Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and restore your smile. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and constructed to look and function like natural teeth. They are extremely important because they enable patients to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

At Dr. Kamila Modern Holistic Dentistry, we have extensive training and experience in providing premium dentures to patients in Houston. Our skilled prosthodontists utilize the latest techniques and advanced materials to create natural-looking, well-fitted dentures tailored to your needs.

We take the time to understand your lifestyle, concerns, and expectations before designing your custom dentures. Using advanced 3D scanning and imaging technology, we can digitally preview your new smile before final fabrication. This helps ensure your complete satisfaction.

Our denture services include:

• Complete and partial dentures
• Implant-supported dentures for added stability
• Same-day denture repairs and relines
• Soft liners for sensitive gums
• Customization for optimal fit and comfort
• Natural aesthetics with advanced materials

We also provide ongoing denture care instructions and adjustments to keep your dentures feeling great for years. With our expertise, there is no reason to settle for anything less than dentures you can smile confidently with.

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable false teeth that are used to replace missing teeth. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and made of acrylic resin or a combination of materials like acrylic, nylon, and metal. Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures fill in gaps where only some teeth are missing.

Dentures rest on the gums and are held in place by suction and facial muscles. With proper care, dentures can restore your smile, confidence, and ability to eat. They require more maintenance than natural teeth, however, like daily cleaning and occasional relining or rebasing as your gums change shape. Well-made dentures can serve you well for many years.

What are the benefits of getting dentures in Houston?

There are many benefits to getting dentures in Houston, including:

•  Restored Smile and Confidence: Dentures can restore your smile, allowing you to eat, speak, and laugh without embarrassment. This can renew self-confidence.
•  Improved Speech: Properly fitted dentures allow you to speak clearly and easily. Poorly fitting dentures can cause mumbling or slurring.
•  Restored Chewing Ability: With dentures, you can comfortably chew most foods you enjoy. Poorly fitting dentures make chewing difficult and uncomfortable.
•  Prevent Bone Loss: If left with no teeth, the bone that supports your facial structure can deteriorate and change your appearance. Dentures prevent this bone loss.
•  Affordable Care: Houston has some of the most affordable rates for dentures in the U.S. Several clinics offer low-cost or sliding-scale fees.
•  Convenience: Houston has many skilled dentists and clinics to serve your denture needs. Most denture work can be completed in 1-3 visits.

What are the different types of dentures?

There are three main types of dentures:

• Complete Dentures: Replace all teeth in the upper, lower, or both jaws.
• Partial Dentures: Replace only some missing teeth and are secured to nearby natural teeth.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Use dental implants to provide extra stability and are either fixed permanently or removable.

Some other types include:

• Conventional Dentures: Have visible artificial teeth attached to a pink plastic base. This is the standard type.
• Immediate Dentures: Inserted immediately after tooth extraction before gums fully heal. A second set is made later.
• Overdentures: Fit over dental implants or natural tooth roots for added stability. Good if you still have some natural teeth.

What are the costs of dentures in Houston?

The cost of dentures varies in Houston depending on the type, materials, and clinic. Some average costs are:

• Basic Complete Dentures: $600 – $1,500 per arch (upper or lower)
• Partial Dentures: $500 – $1,300 per arch
• Implant-Supported Dentures: $3,000 – $5,000 per arch
• Denture Relines: $150 – $350 per arch
• Denture Repairs: $80 – $150

Many factors affect the cost like needed extractions, lab fees, material upgrades, and more. Get a personalized quote from your chosen dentist after an exam.

Does insurance cover dentures in Houston?

Dental insurance may cover a portion of denture costs in Houston. Coverage depends on your specific insurance policy. Here are some common coverages:

• Medicare: Covers 0% of denture costs.
• Medicaid: Covers full or partial costs for eligible recipients.
• Dental Insurance: Plans with major restorative services may cover 50% of denture fees. Get pre-approval.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): You can use HSA funds for denture expenses.

Speak with your insurance provider to learn your exact coverage. Clinics also offer payment plans or discounted rates for uninsured patients.

What is the process of getting dentures in Houston?

The process of getting dentures in Houston typically involves:

•  Initial Consultation: The dentist will evaluate your oral health, needs, and goals. Digital scans and X-rays may be taken.
•  Tooth Extractions: Any remaining teeth are removed, and gums are allowed to heal over several weeks.
•  Fitting Appointments: Impressions are taken to create custom dentures. Multiple fit checks fine-tune the shape, size, color, and bite.
•  Insertion Appointment: The final dentures are inserted, adjusted, and given proper care instructions. Follow-ups adjust and realign them over time.
•  Aftercare: You must adopt good denture hygiene like daily cleaning, soaking, and proper storage. Annual visits and relines keep them fitting well.

The process takes around 3-12 weeks from the initial visit to the final insertion. Time varies based on the need for extractions and healing time. Be patient; quality, well-fitted dentures are worth the wait.

How long should it take to get used to new dentures?

It can take weeks or months to fully adapt to wearing new dentures. The adjustment period varies for each person. Here is a general timeline:

•  First Day: Dentures will feel unnatural and bulky. Talking and eating takes practice. Use denture adhesive to stabilize them.
•  First Week: Your tongue must get used to having dentures in your mouth. Speech and chewing improve with practice. Sore spots develop.
•  First Month: Soreness subsides, speech improves, and chewing becomes easier. But they may still feel loose.
•  First Year: You get proficient at inserting, removing, and caring for dentures. A proper cleaning routine prevents stains and odor. Occasional adjustments help fit.
•  Beyond Year One: Dentures should feel comfortable and stable. But continued bone loss means relining or rebasing is needed about every 1-5 years.

Be patient with yourself as you adapt. Ask your dentist for tips to aid the transition. It gets easier with time.

How do I care for my dentures?

Caring properly for your dentures ensures they last many years. Recommended denture care includes:

•  Daily Cleaning: Brush using a denture brush and paste to remove food debris and plaque. Avoid stiff brushes that can scratch.
•  Daily Rinsing: Rinse dentures after meals and before bed. This removes residue that can cause odor and stains if left.
•  Soaking: Soak dentures overnight in water or a cleanser solution to keep them from drying out. This also sanitizes them.
•  Proper Storage: Store dentures immersed in water or a denture cleaner solution. Never allow them to fully dry out.
•  Regular Dentist Visits: See your dentist once or twice yearly to check fit and look for needed adjustments or repairs.
•  Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Don’t use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh toothpaste which can weaken or discolor acrylic.

Follow all your dentist’s at-home care instructions closely for optimal denture health and longevity.

Can dentures be repaired if damaged?

Yes, an experienced dentist can repair most damage to dentures. Some repairable issues include:

•  Broken or Loose Teeth: Artificial teeth can chip or break off and need replacing and reattaching.
•  Weak Suction: A dentist can adjust the fit to improve suction and retention.
•  Cracks in Base: Cracked acrylic bases can often be filled in and smoothed.
•  Broken Clasps or Connectors: Broken parts on partial dentures can be replaced..
•  Loose Fit: Relining or rebasing resurfaces the base for a tighter fit as gums change shape.
•  Bite Problems: The bite alignment can be adjusted if chewing becomes uncomfortable.

Never attempt denture repairs at home. Seek professional help to avoid damaging them further or ingesting loose pieces.

How often do dentures need to be replaced?

With proper care, well-made dentures typically last 5-10 years before needing to be remade. However, periodic relining or rebasing extends their use. Here are general denture replacement timelines:

•  Immediate Dentures: Need to be replaced after the gums fully heal, around 8-12 months.
•  Complete Dentures: Can be used successfully for 5-8 years before bone loss requires replacement. Regular relines can add years of use.
•  Partial Dentures: May only need replacement every 7-10 years since nearby teeth help stabilize them. Relines also extend use.
•  Implant-Supported Dentures: Can function successfully for 10+ years with occasional repair and maintenance of implants.

Talk with your dentist about your wear patterns and needs to determine when replacement is right for you. Budget for a replacement or relines every few years.

Will dentures make me look older?

Dentures themselves do not inherently age your appearance. However, progressive bone loss over many years of wearing dentures can cause changes like:

•  Sunken cheeks due to lost facial volume
•  Wrinkling around the mouth from loose fit
•  Jowls from bone loss in the lower jaw
•  Thin lips from lack of support
  

Modern dentures counteract these effects much better than older versions. Getting well-made dentures that fit properly helps prevent a sunken look. Visiting the best dentist in Houston promptly for needed relines also reduces drastic changes.

Some tips for looking youthful with dentures include proper cleaning, moisturizing your lips, implant-supported dentures, and non-surgical facelifts. With proper care, you can maintain a natural, youthful look.

Can I use dental adhesive with dentures in Houston?

Yes, dental adhesive can help stabilize dentures to make them more comfortable and functional. Adhesive creams, strips, wafers, or powders act as a “bandage” between the dentures and gums for a tighter hold. They are very useful while you are adjusting to new dentures in Houston.

Only use adhesives made for dentures, not regular denture pastes or adhesives for dental work. Remove any adhesive completely each night before soaking dentures. Improper use can damage dentures or irritate your gums. Ask your dentist to recommend an effective, safe adhesive and demonstrate proper application.

How do I adjust to having no teeth?

Adjusting to dentures in Houston Texas after years of having some or all of your natural teeth can be challenging. Here are some tips:

•  Speak, read out loud, and sing regularly to train your mouth and tongue.
•  Chew slowly and deliberately; cutting food into small pieces makes it easier to eat.
•  Ask your dentist to adjust the dentures if speech or chewing feel uncomfortable.
•  Ask your dentist to adjust the dentures if speech or chewing feel uncomfortable.
•  Practice good denture hygiene each day so they feel clean and fresh in your mouth.
•  Accept that it will take weeks or months to speak clearly and eat normally. Be patient with yourself.
•  Share concerns openly with your dentist so adjustments can be made until you adapt.
•  Join a support group to connect with others on the same journey.

Do dentures slip and move around when eating and speaking?

It is very common for dentures to feel loose or slip around when you first start wearing them. As you adjust, your facial muscles develop better control to keep dentures in place. Proper fit also minimizes slippage. Other tips to prevent slipping include:

•  Have your dentist evaluate the fit and make any needed adjustments.
•  Use a non-irritating adhesive to help them grip your gums firmly.
•  Speak, eat, and swallow slowly while your muscles adapt.
•  Choose soft, lubricated foods while adjusting as they are easier to control.
•  Choose soft, lubricated foods while adjusting as they are easier to control.
•  Visit your dentist promptly if loosening or slipping persists so relining can be done.
  

With practice and fine-tuning of the fit, dentures should eventually feel stable during normal use. Report any ongoing slipping or discomfort to your dentist.

Will I be able to eat normally with dentures?

It may take some time to adjust to eating with dentures. With practice and care, you should be able to enjoy most of your favorite foods again. Tips to eat well with dentures in Houston Texas:

•  Start with soft, moist foods cut into small pieces.
•  Chew slowly and evenly on both sides to prevent tilting or popping out.
•  Avoid very hot, crunchy, sticky, or hard foods that can loosen dentures.
•  Apply denture adhesive if needed for a better grip, especially at first.
•  Speak with your dentist about proper bite and fit if certain foods feel uncomfortable.
•  Advance to a regular diet as chewing skills improve. Moisten dry foods with sauces and gravies.
•  Cut food into bite-sized pieces. Avoid biting into foods like corn on the cob.
•  Clean after meals so food debris doesn’t impede suction.

With patients and practice, you can adapt and continue enjoying a satisfying, nutritious diet with dentures.

Will dentures change the way I talk?

Getting used to speaking normally with new dentures takes practice. At first, some words may sound mushy or slurred until your mouth adjusts. Tips for clear speech with dentures in Houston Texas:

•  Read out loud for a short time daily to re-train your tongue and lips.
•  Practice tongue twisters, singing, or other vocal exercises.
•  Concentrate on making vowel sounds correctly.
•  Ask friends for patients and speak a little slower if needed; speed will improve.
•  If certain words or sounds remain difficult, seek adjustments from your dentist.
•  Be patient; clearer enunciation comes with time as you adjust.
•  Apply adhesive cream for a better fit if slippage impairs speech.

With perseverance, your speech patterns will return close to normal over the first few weeks of wearing dentures. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for help.

Can I sleep with my dentures in?

You should not sleep with dentures in your mouth, according to dentists. Sleeping with dentures in Houston TX can lead to:

• Loosening of dentures over time as gums change shape at night.
• Increased risk for decay and fungal infections as saliva flow slows.
• Potential gag reflex triggering from loose dentures.
• Possible denture fracture if you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping.

The best practice is to remove and thoroughly clean dentures before bed, then soak them in water or a cleaning solution overnight. This allows your gums to rest while dentures are sanitized. Since this practice reduces the risks of oral infections, it is a great way of avoiding further oral care treatments like Houston ozone therapy.

Always store dentures moist, never allowing them to dry out completely.

How can I get used to my new dentures?

Adjusting to dentures in Houston TX takes time and practice. Here are tips to help:

• Wear them for increasingly longer periods each day to grow accustomed to them.
• Practice speaking, reading, singing, or reciting tongue twisters to improve speech.
• Chew soft foods slowly, advancing to harder items as chewing skills improve.
• Apply over-the-counter denture adhesive if slipping or rubbing occurs.
• Ask friends and family for patients as you adjust to speaking differently.
• Keep following up with your dentist for any needed adjustments during the transition.
• Rinse dentures thoroughly after each meal as food debris can compromise fit.
• Join a support group to connect with other denture wearers.
• Be patient with yourself; adapting takes 4-8 weeks usually.

Stay positive! The awkward adjustment period is temporary. Your dentist is there to help.

Will dentures change my facial appearance?

Dentures themselves do not inherently change your appearance. However, progressive bone loss over many years of wearing dentures can lead to some changes like:

• Sunken cheeks from lost facial volume in the bone beneath
• Deepening of wrinkles around the mouth from reduced support
• Drooping at the corners of the mouth as facial muscles weaken
• Thinning lips as bone loss reduces support for covering tissues
• A slightly collapsed look to the lower face over time

Getting properly fitted dentures and visiting your dentist regularly for relines can help minimize bone loss and appearance changes. Some other solutions include facial exercises, non-surgical facelifts, and for severe cases, bone grafting surgery. Maintaining good denture hygiene and fit preserves your natural facial structure.

Contact Us

If you are ready to regain your beautiful smile with custom dentures in Houston, contact Dr. Kamila Modern Holistic Dentistry today at (713) 987-7721 or through our online form.

During your initial consultation, we will assess your oral health, lifestyle needs, and aesthetic goals. We’ll take impressions and measurements to craft dentures tailored specifically for you. With our advanced training and technologies, we can restore your optimal smile and function.

Don’t wait to smile, eat, and speak with confidence again. Contact our Houston denture specialists today to schedule your consultation!