Dentures

Getting older can be very hard on our bodies, especially our teeth, which perform so many functions that are vital for our well-being. If you or a loved one are missing multiple teeth or are looking to restore damaged teeth, the dedicated professionals here at Dental Solutions of Encinitas can help with our beautifully crafted dentures.

Getting a healthy and happy smile you are proud to share with the world is only a call away. Contact our office to learn more.

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Risks of Untreated Tooth Loss

Tooth loss has an immediate and noticeable impact on the aesthetics of your smile. More than that, the loss of even one tooth can make eating and speaking with ease difficult. Did you also know that an incomplete smile can cause drastic and harmful changes to your oral health that can negatively impact your quality of life?

The following health risks and concerns are related to missing teeth:

  • Shifting teeth that damage remaining teeth
  • Higher risk of gum disease and infections
  • Jawbone deterioration and bite problems
  • Increased cortisol levels, leading to high blood pressure
  • Weakened facial muscles, causing wrinkles or a sunken appearance around the eyes

With these and many more health risks caused by missing teeth, our office takes restorative dentistry very seriously. That is why our artfully designed dentures are so much more than false teeth. We use the most advanced dental technology available to craft a denture treatment plan that meets your oral health needs and achieves your goals for a beautiful, new smile.

The Types of Dentures Available

Dentures restore oral function following the loss of multiple teeth. Here at Dental Solutions of Encinitas, we don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach to oral health. We are proud to create personalized treatment plans that create smiles as unique as the people who share them.

At our office, we are committed to exceeding your expectations when it comes to improving your oral health and getting you a picture-perfect smile. To honor this commitment, we offer a variety of dentures so you can find the greatest fit to suit your lifestyle.

Partial Dentures

If you still have a few natural teeth remaining but the gap in your smile is too large for a dental bridge, you may be a candidate for a partial denture. A partial denture attaches to natural teeth using metal clasps or other attachment devices. They are crafted to match your original teeth and can easily be attached or removed using specialized clasps.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are the recommended treatment if you are missing all of your teeth or need your teeth replaced due to advanced decay or dental trauma. Removable dentures attach directly to your gums using a bonding agent. Our office offers multiple options for removable dentures that can be matched to your needs and budget.

Implant-Supported Dentures

If you are interested in the most secure smile and additional oral health benefits, implant-supported dentures are the treatment for you. By being gently but firmly affixed to your jaw, these dentures simulate nearly every aspect of your natural teeth.

Benefits of Dentures

Dentures allow you to chew and speak with confidence. The restorations also fill out your cheeks and leave you looking younger. Although these prosthetics are not considered cosmetic treatments, there are aesthetic benefits to eliminating gaps in your smile. Many of our Encinitas, CA, dental patients report feeling more confident after receiving their custom bridge or denture.

Our traditional dentures and partial dentures can be made quickly, allowing you to receive a custom total restoration in just a couple of weeks. You won’t have to undergo any surgery for a return to functionality and appearance.

Dentures also do not have many candidacy requirements, so if you have many missing teeth, traditional dentures are easy to receive.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace tooth roots. Implants stimulate jawbone growth and prevent jawbone atrophy. Many patients report that implant-retained prosthetics feel and function like natural teeth. Implant-supported dentures have increased functionality and help your jawbone maintain its density after severe tooth loss.

Implant-supported dentures are either permanently adhered to your implants or can snap on and off to offer the flexibility of removable dentures with the oral health benefits of implants.

The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures offer unmatched stability and long-term health benefits for those experiencing extensive tooth loss. Because these dentures are anchored directly to dental implants placed in the jawbone, they feel more secure and natural than traditional removable dentures—no slipping, shifting, or need for adhesives.

Patients who choose implant-supported dentures often experience:

Improved Stability

Eat, speak, and laugh with confidence—your dentures stay firmly in place throughout the day.

More Natural Function

These restorations restore nearly full bite strength, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods.

Jawbone Preservation

Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping prevent bone loss and maintaining facial structure.

Enhanced Comfort

With no need for adhesives or pressure on the gums, implant-supported dentures often feel more comfortable.

A Long-Term Solution

With proper care, implants can last for decades, offering lasting support for your denture.

For patients who qualify, implant-supported dentures are often the recommended option because they closely replicate the function of natural teeth. Whether fixed in place or removable, they offer a dependable and restorative solution that protects both your oral health and your confidence.

What Should I Expect from My Denture Treatment?

The dental experts of Dental Solutions of Encinitas consider a patient’s emotional and physical well-being the most important priority. At every step of your denture treatment, you will be treated with dignity and respect. Our dentist, Dr. Sherry Vakilian, is a regional leader in the field of restorative dentistry.

Your treatment will begin with a consultation and exam. Images of your teeth, gums, and jaw will be taken, and your restorative treatment goals will be discussed. We will discuss whether traditional dentures or implant-supported dentures are the best option. For those who qualify for implants, implant-supported dentures have many health benefits, so they are likely the first recommendation.

For either solution, extractions of any remaining teeth will need to occur first.

The Process for Custom Removable Dentures

Once your smile is ready, Dr. Vakilian will take scans of your teeth and begin crafting your dentures. During the time in between appointments, she will offer you a pair of temporary dentures.

You will come back for a second appointment where we fit the custom dentures to your smile. Our dentures take into consideration the shape of your smile, and the artistic approach for gum coloration and tooth shape, and size.

You can come back for routine fittings and adjustments, and you will still need to come in for cleanings and checkups once every 6 months, just as if you had natural teeth.

The Process for Implant-Supported Dentures

The process for implant-supported dentures takes a bit more time and is a bit more complicated, but it is definitely worth it. Here are the steps for implant-supported dentures:

  1. Initial Imaging and Impressions | Digital scans or X-rays are taken to evaluate the health of your jawbone and guide precise implant placement. Impressions of your mouth may also be made to begin designing your custom dentures.
  2. Implant Placement | Small titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These implants serve as the stable foundation for your future denture.
  3. Healing and Osseointegration | Over the next few months, the implants fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This step is essential for ensuring lasting stability and support.
  4. Attachment of Abutments | Once healing is complete, small connector pieces called abutments are attached to the implants. These components help secure the denture in place.
  5. Design and Fabrication of Denture | Your custom denture is crafted to mimic the shape, color, and bite of a natural and beautiful smile. Whether fixed or removable, the denture is designed for both comfort and function.
  6. Denture Placement | Your final denture is either snapped into place or securely attached to the implants. Adjustments may be made to ensure a precise and comfortable fit.

If you are interested in learning more about dentures, you can visit our denture page on our site or contact our office for a consultation. We love to answer our patients’ questions.

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Caring for Your Dentures

Caring for implant-supported and traditional dentures is easy. For both options, you will need to continue to brush your teeth and use mouthwash. Removable dentures should be removed each night and rinsed in cold water, and then soaked in denture cleaner overnight. You can place them back in your smile in the morning.

Make sure to maintain your visits with Dr. Vakilian and her team. Repairing a denture is easier than replacing it, and oral health concerns can still damage your dentures. She can treat these issues and make adjustments during a routine visit. If you are concerned or notice damage to your denture sooner than a routine appointment, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment.

A Caring Team for Your Restorative Dentistry

Dr. Vakilian loves to help patients restore the functionality of their smile. She will not shy away from complicated cases; in fact, she loves to focus on both the art and complexity of dentistry. She is highly trained in implant placement and denture design, allowing you to get the care you need for a completely new smile.

Along with her training, she offers technology and comfort options such as sedation dentistry. Our office technology includes digital impressions and CBCT imaging to make the process as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

Your smile is our passion, so our team works with you to educate you and create a smile that you love.

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Dentures FAQs

How long do dentures last?

It depends on the kind of dentures you receive. Traditional dentures last around 5–10 years, but replacing them is simple. Implant-supported dentures last longer, around 10–15 years. The implants that your dentures attach to are permanent and should not need to be replaced.

How much do dentures cost?

Traditional dentures are a cost-effective way to replace your entire smile. Insurance may even cover dentures. Implant-supported dentures have a slightly higher investment but don’t need to be replaced as often. We can discuss the expected cost during your restorative dentistry consultation.

What if my dentures feel loose or uncomfortable?

If your dentures no longer fit properly, don’t try to fix them yourself. Schedule a visit so we can assess your fit. Dentures may need to be adjusted, relined, or replaced over time as your gums and bone structure naturally change.

Can I eat normally with dentures?

You may need a short adjustment period, but most patients can return to eating a wide variety of foods. Implant-supported dentures provide additional stability, allowing you to chew more confidently and comfortably.

Will dentures change how I speak?

Some patients notice slight changes in speech when they first begin wearing dentures, especially with certain words or sounds. With practice, your tongue and mouth adjust quickly, and your normal speech returns.

Your Tooth Loss Solution Is a Call Away

Restoring your smile to its fullest also restores your oral health and quality of life. With the dentures provided by the fantastic professionals here at Dental Solutions of Encinitas, you will once again be able to comfortably chew your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile with confidence.

Why go another day with an incomplete smile? Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discover the tooth replacement solutions available to you.

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