What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable oral appliances that replace missing teeth. They can be either removable or implant-supported, and can be complete or partial dentures.
Candidates for Dentures
Here at LA Healthy Smile, all restorative dentistry is done by Dr. Khodadadi himself. He particularly enjoys doing dentures, because of the satisfaction he gets from restoring your smile and your ability to eat comfortably.
Dr. Khodadadi’s dental philosophy emphasizes saving as much of your natural teeth as possible, so dentures should be used as a last resort treatment. However, if your teeth are badly broken down or in the advanced stages of gum disease, complete dentures may be the only practical option.
Affordable Dentures
Our goal is to offer patients needing dentures affordable treatment plan options. If needed, financing is available through Care Credit. Just ask, and we will explain your choices.
Making Your Dentures
Making a set of dentures requires several office visits, but each step is necessary to ensure a quality product.
Patients must have had their teeth extracted before starting appointments for dentures. Dr. Khodadadi specializes in helping patients with their surgical extraction needs after all other tooth-saving options have been tried. Consult with him to see if your extractions can be done in-house, or if you need a referral.
When you come in for your first denture appointment, Dr. Khodadadi will take impressions of your mouth using alginate. Alginate is an easy-to-use impression material that replicates the natural dental arches in your mouth. These impressions will be sent to a local dental lab to make a wax rim.
After receiving the rim, Dr. Khodadadi will create a wax bite and schedule you for a try-in appointment. This appointment is necessary to see how the wax bite lines up in your mouth, and if any changes need to be made by the lab. Wax bites that are too large or too small for the patient’s mouth can cause speech difficulties and other issues, so being honest about the look and feel is a critical step. After all the dimensions are recorded, teeth will be placed in the wax rim and you will come in to try in the teeth.
Feel free to bring friends or family members along to this appointment, as they can give you feedback on how your try-in looks. The try-in is set in a pink wax, to emulate the final look of your dentures. If you are unsure or unhappy with any part of your upper or lower denture, be sure to inform us at this stage. To incorporate your feedback, Dr. Khodadadi may also take a reline impression at this time to better ensure the alignment of your future pair of dentures.
Denture Materials
Acrylic Base
There are many materials that can be used to make dentures look beautiful and natural. One such material is acrylic, which is affordable and covered by most dental insurance plans. Acrylic is also used to make the pink denture base, but dentists can choose from different types of acrylic depending on the patient’s needs and budget.
Porcelain, Composite, or Acrylic Teeth
Porcelain teeth are more sturdy and stain-resistant, but can come loose from the denture’s base and fall out. For the most secure fit and most natural looking teeth, composite is recommended. These materials are more expensive and may not be covered by your insurance plan, however. There are also a variety of acrylic teeth available. Acrylic will bond most securely to the denture base, but the teeth will also wear down some over the years.
Other Denture Services
Please understand that even the best-fitting denture will not be as secure as your own natural teeth were. Adjusting to removable dentures will take a little time and practice. And there may be some adjustments to the dentures required after they are fitted. Dr. Khodadadi will be available for whatever adjustments or coaching you may need to make your dentures comfortable and effective.
Your smile, however, will be restored to a natural beauty. Our goal is to make your teeth look so natural, no one will know you have dentures.
Over time, your jawbone and gums may shrink. When this happens, you may want to have a denture reline done. This will give you back the original snug fit you had when your dentures were made.
If you are interested in a more secure tooth restoration, you may want to consider implant-supported dentures. You can read more about that service on our dental implants page.
If you would like to find out more about getting dentures or for a reline appointment, please fill out the information on the Request an Appointment page, or call our office.