, such as:
- Boosting your daily confidence
- Letting you eat a wider range of foods
- Improving your nutrition by helping you chew better
- Protecting your gums from soreness and infections
- Aligning your jaw to prevent grinding and joint pain
- Supporting your cheeks and lips, reducing wrinkles
- Making it easier to pronounce certain sounds
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Anyone missing several or all their teeth could benefit from dentures. If you still have most of your teeth, crowns and bridges might be a better option. But for those who have lost most or all their teeth, dentures are often the best choice.
Do you find yourself hesitating to eat certain foods, talk, or smile because of missing teeth? Dentures might be the solution to help you feel more confident in all these areas.
What Are Common Myths About Wearing Dentures?
One common belief is that dentures are only for the elderly. In reality, people of all ages can get dentures because of an injury, illness, or severe dental decay.
Another misconception is that dentures are uncomfortable or difficult to wear. While it’s true that there’s an adjustment period, modern dentures fit snugly and more comfortably.
Many also think that wearing dentures means you can’t eat your favorite foods. On the contrary! With some practice and care, most people can enjoy a wide variety of foods.
Lastly, some believe that dentures don’t require care like natural teeth do. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Dentures require regular cleaning and good oral hygiene to last and keep your mouth healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will dentures change the way I speak?
Dentures temporarily affect speech, particularly sounds requiring tongue-to-palate contact like “s” and “th.” Most patients adapt within 2-3 weeks through daily practice and conscious effort. If you wear dentures consistently, your brain quickly rewires to accommodate the new oral landscape.
Full upper dentures cover your palate, requiring more significant speech adaptation than partial dentures or implant-supported options. Reading aloud daily helps accelerate this adjustment process and identify specific sounds needing extra practice.
How often should I have my dentures checked or adjusted?
New dentures typically need several adjustments during the first few months as your gums reshape after tooth extraction. Established dentures should be professionally checked annually, even if they feel comfortable. Your jawbone changes throughout life, creating gaps between dentures and gums that affect fit and function.
Most patients need a complete reline every 2-3 years and full replacement every 5-7 years as facial structures naturally change. Don’t wait for pain or looseness to develop before seeking adjustments.
Can I eat normally with dentures, and are there foods I should avoid?
You’ll need time to adjust to eating with dentures – most patients need 2-4 weeks to feel comfortable. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, gradually adding more challenging items as your confidence builds. Avoid extremely sticky foods like caramels that can dislodge dentures and hard items like nuts that create painful pressure points.
Some patients never regain full chewing capacity with conventional dentures, regaining only about 25% of their natural bite force. Implant-supported dentures significantly improve chewing efficiency if you’re struggling with traditional options.
How long do dentures typically last before needing replacement?
Most dentures last 5-7 years before needing complete replacement due to wear and changes in your oral tissues. Your jawbone continuously remodels after tooth loss, gradually shrinking and changing shape regardless of denture quality. Daily wear and cleaning create microscopic scratches that harbor bacteria and affect appearance over time.
Some patients stretch this timeline with excellent home care and professional maintenance, like relines. High-quality materials may extend lifespan. However, biological changes in your mouth ultimately determine replacement timing.
Is it normal for dentures to make clicking sounds while eating or talking?
Clicking can happen if your dentures don’t fit snugly or are still getting used to them. If the sound continues after a few weeks, we may need to adjust the fit. Learning to bite and speak gently also helps reduce clicking.
How do I know if I need full dentures or partial dentures?
Full dentures are needed if you’ve lost teeth in one or both arches. On the other hand, partial dentures are for people with healthy teeth who need to fill gaps. We will examine your mouth and recommend the best option based on your needs!
How long does it take to get used to wearing new dentures?
Most people take a few weeks to adjust to new dentures fully. At first, you may feel soreness, increased saliva, or mild difficulty speaking and eating. Sticking with it and following your dentist’s tips will help you adjust faster and more comfortably.
Are you ready to take the next step to replace missing teeth? If you’re thinking about getting dentures, contact our Austin dentists at 512-795-0128 or request an appointment online. We’re here to help you restore your smile and confidence with complete dentures.