Denture Services With Our Experienced Woodland Hills Dentist
If you have badly damaged or missing teeth, you know how difficult simple tasks like speaking and chewing can be. Nearly 25 percent of American patients over 65 years of age have experienced tooth loss, and have as few as eight natural teeth remaining. You deserve to have a complete, functional smile you can rely on, and dentures may be the ideal solution.
At Southern Cal Smiles, our general and cosmetic dentist in Woodland Hills, Dr. Susan Fredericks, fits and places both partial and full dentures for patients in West Hills, Calabasas, San Fernando Valley, and surrounding Southern California locations. Explore our denture solutions below and schedule your appointment today.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are dental appliances consisting of prosthetic teeth designed to restore your ability to speak with clarity and enjoy your favorite foods. Many believe dentures to be clunky, unattractive treatments, but advancement in dental technology has made dentures more comfortable than ever before.
Supported by your gums, jawbone, and surrounding teeth, modern traditional dentures are tailored for your dental composition for a reliable and sturdy fit. Along with removable dentures, we also offer implant-supported dentures to patients with sufficient jawbone density and gum health. Whether you’re missing a few or all of your natural teeth, our dentist in Woodland Hills can help you reclaim your beautiful, healthy smile with our convenient denture solutions.
Types of Removable Dentures
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are reserved for patients missing all of their natural teeth. If you have remaining teeth that are badly damaged or decayed, our Woodland Hills restorative dentist can extract them before fitting you for your customized appliance. These traditional dentures can replace full arches of missing teeth with natural-looking prosthetics.
Partial Dentures
If you have any remaining teeth, you may choose to have a partial denture placed between the remaining teeth to prevent them from shifting out of alignment. Partial dentures are held in place with strategically placed metal clasps, so you can enjoy a comfortable restoration that looks and functions like real teeth.
Bar Overdenture
Bar overdentures can replace your upper and lower arches of teeth, using an implant-supported bar or clip. This appliance relies on both dental implants and your jawbone to remain in place, combining the features of traditional and implant dentures. These removable dentures appear and function like natural teeth for a restoration you can take pride in.
Snap-On Dentures
Snap-on dentures are similar to All-on-4 dentures, but are removable for your convenience. Your implants keep the device secure, so they won’t shift out of place like traditional removable dentures. These appliances should be removed before you go to sleep, and require the same type of simple maintenance as removable dentures.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Removable Dentures
Removable dentures have helped countless patients regain their ability to chew, speak, and smile with ease. However, it may take some time to get used to wearing your dentures, and traditional dentures have a few other drawbacks, such as:
- Requires daily maintenance and cleaning
- May require dietary modifications or restrictions
- May shift out of place unexpectedly
- May result in mild bone loss due to lack of jawbone stimulation
Despite these disadvantages, there are plenty of advantages when it comes to removable dentures. When Dr. Fredericks fits you with a custom denture solution, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Easy maintenance
- Easy to adapt to (about one to two weeks of wear)
- Restores your ability to speak with clarity
- Restores your bite function
- Allows you to smile with confidence in social situations
Types of Fixed Dentures
All-On-4 Dentures
Using four strategically placed dental implants, all-on-4 dentures can replace full arches of teeth. This fixed appliance can be cared for like natural teeth, and will never slide out of place. You’ll never have to worry about the amount of time you’re wearing your denture device, as all-on-4 appliances aren’t made to be removed.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fixed Dentures
Fixed dentures may seem like the superior denture solution, but they come with certain disadvantages patients should be aware of, including:
- Higher treatment cost
- More required office visits
- Surgical procedures
- May require supplemental procedures
However, fixed dentures also come with a host of benefits that removable dentures can’t beat. Despite costing a bit more, fixed dentures have the unique ability to:
- Prevent jawbone deterioration
- Provide a stable restoration
- Preserve your natural facial shape
- Appear more natural than traditional dentures
Denture Candidacy
Dentures are great restoration solutions for patients struggling with tooth loss as a result of dental trauma or oral health conditions. Candidacy for dentures depends on several factors, such as the state of your jaw, gums, and remaining teeth.
Our general dentist will examine your gums and the supporting bone structure to develop a treatment plan suited to your individual needs. Dr. Fredericks will also discuss your alternative treatment options, if necessary. Schedule a consultation with the best dentist in Woodland Hills, CA by calling 818-346-3337.
Will Insurance Cover Dentures?
Complete and partial dentures are usually covered in part by dental insurance. Our Woodland Hills office will help file your claim as well as contact your dental insurance provider to calculate the potential out-of-pocket costs. Dr. Fredericks will discuss with you what payments are accepted by our office and our available financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longevity of your denture restoration depends on which type you received, though most denture appliances are typically replaced after seven to 10 years. You can get the most out of your dentures by practicing good care and maintenance, which includes daily brushing and flossing. It’s also important to follow all denture care instructions Dr. Fredericks provides you with.
We also recommend patients schedule biannual appointments to visit our Woodland Hills dentist Dr. Fredericks for routine dental exams and cleanings.
Caring for your dentures is simple, as you can clean them like you would natural teeth. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste for the best results. It’s also crucial to soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution to keep them free of harmful bacteria. This will also help them look and function their best.
No matter the type of removable denture appliance, our dentists advise you don’t wear them while you sleep. Aside from needing to soak your dentures overnight to remove any lingering bacteria, weathering your dentures too long may cause oral health issues.
Patients should generally wear their dentures for eight hours each day, as any longer may irritate the soft tissues of your gums and lead to painful sores. If you have any questions concerning the care or function of your dentures, don’t hesitate to call our Woodland Hills office at 818-346-3337.