Are you or a loved one experiencing the challenges of living with missing teeth? Lake Forest Smiles understands the impact of tooth loss on daily life and offers modern denture solutions that can restore your smile and confidence. Contact us today to get started!
Problems Caused by Missing Teeth
Losing teeth, whether due to decay, trauma, or aging, can affect much more than your appearance. While a missing tooth may seem like a minor issue, the consequences can be significant if left untreated. At Lake Forest Smiles, we understand the importance of addressing missing teeth promptly to prevent long-term complications that can affect both your oral health and overall well-being.
Here are a list of problems caused by missing teeth:
- Gum Disease and Oral Health Problems: Gaps in your teeth can create spaces where food particles and plaque can accumulate, leading to an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
- Shifting of Remaining Teeth: When a tooth is lost, the remaining teeth may begin to shift or drift to the empty space. Misaligned teeth can cause bite issues and changes in a smile’s appearance.
- Difficulty Chewing and Eating: One of the most noticeable problems caused by missing teeth is difficulty chewing food. Missing teeth can make it harder to bite and chew, leading to poor digestion and difficulty enjoying certain foods.
- Speech Impairment: Teeth play a vital role in speech. When teeth are missing, you may experience slurred or imprecise speech. This can affect your confidence in social situations.
Modern Denture Solutions in Lake Forest, IL
Contrary to outdated perceptions, dentures have evolved significantly, providing functional, natural-looking options that enhance both appearance and overall well-being.
Your unique dental needs will determine what type of dentures are right for you. Our dentists will work with you during your consultation and beyond. There are three types of dentures, partial, complete, and implant-supported.
Partial dentures are ideal for patients who still have some natural teeth remaining. These dentures fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, providing support and improving both the appearance and function of your smile. Partial dentures are typically attached to your natural teeth with clasps or other attachments, making them stable and secure.
Dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace an entire arch of missing teeth, providing a natural appearance and restoring the ability to eat and speak comfortably. If you are missing most or all of your teeth, full dentures are the solution. These prosthetics fit over your gums and are designed to match the shape and color of your natural teeth, giving you a complete and beautiful smile once more.
Implant-supported dentures are a type of dental prosthetic that combines the benefits of traditional dentures with the added stability and support of dental implants. Unlike conventional dentures, which rest directly on the gums, implant-supported dentures are securely anchored to dental implants that are surgically placed on the jawbone.
We use durable dental materials to create natural-looking replacements for missing teeth. The base color for our dentures can be matched to your gums, and the teeth have the luminosity of natural enamel. Most people won’t notice you have them. Your new pearly whites can even make you look younger by supporting sagging cheeks and jaws.
Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth
Embracing dentures goes beyond restoring a beautiful smile, though that in itself is a worthy reason to replace your missing teeth. Other benefits include:
Preventing Infection:
Gaps create a higher risk of cavities in healthy teeth and gum infection.
Improved Nutrition:
With a full set of teeth, you can enjoy a variety of foods and a balanced diet.
Restoring Speech Ability:
Making speech clearer and easier is one of the overlooked benefits of dentures.
Preventing or Reversing Facial Changes:
Missing teeth can result in sagging or a sunken-in look; dentures help fill out the face for a more youthful appearance.
Maintaining Bite Alignment:
Dentures help stabilize your existing teeth by preventing shifting, and fit your mouth for a comfortable bite.
How are Dentures and Partials Made?
Creating a set of custom dentures or partials is a carefully planned process that emphasizes finding the best fit and comfort for you. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation and Examination: We begin with a thorough consultation to assess your oral health and discuss your goals. We’ll take X-rays and impressions of your mouth to help design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Custom Fitting: Using the impressions of your mouth, we create a set of custom dentures or partials that will fit comfortably and securely. We match the color, shape, and size to your natural teeth for a realistic, aesthetic result.
- Try-On and Adjustments: Once the dentures or partials are ready, we’ll have you try them on to ensure they fit well and feel comfortable. We may need to make some adjustments to fine-tune the fit and appearance before the final placement.
- Final Placement: Once you’re satisfied with the fit and look of your new dentures or partials, we’ll provide final instructions on how to care for them and help you get accustomed to your new smile.
Denture Care
Our custom-made dentures are durable, and with proper care will last for a decade or more. It is important to clean your dentures every day, as well as maintain your oral healthcare routine. Here are some tips to maintaining your dentures and oral health.
- Brush your dentures well but with denture-approved cleaning materials.
- Remove your dentures carefully and hygienically—always wash your hands before.
- Store them overnight in the appropriate cleaning solution. Do not sleep with your dentures in.
- Use only the recommended cleaning products, as some things can damage your dentures.
- Protect your dentures by filling your sink with water or using a towel to protect them from falling on hard surfaces.
Are Dentures or Partials Right for You?
If you’re struggling with missing teeth or considering dentures or partials, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our expert team. We’ll assess your oral health, discuss your options, and help you find the solution that works best for your needs.
Whether you need a full set of dentures or a partial restoration, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a comfortable, functional, and beautiful smile that you can be proud of. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident in your smile and comfortable in your daily life.
Pros and Cons of Full Vs Partial Dentures
When it comes to dentures, there are two main types: full and partial. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to know which one is right for you before making a decision.
Full dentures are used when all of the teeth in an arch (either the top or bottom) need to be replaced. They are held in place by suction and adhesive and they can be removed for cleaning. Full dentures can take some time to get used to, but they are a good option for those who need to replace all of their teeth.
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They fit around the existing teeth and are held in place by clasps or attachments. Partial dentures can make it easier to eat and talk, and they can also help preserve natural teeth. However, they require more care than full dentures and require healthy teeth.
Ultimately, the best type of denture for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are considering getting dentures, be sure to talk to our dentist about which option is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures and Partials
To help you understand the benefits and process of getting dentures or partial dentures, we’ve compiled some commonly asked questions. If you have any more specific questions or need personalized advice, feel free to reach out to our team at Lake Forest Smiles.
It’s normal to experience some initial discomfort as your mouth adjusts to your new dentures or partials. However, with time and minor adjustments, most patients find them comfortable and easy to wear.
With proper care, dentures and partials can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Regular checkups and adjustments are necessary to ensure they remain in good condition.
Yes! After an adjustment period, most people can eat a wide variety of foods with their dentures or partials. However, it’s best to avoid sticky or hard foods that may damage your dentures.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a denture-specific cleaner to gently clean your dentures or partials daily. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch and damage the surface.
Absolutely. We customize the shape, color and size of your dentures or partials to match your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful, realistic smile.
Full dentures rely on suction and a natural fit against your gums to stay in place. Sometimes, denture adhesives may be used for extra security. Partial dentures are generally anchored to your surrounding natural teeth, helping to keep the partial securely in position.
It’s common to have slight speech adjustments when you first wear your dentures. However, with practice, you’ll get used to them, and your speech should return to normal. If you have any concerns, your dentist can make adjustments to ensure that your dentures fit properly and do not interfere with your speech.
Yes, over time, your gums and jawbone may change shape, which can affect the fit of your dentures. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups to ensure that your dentures fit properly. Your dentist may need to make adjustments to keep your dentures comfortable and secure.
Why Choose Lake Forest Smiles for Your Dental Needs
At Lake Forest Smiles, we understand that choosing the right dental care provider for your dentures is an important decision. Whether you are replacing missing teeth, restoring your smile, or improving the function of your mouth, we are committed to delivering top-quality care and personalized solutions to meet your unique needs!
At Lake Forest Smiles, we offer:
- Long-term care and support
- Personalized care for each need
- Experienced and skilled dentists
- A comprehensive and friendly team
- Cutting-edge technology for precision and comfort
- Custom-designs for a natural look
- A full range of dental care options
Restore Your Smile at Lake Forest Smiles
Schedule an appointment with our Lake Forest dentists to see if dentures are a good treatment for your missing teeth. Begin your journey toward a vibrant, healthy smile and a vibrant, healthier you.