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, our team of experienced Greensboro dentists has been helping patients restore their smiles with beautiful, comfortable dentures for over 50 years.
Led by Dr. Charles Langdon, who has served Greensboro since 1970, our practice combines decades of proven expertise with a family-focused approach that puts your comfort first. Whether you need partial dentures to replace a few missing teeth or a full set of dentures, we’re here to help you smile, eat, and speak with confidence again.
Who Needs Dentures or Partials?
Dentures and partials are often necessary for individuals who have lost some or all of their teeth. This can happen because of tooth decay, gum disease, injury, trauma, or simply the natural aging process. If you’re experiencing difficulty chewing, speaking, or if you’re self-conscious about missing teeth, dentures or partials might be the right solution for you.
Types of Dentures
Learn about the different types of dentures we offer in Greensboro, NC.
Partial Dentures
If you still have some healthy natural teeth, partial dentures fill in the gaps left by missing teeth. They attach to your remaining teeth with precision clasps or attachments, preventing your natural teeth from shifting. Partials are ideal when you’ve lost several teeth but don’t need a full set of dentures.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw (or both). They rest directly on your gums and are custom-crafted to fit your mouth perfectly. Dr. Langdon’s 50+ years of experience ensures your full dentures look natural, fit comfortably, and function properly.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For maximum stability and comfort, implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants placed in your jawbone. These provide superior chewing function, prevent bone loss, and eliminate worries about dentures slipping. While more expensive initially, they offer the most natural feel and can last for decades with proper care.
During your consultation, you dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss which type of denture best fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
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 the structure of your face, preventing the sunken look that can occur with missing teeth.
- 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.
What to Expect During the Denture Process
Embarking on the journey to getting dentures or partials is an exciting step towards a healthier smile. The process is designed to ensure that you receive a perfect fit and feel comfortable with your new dentures. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation: We begin with a thorough consultation, where we discuss your specific needs and evaluate your oral health. This initial meeting helps us understand your goals and any concerns you may have.
- Impressions: Next, we take precise measurements and impressions of your mouth. This step is crucial for creating a custom fit that ensures comfort and functionality.
- Fitting: Once your dentures are crafted, we move on to the fitting stage. During this appointment, we ensure that the dentures fit comfortably and look natural. We pay close attention to how they feel in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments.
- Adjustments: Finally, we schedule follow-up visits to make sure everything is working well and to address any adjustments needed for optimal comfort.
Caring for Your Dentures
Taking care of your dentures is essential to keep them looking great and functioning properly. Clean them daily using a soft brush and a special denture cleaner to remove food particles and plaque. It’s important to soak them overnight in a denture solution to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
Handle your dentures with care to avoid dropping or damaging them. Regular visits to our office for check-ups and adjustments will help ensure that your dentures continue to fit well and serve you effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. For the first few days, your mouth will feel full, and you may produce more saliva than usual. This is completely normal and will improve quickly.
In the first week, we recommend that you practice speaking out loud and start with soft foods. You may experience minor soreness as your mouth adjusts—this is similar to breaking in new shoes.
After 2 to 4 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.
Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to make adjustments and ensure your dentures fit perfectly as your mouth adapts.
How long do dentures last?
With proper care, full dentures typically last between 5 to 7 years before needing replacement. Partial dentures often last a similar amount of time. However, this can vary based on how well you care for them and how much your mouth changes over time. If you get dental implants, your implant dentures can last 10 or more years.
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.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Ready to transform your smile with dentures or partials? Contact our Greensboro, NC, dental practice to schedule your appointment. Our friendly team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the best care possible.
Call us 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.