Living with multiple missing teeth or facing the prospect of complete tooth loss creates daily challenges that impact nearly every aspect of your life, from enjoying meals with family to feeling confident in social and professional situations. Whether tooth loss resulted from extensive decay, advanced gum disease, injury, or simply the cumulative effects of decades of use, modern denture solutions offer the opportunity to restore your smile, function, and quality of life with results that look remarkably natural and feel surprisingly comfortable.
Drs. Chin and Pharar Dentistry provides comprehensive denture services for patients from Summerlin North and throughout the Las Vegas area. Dr. Robert Chin and Dr. Jessica Pharar understand that receiving dentures represents a significant transition, and our practice is committed to making this journey as comfortable and successful as possible through personalized care, advanced techniques, ongoing support, and genuine compassion for the challenges you’re facing.
Understanding Modern Denture Options
Dentures have evolved dramatically in recent years, offering patients more comfortable, natural-looking, and functional options than ever before. Complete dentures replace all the teeth in an upper or lower arch when no natural teeth remain, while partial dentures address situations where some healthy natural teeth are still present. Modern dentures are crafted using high-quality materials and precise fabrication techniques that create comfortable fit and realistic appearance that complements your facial features.
Traditional removable dentures rest on your gums and are held in place through suction and natural muscle control. Advances in materials and design have made today’s dentures lighter, more comfortable, and more natural-looking than dentures from previous generations. According to dental health statistics, approximately 25 percent of adults have untreated dental cavities, and many of these cases progress over time to tooth loss that may eventually require partial or complete dentures.
Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Dentures
Traditional dentures represent an affordable solution for tooth replacement, but they come with limitations that can frustrate wearers. Conventional dentures can slip when you eat certain foods or speak, often requiring adhesives for security. They also don’t prevent the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing, which means your jawbone will gradually shrink over time, causing your dentures to become loose and require frequent adjustments or replacement.
Implant-supported dentures address these challenges by anchoring your denture to dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone. This approach provides remarkable stability, eliminating slipping and allowing you to eat virtually any food with confidence. The implants also stimulate your jawbone, preventing the deterioration that leads to facial changes and poor denture fit. While implant-supported dentures require a larger initial investment, many patients find the improved function and confidence well worth the cost.
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Comprehensive dental treatments with flexible financing options to make quality care affordable for everyone.
The Process of Getting Dentures
Your denture journey begins with a comprehensive oral examination and consultation where we evaluate your remaining teeth if any, assess your gum health and bone structure, and discuss your needs, goals, and expectations. If extractions are necessary before dentures can be fabricated, we discuss the timeline and your options for immediate dentures that allow you to avoid being without teeth during the healing period. This planning phase ensures we create a treatment approach aligned with your specific situation, preferences, and budget.
Creating custom dentures requires precision and artistry. We take detailed impressions of your mouth and precise measurements of your jaw relationships to ensure proper fit, function, and appearance. Multiple try-in appointments allow you to preview your dentures before they’re finalized, giving you opportunities to provide feedback on the appearance and feel. This collaborative process ensures your final dentures meet your expectations and work harmoniously with your facial features.
Adjustment Period and Learning Curve
Receiving new dentures requires an adjustment period as your mouth adapts to the appliance and you learn techniques for eating and speaking confidently with your new teeth. Initially, dentures may feel bulky or awkward, and increased salivation is common. These sensations typically diminish within a few weeks as your oral tissues, muscles, and tongue adapt to the new contours.
Learning to eat with dentures takes patience and practice. Starting with soft foods and gradually progressing to firmer textures helps you build confidence and skill. Chewing on both sides of your mouth simultaneously provides better stability and prevents denture tipping. Speaking clearly with dentures also improves with practice, and many patients find that reading aloud at home helps them adapt more quickly to pronunciation changes.
Caring for Your Dentures and Oral Health
Proper denture care extends the life of your appliance and protects your oral health. Remove and rinse your dentures after eating to prevent food particles from accumulating. Clean them daily with a denture brush and cleaner designed specifically for dentures, as regular toothpaste can be too abrasive. Soak your dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution, and rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth each morning.
Even if you wear complete dentures, maintaining your oral health remains important. Clean your gums, tongue, and palate each day with a soft-bristled brush to remove plaque, stimulate circulation, and promote tissue health. This practice helps prevent oral infections and keeps your mouth feeling fresh. Regular dental check-ups every six months allow us to evaluate your denture fit, check for oral health issues, and make necessary adjustments.
When Dentures Need Professional Attention
Over time, changes in your mouth and jaw structure can affect how your dentures fit. Loose dentures that move when you eat or speak require professional adjustment or relining to restore proper fit. Continuing to wear ill-fitting dentures can cause painful sore spots, difficulty eating, and accelerated bone loss. Signs that your dentures need attention include persistent looseness despite using adhesives, visible wear on the artificial teeth, cracks in the denture base, or changes in your bite.
Most dentures last between five and seven years before requiring replacement, though this timeline varies based on the rate of bone and tissue changes in your mouth. Our senior denture services provide ongoing support throughout all stages of your denture journey, from initial fabrication through adjustments, repairs, and eventual replacement.
Alternatives to Traditional Dentures
While conventional dentures serve many patients well, they’re not your only option for replacing multiple missing teeth. For patients with adequate bone structure who want the most stable, permanent solution, implant-supported options like All-on-4 dental implants provide fixed teeth that never come out. This approach eliminates the hassles of denture adhesives and nighttime removal while preventing bone loss.
Some patients benefit from a hybrid approach using a few strategic implants to stabilize a removable denture. This solution offers improved retention and function compared to traditional dentures at a more accessible price point than full implant restoration. During your consultation, we discuss all available options and help you choose the approach that best fits your needs, preferences, and financial considerations.
Special Considerations and Support
Many Summerlin North residents managing health conditions or taking multiple medications face unique challenges with dentures. Medications that cause dry mouth reduce the natural lubrication that helps dentures stay in place. Patients with diabetes may experience slower healing after extractions. Those with arthritis or limited dexterity may find it challenging to insert, remove, or clean their dentures.
We address these concerns by providing modified care instructions, recommending adaptive devices that make denture management easier, and ensuring your dentures fit securely. For patients experiencing anxiety about extractions sometimes necessary before receiving dentures, we offer sedation dentistry options that allow you to remain comfortable throughout your appointments.
Experience Personalized Denture Care
Dr. Robert Chin and Dr. Jessica Pharar bring compassion and expertise to every denture case they treat. Dr. Pharar’s training at UNLV School of Dental Medicine and her dedication to serving the Las Vegas community ensure you receive care that considers both your clinical needs and personal circumstances. Our practice welcomes patients with various insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, CIGNA, and Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, making quality denture care accessible.
If you’re struggling with missing teeth or facing decisions about tooth replacement options, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your concerns and goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique situation.