Are you missing teeth and looking for a way to restore your smile, or are you suffering from poorly fitting or even painful dentures? Perhaps you're considering dentures as a replacement for your natural teeth? Discover how dentures made with Dr. Hatland's expertise and extensive experience can transform your life.
What Are Full Dentures?
Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are removable prosthetic devices that replace all natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. They are typically made from a combination of acrylic and metal components to create a durable and comfortable appliance. These dentures are custom-made to fit the patient's unique oral anatomy. The process involves taking impressions and measurements of the mouth to ensure a precise fit. Because Dr. Hatland knows the importance of giving patients a perfect bite from his many successful decades of treating temporomandibular joint disorders, all of my dentures are made to give the patient the most perfect bite possible from the body's point of view. Once created, full dentures can restore not only the appearance and smile but also the sense of balanced functionality that can profoundly affect our sense of wellbeing.
When you have a perfectly balanced bite from the body's point of view, your body's vital energy and healing system are empowered. This can take away many aches and pains and turn off or greatly reduce stress promoting oral habits that poor occlusions or bites tend to bring on and exacerbate. 90% of patients have unbalanced bites, and most patients don't know it.
One of the main benefits of full dentures is their ability to improve speech and chewing abilities for individuals who have lost all their natural teeth. Additionally, they provide support to facial muscles, which can help maintain facial structure and prevent sagging. While full dentures may take some time to get used to initially, with proper care and regular dental visits, they can last several years before needing adjustments or replacements.
Full dentures offer a comprehensive solution for individuals who have lost all their natural teeth in one jaw. They not only restore aesthetics but also enhance functionality, enabling better speech and chewing abilities while providing support for facial muscles.
What Are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures, also known as removable partial dentures or simply "partials," are dental prosthetics used to replace missing teeth when some natural teeth still remain in the mouth. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a pink-colored base that matches the gum tissue. These custom-made appliances are designed to fit securely and comfortably in the mouth, allowing patients to chew and speak properly while restoring their smile. Partial dentures can be either fixed or removable, depending on the specific needs of each patient.
Removable partial dentures typically have metal clasps that attach to existing natural teeth for support and stability. However, one can have a metal-free flexible partial denture that works very well. The clasps allow them to stay in place during normal oral functions without causing discomfort or irritation. The artificial teeth blend seamlessly with the remaining natural ones, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth loss.
Partial dentures offer numerous benefits beyond cosmetic improvement. They help prevent adjacent natural teeth from shifting into gaps left by missing teeth, maintaining proper alignment and bite function. Additionally, they distribute chewing forces evenly across all remaining teeth, reducing stress on individual ones and preserving overall oral health.
If you're considering getting partial dentures, it's important to consult with a holistic dentist like Dr. Hatland, who takes your overall wellbeing into account throughout every step of the process. Holistic dental practices prioritize biocompatible materials and techniques that promote optimal oral health while considering their impact on your general health.
The Holistic Approach to Dentures
When it comes to dentures, many people may not consider the holistic approach. However, holistic dentistry focuses on the overall wellbeing of a person and how dental procedures can impact their health and lifestyle.
In holistic dentistry, the emphasis is placed on using biocompatible materials that are safe for both the patient and the environment. This means that when it comes to dentures, natural and non-toxic materials are used whenever possible. Having a perfectly balanced occlusion or bite is always an important goal to achieve. A perfectly balanced occlusion can have a profound effect on the wellbeing and comfort of my patient.
Holistic practitioners also take into account the individual's unique needs and preferences when creating dentures. They understand that each person's oral health is different, so they strive to provide personalized solutions that promote optimal comfort and function.
Another aspect of holistic dentistry is considering how other factors in a person's life can affect their oral health. For example, stress levels, diet choices, and overall wellness can all play a role in maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Holistic practitioners work closely with patients to address these underlying factors as part of their treatment plan.
Furthermore, holistic dentists focus on preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible before resorting to full or partial dentures. They explore alternative treatments, such as dental implants or bridges, if suitable for the patient's situation.
Taking a holistic approach to getting dentures means prioritizing not only oral health but also overall wellbeing. By considering biocompatibility, personalizing treatment plans, and addressing underlying factors affecting dental health, holistically-minded individuals can achieve healthier smiles while being mindful of their whole body's harmony.
Process of Getting Dentures
The process of getting dentures involves several steps that ensure a comfortable and functional fit. It begins with an initial consultation with Dr. Hatland, a reputable holistic dentist who specializes in denture treatments.
During this consultation, Dr. Hatland will thoroughly examine your mouth and discuss your dental history to determine if dentures are the right solution for you. If they are, Dr. Hatland will take impressions of your mouth that will be the basis for creating custom-made dentures that perfectly match the shape and size of your jaw. The impressions will then be sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians craft your dentures using high-quality materials. This ensures durability and natural-looking results.
Once the dentures have been made, you will return to Dr. Hatland's office for a fitting appointment. During this appointment, he will check the fit of the dentures in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort. After the final adjustments have been made, you can start wearing your new dentures immediately! Dr. Hatland will provide detailed instructions on how to care for them properly so they last as long as possible.
Regular checkups with Dr. Hatland are essential to ensure that your oral health remains in excellent condition while wearing dentures. These appointments allow him to monitor any changes or adjustments needed over time.
Conclusion
Whether you require full or partial dentures, remember that they can greatly enhance your quality of life by improving your ability to eat and speak with confidence. Additionally, proper fitting and maintenance can help prevent further dental complications down the line.
If you are considering getting dentures or have any concerns about your oral health in general, we highly recommend reaching out to Dr. Hatland for expert guidance tailored specifically to your needs. Visit our dental offices in Indianapolis, IN, or Lincolnwood, IL, to learn more.