Dentures – Tulsa, OK
Have a Healthy, Complete Smile Again
It’s currently estimated that upwards of 178 million Americans are struggling with tooth loss. That means upwards of 178 million Americans are struggling to smile confidently, eat a well-balanced diet, and communicate clearly with their loved ones. If this sounds all too familiar, then don’t wait any longer; schedule an appointment with our highly experienced Tulsa dentist to discuss dentures! Until your appointment, you can learn more about this tried-and-true tooth-replacement solution by reading on.
Why Choose O'Brien Dental Wellness Center for Dentures?
- Dentist is a Fellow of the International College of Oral Implantologist
- Dental Insurance and Flexible Financing Welcome
- Serving the Community for 20+ Years
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
For decades, dentures have helped patients regain the smile they lost, and they look and feel more lifelike than ever before thanks to advancements in both dentistry and technology. Before moving forward with this tooth-replacement option, you’ll first need to know if you’re eligible for the treatment. Our team will walk you through the different factors that make someone a good candidate for dentures, and we can even discuss alternative methods for rebuilding your smile.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Contrary to most assumptions, losing a tooth can have a drastic impact on your smile and overall health. The American Academy of Periodontology states that there are several issues that can arise due to missing teeth. Some of these problems can include trouble speaking, difficulty eating, facial sagging, and even lower self-esteem. Not only can normal daily activities become more challenging to do, but you may also start to feel self-conscious about your appearance. By rebuilding your complete smile with dentures, you’ll be able to improve the majority of your oral functions as well as your quality of life!
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
If you’re missing three or more teeth in a row, you’re missing several teeth throughout your mouth, or you’re missing all of your teeth, then there’s a good chance that you’re a candidate for dentures. When discussing your situation with our team, we will assess how many of your teeth are missing and where in the mouth they were located, so that we can develop a proper treatment plan to rebuild your grin. As long as you have good oral health, you should be eligible for dentures. Should we find any underlying problems like gum disease or tooth decay, then we’ll need to resolve these issues before moving forward. Doing so will increase your success rate, ensuring that you can make the most of your dental prosthetics.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
In some cases, dentures may not be the ideal option for certain people. Even so, our team can offer alternative methods for rebuilding missing teeth. Our other treatment options include:
- Dental Bridges: If you are missing one or a few teeth in a row, a dental bridge can effectively close the gap in your smile. This prosthetic consists of two dental crowns and pontics—the artificial teeth that form the bridge.
- Dental Implants: Those who want a more stable and longer-lasting tooth replacement might consider getting dental implants. These metal posts are directly embedded into the jawbone so that they can anchor your restorations. Due to their placement and lifelike function, you can expect your results to last several decades to a lifetime with proper care.
Types of Dentures
Our dedicated Tulsa dentist, Dr. Michael O’Brien, offers three types of dentures at our office. Once he has the opportunity to meet with you one-on-one to learn all about your dental needs and smile goals, he can provide you with more information on each and share his recommendations. In the meantime, you can read on for a brief overview!
Partial Dentures
If you are missing several teeth throughout your mouth or multiple in a row, then we will likely recommend a partial denture. In this case, we will attach the replacement teeth to a lifelike, gum-colored base. A discreet metal framework will hold your restoration in place, preventing it from moving out of position as you laugh, talk, and chew.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, on the other hand, are ideal for patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth or all of their teeth. The gum-colored base and replacement teeth aren’t held in position by a metal framework though; they are held in place by natural suction and, in some cases, denture adhesive.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are incredibly innovative. Instead of being held in place by a metal clasp or a special adhesive, several strategically placed dental implants keep them in position. Not only does this add to their lifelike appearance, but it also helps prevent bone loss and preserves your youthful face shape. Plus, they often last for several decades!
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures are widely loved among dental professionals and patients alike because:
- They are custom-made for each patient
- They are cost-effective
- They can last for 10+ years
- They help patients enjoy a more varied diet
- They look and feel natural