Are you missing a full arch or set of teeth?

Dentures replace a top or bottom arch of your mouth, or a complete set of missing teeth. The many advances in materials and techniques offer today’s patients both a wider range of tooth replacement options, and more stable, natural-looking restorative dentistry results.

Dentures are custom made to be comfortable, natural-looking, and restore the form and function of teeth. Dental implants can also be used to secure a denture in place. Additionally, if you already have dentures, you can secure them with implants that are surgically placed in the jaw and used to anchor a denture arch. Implant-supported dentures provide a more stable smile and benefit your long-term oral health.

Benefits of Implant Secured Dentures

Implant supported dentures can offer many benefits for the health, function, and appearance of your smile:

• Provide stability and security
• Support bone retention
• Prevent gum recession
• Improve bite function
• Improve speech and chewing ability

Placing Implant-supported Dentures: What to Expect

First, Dr. Drew Shulman will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and jaw structure to determine if you are a good candidate for implant-supported dentures. Taking the health and stability of your jaw bone and existing teeth, he may recommend dentures or another restorative treatment for your missing teeth. If tooth extractions, periodontal treatments or bone grafting are considered necessary to achieve your goals, Dr. Shulman will work with you to create a treatment plan a timeline of what to expect.

Removable dentures, or partials, usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a base. Dental impressions will be taken for creating a custom made denture or partial denture and in many cases, a temporary restoration will be placed while the final one is being made. Dentures are color-matched to your natural appearance and shaped to look like your natural teeth.

If implants are being used to secure dentures, Dr. Shulman will coordinate their placement. The implants will be surgically inserted into the jaw bone and allowed to heal over a period of 3 to 6 months. During that time, implants integrate with the jaw bone. We will provide you with a temporary denture at that period. After implantation, a custom-fit denture is created with durable stain and decay-resistant material.

Cosmetic Dentistry for A Lasting Smile

We understand that aesthetics are also important to our older adult patients and we would like to address certain cosmetic procedures that may benefit us as we age.

Throughout our lives, our teeth may begin to darken due to staining or may abrade due to para-functional habits. Teeth whitening and porcelain veneers are both options for older patients who desire to improve the look of their smiles!

In addition to brushing and flossing, a healthy diet and exercise is important for older adults in maintaining the healthiest mouth possible. Certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are connected to oral health; living a healthier lifestyle can lessen our risks for these diseases.

If you have any questions about specific oral health concerns for older patients, please don’t hesitate to ask Hires Dental Care during your next visit!

Schedule an Appointment

Are you embarrassed by your missing teeth? Do you have an uncomfortable or slipping denture?

Rebuild your smile and restore jaw or gum damage with cosmetic or implant dentures. Call Dr. Shulman’s Philadelphia dental office today at (215) 372-1142. We welcome new patients, and can offer a personalized approach to your care for the best possible outcome.