Losing teeth can affect not just your smile, but your confidence, your ability to eat comfortably, and your quality of life. At Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand these challenges. That’s why we place dentures and partials in our Greensboro, NC, dental office.
Dr. Ellen Zamora has been passionate about dentistry since she started as a dental assistant at 16 and graduated with high honors. Dr. Charles Langdon has been serving Greensboro families for over 50 years. Together, we combine compassion with exceptional skill to help you restore your smile and your confidence.
What is a Denture?
A denture is a wearable prosthesis for patients missing multiple teeth. This restorative dentistry treatment can replace rows or arches of lost teeth.
Some dentures are removable, which means you take them out at night to clean them. Others are fixed, which means they stay in place and you clean them like natural teeth.
Filling the gap matters more than appearance. When teeth are missing, the bone that held them starts to shrink, your remaining teeth shift, and your face can take on a sunken look over time. A denture restores the structure and keeps your remaining teeth where they belong.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
You may be a good candidate for dentures or partials if you:
- Are missing multiple teeth
- Have teeth that cannot be saved
- Want a removable option to restore your smile
- Are experiencing difficulty chewing or speaking
- Feel self-conscious about gaps in your smile
For implant-supported dentures, you’ll need enough bone density to support the implants. If you’ve lost bone over time, a bone graft may help. Dr. Langdon or Dr. Zamora will evaluate your oral health and recommend the best option for your needs.
If you have gum disease or other dental problems, we’ll treat those first before moving forward with dentures.
Types of Dentures
Learn about the different types of dentures we offer in Greensboro, NC.
Partial Dentures
A partial fills in the gaps left by missing teeth when you still have healthy teeth remaining. It attaches to your natural teeth with clasps or precision attachments, which keeps your remaining teeth from shifting. Partials work well when you’ve lost several teeth but don’t need a full arch replaced.
Full Dentures
A full denture replaces all the teeth in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. It rests on your gums and is custom-crafted to fit your mouth. Dr. Langdon’s five decades of experience mean your denture looks natural, fits comfortably, and functions the way it should.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant dentures attach to titanium implants placed in your jawbone. Our oral surgeon places the implants, and Dr. Langdon or Dr. Zamora designs and fits the denture that attaches to them. This option gives you the most stability, prevents bone loss, and eliminates slipping. It costs more upfront, but it lasts longer and feels closer to natural teeth than a removable denture.
Benefits of Dentures and Partials
Dentures and partials offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond just improving your smile. They play a crucial role in enhancing your overall oral health and quality of life. Here are some of the key benefits you can expect:
- Improved Appearance and Self-Esteem: Dentures and partials can restore your smile, giving you a more youthful appearance and boosting your confidence.
- Enhanced Chewing and Speaking Abilities: With dentures or partials, you can enjoy your favorite foods again and speak more clearly.
- Support for Facial Muscles: They help maintain your face’s structure, preventing the sunken look that can happen after you lose teeth and lose your jaw bone.
- Prevention of Teeth Shifting: Partials keep your remaining natural teeth in place, preventing them from moving and causing further dental issues.
- Custom Fit for Comfort: Our dentures and partials are tailored to fit your mouth perfectly, ensuring comfort and ease of use.
The Denture Process in Greensboro, NC
Getting dentures or partials is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Dr. Charles Langdon has been helping Greensboro patients with this process since 1970. He is a UNC School of Dentistry graduate and a lifetime member of the Crown Council. With over 50 years of experience, he ensures every patient receives dentures that fit comfortably and look natural. Here is what you can expect when you get your custom dentures at Irving Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Consultation
Dr. Langdon will sit down with you to discuss your needs and goals. He’ll take X-rays to examine your mouth and explain which type of denture is right for you. Then he’ll answer any questions you have about the process, timeline, and cost. He can provide tips on cleaning your dentures and on healing during the process.
Dental Impressions
Dr. Langdon will take precise measurements and impressions of your mouth. These are sent to expert dental labs that use high-quality materials to craft your custom dentures. Our office only works with trusted technicians who pay close attention to fit, comfort, and natural appearance.
Denture Fitting
Once your dentures are ready, Dr. Langdon will place them in your mouth to check the fit. He will make sure they feel comfortable and look natural. If any small adjustments are needed, he will make them right away so your dentures feel like they belong.
Adjustments
Your mouth may change slightly as your gums heal. Dr. Langdon will schedule follow-up visits to make sure your dentures continue to fit well. He will make any necessary adjustments to keep you comfortable and confident.
How to Care for Dentures
Proper care keeps your dentures looking great and functioning properly. Follow these tips so your dentures last:
- Remove and rinse after meals. Rinse your denture and your mouth after eating to remove food particles.
- Brush daily with a soft brush. Use a denture cleaner rather than regular toothpaste, which can be abrasive. Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth too.
- Soak overnight. Removable dentures need to stay moist to hold their shape. Soak them in a denture solution while you sleep.
- Handle with care. Hold your denture over a towel or a basin of water when cleaning it so it doesn’t break if you drop it.
- Keep your checkups. We check the fit at every visit and catch small problems before they turn into replacements.
Dentures and Partials FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dentures and partials in Greensboro, NC.
What should I expect as I get used to my new dentures?
Getting used to dentures takes time, and we’ll support you every step of the way.
- First few days: Your mouth will feel full, and you may produce more saliva than usual. This is normal and will improve quickly.
- First week: Practice speaking out loud and start with soft foods. You may experience minor soreness as your mouth adjusts.
- Two to four weeks: Your comfort will improve dramatically. You’ll speak more clearly and can gradually add more foods to your diet.
- After one month: Most patients feel completely comfortable with their dentures and can eat and speak confidently.
We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to make adjustments as your mouth adapts.
How long do dentures last?
With proper care, full dentures typically last five to seven years before needing replacement. Partial dentures often last a similar amount of time. Implant-supported dentures can last 10 years or more.
Do dentures impact speech?
Yes, dentures can affect your speech at first, but this is temporary. When you first get dentures, your mouth needs time to adjust to having something new inside it. You might have trouble pronouncing certain words or sounds, especially those that use your tongue against your teeth, like “s” or “th.”
The good news is that most people adjust within a few weeks. Practice speaking out loud, read books aloud, or repeat difficult words. Your tongue and mouth muscles will learn to work with your new dentures, and soon you’ll speak clearly and naturally again.
Can I sleep with my dentures?
It depends on the type you have. Traditional removable dentures should come out before bed. Leaving them in overnight can irritate your gums and cause sore spots. Soak them in a denture-cleaning solution to keep them fresh and prevent warping.
Implant-supported dentures are different. Because they’re securely attached to implants in your jaw, you can sleep in them. They function more like natural teeth. Just brush and floss daily, paying special attention to the area around the implant abutments. We’ll show you how to care for them properly.
How is implant denture treatment different from getting traditional dentures?
Implant dentures take more time but last much longer than removable dentures. Dr. Langdon works with you to place small titanium posts into your jawbone. These implants act like natural tooth roots. You need time to heal after surgery, usually three to six months. Once your jawbone fuses with the implants, your custom denture is attached securely on top.
Will dentures look natural?
Yes. We match the tooth shape and shade to your face so your smile looks balanced. We also work with trusted dental labs that use high-quality materials and pay close attention to fit and appearance. Dr. Zamora’s artistic eye helps ensure your dentures look like they belong.
Schedule a Denture Consultation Today
Do you want to transform your smile with denture treatment in Greensboro, NC? Our friendly team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the best care possible.
Call Irving Park today at (336) 502-0142 or request an appointment online anytime. We serve Fisher Park, Adams Farm, Guilford Hills, Lake Jeanette, Starmount, Friendly Center, Sunset Hills, and the surrounding neighborhoods.