Regain Your Smile and Confidence with Dentures
Custom dentures in Farmington Hills, MI provide a reliable solution for restoring your smile, comfort, and confidence after tooth loss. Are you self-conscious about your smile due to missing teeth? Our Farmington Hills, MI dentist, Dr. Roman Shlafer can help you regain your confidence with high-quality custom dentures. Whether you’re missing a few teeth or a full set, dentures can give you a natural-looking, comfortable solution for a beautiful smile. We’re proud to restore the smiles of Michigan patients in Canton, Plymouth, Southfield, Franklin, Beverly Hills, and the surrounding areas.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable oral appliances custom-made to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Custom dentures in Farmington Hills, MI can replace a few or all missing teeth and are designed to look and feel natural in the mouth. Dr. Shlafer recommends this option for patients looking to fully restore their smiles, improve chewing ability, and support better overall oral health. If you’re already wearing dentures and dealing with fit issues, read our tips on what to do about loose dentures.
Types of Dentures
Our Farmington Hills dentist offers a range of different types of dentures, including:
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower arch, or both. They’re made from acrylic and held in place by suction or adhesive. Traditional dentures are typically recommended for patients who have lost all of their teeth due to decay, gum disease, or trauma. They can help improve speech, chewing ability, and overall appearance.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace one or several missing teeth and attach to the remaining natural teeth. They’re made from acrylic or metal and can be removed for easy cleaning. Partial dentures are an ideal option for patients who don’t qualify for dental implants or bridges.
Turbyfill Dentures
Turbyfill dentures are a type of partial denture designed to replace multiple missing teeth on the same arch. They’re made from a combination of acrylic and metal and are held in place by clasps to remaining natural teeth. Turbyfill dentures are a good option for patients who want a more stable and secure partial denture.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture anchored to dental implants, which are surgically placed into the jawbone. These dentures offer greater stability and security than traditional dentures, and can improve chewing ability and overall oral function. They’re typically recommended for patients who have sufficient jawbone density to support the dental implants.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures offer several benefits, including:
- Improved appearance and self-confidence
- Better oral health and digestion
- Restored speech and pronunciation
- Enhanced chewing ability
- Implant-supported dentures help prevent jawbone deterioration
Dentures Candidacy
Dr. Shlafer can help determine if you’re a good candidate for dentures based on these factors and your individual needs and preferences.
- Missing Teeth: Candidates for dentures typically have one or more missing teeth.
- Good Oral Health: Good oral health is important for denture candidates. Any existing dental problems, such as gum disease or decay, will need to be treated before dentures can be placed.
- Sufficient Jawbone Density: The jawbone must have sufficient density to support dentures. If the bone is too thin or weak, bone grafting or other procedures may be required before dentures can be placed.
- Good Overall Health: Candidates for dentures should be in good general health, with no medical conditions that could affect their ability to heal after the procedure.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Denture candidates must be committed to practicing good oral hygiene to ensure the longevity and functionality of their dentures.
Dentures Process
The process of getting dentures typically involves several appointments with our Farmington Hills, MI dentist.
During the first appointment, he’ll evaluate your oral health and determine the type of denture that will work best for you. He may also take impressions of your mouth to create a custom mold for your denture. Once the mold is ready, you will have a fitting appointment to ensure that the denture fits comfortably and securely in your mouth. Dr. Shlafer may make adjustments to ensure a proper fit.
If you’re getting full dentures, any remaining teeth will need to be extracted before the denture can be placed. This will require a separate appointment with Dr. Shlafer. For implant-supported dentures, you will need to undergo a surgical procedure to have the dental implants placed into your jawbone.
Once the denture is ready, you’ll have another appointment to have it placed in your mouth. Dr. Shlafer will show you how to properly care for and maintain your denture to ensure its longevity and functionality. You may experience some discomfort or soreness initially as your mouth adjusts to the denture, but this should subside within a few weeks. Regular check-ups and adjustments may be needed to ensure the denture continues to fit properly and comfortably.
Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Traditional dentures are the most affordable way to replace a full arch of teeth, and they don’t require surgery. However, because they rest on the gums, they can shift while eating or speaking, and they need to be relined or replaced over time as the jawbone gradually shrinks. Dental implants in Farmington Hills replace the tooth roots, so they stay fixed in place and help preserve the jawbone. For many patients, implant-supported dentures, such as All-on-4, offer the best of both: a full set of teeth that stays securely in place. Dr. Shlafer will walk you through each option so you can choose what fits your needs and budget.
How Much Do Dentures Cost in Farmington Hills?
The cost of dentures depends on the type of denture you need, how many teeth are being replaced, the materials used, and whether any extractions or other treatments are needed first. Dr. Shlafer will give you a clear estimate after your exam. To make your new smile more affordable, our office offers financing options with flexible monthly payments.
Caring for Your Dentures
With proper care, your dentures will stay comfortable and look great for years. We recommend that you:
- Remove and rinse your dentures after eating
- Brush your dentures daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner
- Soak your dentures overnight to keep them moist and help them hold their shape
- Handle them over a folded towel or a sink of water to prevent breakage if dropped
- Gently clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth every day
- Schedule a visit if your dentures feel loose, crack, or cause sore spots
Denture Relines, Repairs, and Adjustments in Farmington Hills
Over time, your jawbone and gums naturally change shape, which can cause even a well-made denture to feel loose or create sore spots. Dr. Shlafer offers denture relines to refit the base to your gums, adjustments to relieve pressure points, and repairs for cracked or chipped dentures. If your current dentures no longer fit the way they should, we can help you decide whether a reline, repair, or new set is the best option.
Why Choose Dr. Shlafer for Dentures in Farmington Hills
With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Shlafer designs each denture around your bite, facial features, and comfort, not a one-size-fits-all template. Because we also place dental implants in-house, you can compare traditional and implant-supported dentures in one visit and choose what fits your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of dentures can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of denture, the quality of the materials used, and how well the denture is cared for. In general, full dentures can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, while partial dentures may last up to 15 years with proper care.
It is common to experience some adjustments in eating and speaking when you first get dentures. This is because dentures are not the same as natural teeth and require a period of adjustment. However, with practice and time, most patients are able to speak and eat comfortably with their dentures. Some tips to improve your ability to eat with dentures include starting with soft foods, cutting food into small pieces, and chewing slowly and carefully.
It is generally not recommended to sleep with your dentures in, as doing so can increase the risk of developing oral health issues such as gum irritation or infection. Removing your dentures at night allows your gums and oral tissues to rest and recover from the pressure of wearing the dentures during the day.
Dental insurance often covers at least a portion of the cost of dentures, depending on the specific insurance plan. The amount of coverage can vary depending on factors such as the type of denture, the materials used, and the individual’s specific insurance plan. Check with your dental insurance provider to determine your coverage for dentures.
