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, who 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. Dentures can also be fixed or removable.
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 ensure 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, our 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 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.
What to Expect During 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 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
Taking care of your dentures keeps 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.
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.
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.