Dentures

Dentures in St. George, UT

Restoring Your Smile and Confidence

Missing teeth can affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Dentures are a reliable and time-tested solution to restore function and aesthetics for patients who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. At An Apple A Day Family Dentistry, we provide custom dentures designed to fit comfortably, look natural, and help you regain your confidence.

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth at your convenience. Depending on your dental needs, we offer full dentures and partial dentures, each tailored to your unique situation.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are ideal when all natural teeth are missing in either the upper or lower jaw. There are two main types:

Conventional Full Dentures

Conventional full dentures are created after the natural teeth are removed and the gums have had time to heal. The healing process may take several months, during which you will be without teeth. Once your gums have healed completely, the dentures are placed to restore your smile. While the waiting period requires patience, conventional dentures often provide a precise fit due to the natural healing of the tissue.

Immediate Full Dentures

Immediate full dentures are created before the removal of your natural teeth. Measurements are taken, and the dentures are fabricated so they can be placed immediately after the teeth are extracted. The benefit of this approach is that you never have to go without teeth. However, as your jawbone and gums heal and change shape, follow-up appointments are necessary to adjust and tighten your dentures for a comfortable fit.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are ideal when some natural teeth remain. These dentures fill in the gaps between your existing teeth, similar to a dental bridge, but are removable and non-permanent. Partial dentures prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and help maintain the proper alignment of your bite while restoring the functionality of your smile.

Getting Used to Your Dentures

Adjusting to dentures takes time. The flesh-colored base sits over your gums and supports the replacement teeth. Initially, some patients may feel that dentures are bulky, restrict tongue movement, or feel loose. These sensations can affect speech and eating at first.

Over time, your mouth adapts to the dentures, and they will begin to feel more like your natural teeth. While dentures may never feel exactly like real teeth, the comfort and functionality they provide far surpass the challenges of living without teeth.

Caring for Your Dentures

Proper care for your dentures is essential to maintain their longevity and prevent oral health issues:

  • Brush Before Removing: Clean your dentures daily with a soft brush to remove plaque and food particles.

  • Soak After Use: When removed, place dentures in room temperature water or a denture cleaning solution. Avoid hot water, which can warp them.

  • Handle with Care: Dentures are delicate. Always handle them carefully to avoid dropping or damaging them.

  • Avoid DIY Adjustments: Never attempt to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Improper adjustments can damage the dentures and harm your mouth. Always consult your dentist for adjustments.

Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure your dentures fit correctly and your oral tissues remain healthy. Your dentist can evaluate your dentures for wear, make adjustments as necessary, and check for any signs of irritation or infection.

Benefits of Dentures

Dentures provide many advantages for patients who have lost teeth:

  • Restore the ability to eat and speak confidently

  • Support facial muscles to maintain natural facial structure

  • Improve appearance and self-esteem

  • Offer a customized fit for comfort and function

Whether you need full or partial dentures, our team at An Apple A Day Family Dentistry is dedicated to creating a restoration that fits your lifestyle, enhances your smile, and allows you to eat, speak, and laugh with confidence.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you are missing teeth or considering dentures for the first time, schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team. We will evaluate your oral health, discuss your options, and create a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile. With proper care and regular follow-ups, dentures can provide years of comfort, function, and a confident smile.