Complete Dentures: Full Smile Restoration
Complete dentures replace all the teeth in your upper arch, lower arch, or both. This comprehensive solution addresses extensive tooth loss while supporting your facial structure and maintaining proper jaw alignment. Dr. Scollard designs each complete denture set to match your facial proportions and personal preferences for shape, size, and shade.
The process begins with a thorough evaluation of your oral health and jaw structure. If you still have remaining teeth that need extraction, Dr. Scollard coordinates this treatment to ensure optimal healing before denture placement. Some patients benefit from immediate dentures placed right after extractions, while others achieve better results waiting for complete healing.
Benefits of Complete Dentures:
- Restored the ability to eat a wider variety of foods
- Improved speech clarity and confidence
- Enhanced facial support preventing a sunken appearance
- Boost in self-esteem and social engagement
- Cost-effective solution for extensive tooth loss
The fitting process involves multiple appointments to ensure precision and comfort. Dr. Scollard takes detailed impressions and measurements, creates a wax try-in for approval, and makes any necessary adjustments before delivering your final dentures.
Partial Dentures: Preserving Your Natural Teeth
When you still have healthy natural teeth remaining, partial dentures offer an excellent solution for replacing multiple missing teeth while preserving your existing tooth structure. These removable appliances attach to your natural teeth using clasps or precision attachments, providing stability while maintaining the health of your remaining teeth.
Partial dentures prevent your existing teeth from shifting into the spaces left by missing teeth. This preservation of proper tooth positioning helps maintain your bite relationship and prevents additional dental problems that can develop when gaps are left untreated.
The design of your partial denture depends on which teeth are missing and the condition of your remaining natural teeth. Dr. Scollard evaluates each supporting tooth to ensure it can adequately support your partial denture while maintaining its own health and stability.
Types of Partial Dentures:
- Cast metal partials with precision attachments for maximum retention
- Flexible partials using advanced thermoplastic materials
- Traditional acrylic partials for temporary or transitional use
Each option offers specific advantages depending on your oral health situation, aesthetic requirements, and budget considerations.
The Denture Creation Process
Creating dentures that fit properly and look natural requires careful planning and multiple appointments. Dr. Scollard takes time during each visit to ensure your dentures will meet your functional and aesthetic expectations.
Initial impressions capture the detailed anatomy of your mouth, including the ridges where your dentures will rest. These impressions serve as the foundation for creating custom trays that allow for more precise final impressions.
Bite registration appointments determine the proper relationship between your upper and lower jaws. This step is crucial for ensuring comfortable chewing and proper jaw function with your new dentures.
The try-in appointment allows you to evaluate the appearance and fit of your dentures before final processing. Dr. Scollard makes any necessary adjustments to tooth position, shade, or shape based on your feedback and clinical evaluation.
Adjusting to Life with Dentures
The initial adjustment period with new dentures varies among patients, but most people adapt successfully within a few weeks. Dr. Scollard provides comprehensive instructions and support to help you transition smoothly to your new dentures.
Eating with New Dentures
Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and gradually introduce more challenging textures as you become comfortable. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth to maintain denture stability. Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could dislodge or damage your dentures.
Speaking Clearly
Some patients experience minor speech changes initially as their tongue adapts to the new denture contours. Reading aloud and practicing common words helps accelerate this adjustment process. Most speech issues resolve naturally as you become accustomed to your dentures.
Daily Care Routine
Proper denture care ensures longevity and maintains oral health. Remove and rinse your dentures after eating, brush them daily with denture-specific cleaners, and soak them overnight in appropriate solutions.
Maintaining Your Dentures and Oral Health
Regular maintenance appointments allow Dr. Scollard to monitor your dentures’ condition and make necessary adjustments. Changes in your jaw structure over time may require denture relining or replacement to maintain proper fit and function.
Even with complete dentures, maintaining good oral hygiene remains important. Clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth daily to prevent infections and maintain fresh breath.
Annual evaluations help identify potential problems early and ensure your dentures continue serving you well. Dr. Scollard checks for proper fit, signs of wear, and changes in your oral tissues that might affect denture function.
Why Choose Dr. Scollard & Associates for Denture Care
Dr. Andrea Scollard’s commitment to quality and patient comfort ensures your denture experience exceeds expectations. Her attention to detail during the creation process results in dentures that fit properly and look natural from the very first day.
The practice combines traditional denture craftsmanship with modern materials and techniques to create appliances that offer superior comfort and durability. Located in West Springfield, our team serves patients throughout the region who value personalized denture care.
You’ll appreciate the comprehensive support provided throughout your denture journey, from initial consultation through long-term maintenance. Dr. Scollard ensures you understand how to care for your dentures and addresses any concerns that arise during your adjustment period.
Ready to restore your smile’s function and beauty with custom dentures? Contact Dr. Scollard & Associates Family Dentistry PLLC today to schedule your consultation and discover how modern denture solutions can improve your quality of life and confidence.
