Today’s patients can enjoy both a range of options and significantly improved long-term results for the replacement of missing teeth. Dr. S. Jeremy Tu is a highly trained restorative dentist in North Liberty, IA with years of experience helping patients restore their smiles. He offers caring, personalized dental care to meet the needs of each patient. We will work with you to give you a unique, natural-looking result.
A denture or partial denture can restore the loss of several or all of your natural teeth. Dr. Tu will create a custom treatment plan to accomplish this. It will consider your dental health needs and aesthetic goals, and support your long-term oral health.
A cosmetic denture is made to blend with your natural appearance and fit comfortably on the gums, giving back the ability to eat and speak normally after tooth loss.
Dr. Tu specializes in restorative dentistry, and he has the experience to assist you with the replacement of teeth that you may have lost.
Types of Dentures
There are two types of dentures. A dentist can permanently secure either of them using dental implants for the most natural smile restoration.
- Partial denture: similar to a dental bridge, a partial denture can replace several missing teeth in a row.
- Full denture: a full denture will replace a whole arch of teeth.
Implant dentures: what to consider
Dr. Tu can permanently secure a denture or partial denture with dental implants. Placed strategically into the healthy jaw bone, dental implants will provide several key benefits and the most stable long-term result.
- Reduced bone loss: the implanted post will stabilize bone in the jaw. It will also support the growth of the jaw bone. Without this, bone loss will occur, which can lend an aged appearance.
- Confident speech: it can restore normal speech, and you will feel confident in social and professional settings that your smile will stay in place.
- Enjoy a normal diet: for most patients, an implant-supported denture means no dietary restrictions. The benefits include better overall nutrition and the confidence to chew normally and enjoy your favorite foods.
The Denture Process
The process for placing a partial or full denture will vary from patient to patient, depending on several factors that affect the treatment plan:
- Overall condition of your dentition and oral health
- Need for pre-placement treatments to stabilize the gums or existing teeth
- Type of denture
- Need for the placement of implants
Dr. Tu will use digital diagnostics, a thorough exam, and a discussion of your personal concerns as goals to create your treatment plan. He will discuss all aspects of the procedure and what to expect along the way, as well as outline all associated costs for your consideration.
If you choose to use implants to secure your new denture, Dr. Tu will coordinate the surgical phase with a local specialist. Dental implants need a healing period of several months before moving on to the next steps in the procedure. This is important for the best possible long-term result. The jaw bone will fuse with the new implants and create a stable foundation for a denture.
We will take dental impressions and use them to design and create your custom dentures. Your final restoration will look and feel as natural as possible.
Dentures FAQs
Can anyone with missing teeth get dentures?
Yes. Almost anyone can get dentures to replace a full row of missing teeth. If you have healthy gums and jaw, you may qualify for dentures. In rare cases, patients with severe gum disease will have to get periodontal treatment before getting dentures.
How long do you have to wait to get dentures after your teeth are pulled?
On average, you can expect to wait between 6-8 weeks after your initial exam for the new dentures to be fabricated and placed. Sometimes, we can place immediate dentures, or same-day dentures, as a temporary restoration while you wait for your new dentures.
Do you need adhesive for partial dentures?
Dental adhesive is not always necessary. However, you can use it to improve the fit of your partial dentures. If your dentures are well-fitting, you will usually not need any help keeping them in. However, some people still choose to use adhesive for a sense of security. If your old dentures do not fit properly anymore, you may need new dentures.