Has smiling become a distant memory since you lost your teeth? Tooth loss doesn't have to alter your smile forever. Dentures can restore 
your smile and improve your appearance. Your Greensboro, NC, dentist, Dr. Michelle Mottinger, shares some important information about dentures.
How can dentures help me?
In addition to altering your appearance, losing your teeth also severely limits your food options. Dentures restore your ability to eat the foods you enjoy once again and can help you avoid gastrointestinal issues that can occur if you swallow foods whole.
What types of dentures are available?
Depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend one or more of these denture types:
- Immediate Dentures: Immediate dentures are placed as soon as any remaining teeth are extracted. They not only improve your appearance but also ease the adjustment process. In most cases, immediate dentures are a temporary measure until your mouth heals enough to wear full dentures. Before your teeth are extracted, your dentist makes a mold of your mouth that is used to create your immediate dentures.
- Full Dentures: Full dentures are used if your mouth has already healed after tooth extraction. The dentures consist of a row of artificial teeth set in a pink plastic base designed to resemble your gums. Before you receive your dentures, your dentist will make impressions of the ridges in your mouth and send them to the Greensboro lab that will make the dentures. A good fit is essential to ensuring your comfort. Your dentist may need to make several adjustments to ensure that your dentures fit well and allow you to eat and speak easily.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are a good choice if you still have some remaining teeth. The dentures hook over your teeth with small wires and can be removed easily for cleaning.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures are the latest denture option. An entire upper or lower denture is attached to six to eight dental implants. Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are placed in your jawbone. Over time, the implants fuse to your jawbone, providing an exceptionally stable base for your dentures.
Don't let tooth loss ruin your smile! Find out how you can benefit from dentures. Call your Greensboro, NC, dentist, Dr. Mottinger, at (336) 375-1825 to schedule your appointment.