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Spanish When you think of dentures, what do you picture? Many imagine an older person with bulky prosthetics that slip out when they laugh or eat food. While this image is often the case, dentures actually come in many different forms! The most basic types of dentures are either partial dentures or full dentures. Partial dentures are prosthetics designed to replace only portions of your smile. Using a metal or acrylic framework, these dentures utilize your remaining natural teeth for stability! Full dentures, in contrast, replace your entire arch of teeth. There are two ways to retain full dentures, either through traditional means or with dental implants. For full dentures in Syracuse, NY, trust Dr. Brent Bradford to find the best option for you!
Traditional Full Dentures
Traditional full dentures are a popular choice to replace missing smiles, likely due to their affordable prices! Unfortunately, these dentures have a few drawbacks that make them unstable in your mouth.
Traditional upper full dentures rely on suction and the moisture in your mouth to stay in place. They consist of a pink base, securing your artificial teeth, and a large denture plate that sucks to the roof of your mouth. For many people, the big denture plate is uncomfortable and can cause gagging. Additionally, it covers your upper palate, preventing you from fully tasting the foods and drinks you love!
Traditional lower full dentures rely on your lower jawbone for support. While it may be effective initially, as your denture is made to perfectly fit the contours of your mouth, this method is not sustainable. Because traditional dentures can’t replace the roots of your teeth (which help your jawbone maintain its shape), your jawbone will shrink, losing mass over time. As your jawbone shrinks, your denture stays the same, causing ill-fit. Loose dentures result in various problems, from denture sores to difficulty eating, that can negatively affect a patient’s quality of life.
Thankfully, Dr. Bradford provides full dentures in Syracuse, NY, that are stable alternatives to their traditional counterparts!
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts that secure into the jawbone to support restorations like dentures. In general, there are two kinds of dental implants.
Traditional dental implants are around 5 millimeters in diameter and require an invasive surgical procedure. To place these implants, an incision must be made in the gums to reach the jawbone. Then, a series of drills increasing in size create a hole large enough for the implant to fit. Once the implant body is secure, the gums are stitched back up to heal. As a traditional implant has multiple components, each one is placed at separate appointments to give your implant time to secure to your jawbone. The whole process takes about 6-9 months, as you won’t receive your final denture until your implant is fully secure.
Mini dental implants have a width of less than 3 millimeters, are made of one solid titanium piece, and require a minimally invasive procedure. To place these implants, Dr. Bradford makes a small pilot hole through the gums and into the jawbone. With no incisions or stitches involved, he can gently screw your implant in place in just one visit! The very same day he places these implants, they become stable enough to support a temporary restoration, meaning you never go without teeth! In just 21 days, you can have your final denture restoration in place.
Dr. Brent Bradford prefers to use mini dental implants to support full dentures because of the various benefits they provide patients like you! The fewer required appointments, single-piece design, and minimally invasive procedure make mini implants less expensive and more accessible than traditional implants.
Full Mini Implant Dentures in Syracuse
At Brent Bradford, DDS, in Syracuse, NY, Dr. Bradford offers three distinct mini implants supported denture options.
- Snap-in dentures: Like traditional full dentures, snap-in dentures have a pink base supporting their artificial teeth. However, that is where the similarities end! Because mini implants support the prosthetic, these dentures don’t need to rely on suction or the jawbone. Dr. Bradford removes the upper plate, freeing your palate and providing a comfortable denture alternative. Additionally, if it’s in excellent condition, he may be able to transform your current denture into a snap-in denture!
- Semi-permanent roundhouse bridge: As its name suggests, this denture is only partially permanent. Though you never remove the prosthetic, Dr. Bradford will for maintenance and cleaning at routine checkups. A semi-permanent roundhouse bridge stays secure in your mouth the rest of the time, providing a functional and beautiful smile.
- Permanent roundhouse bridge: This denture is permanent, meaning it’s non-removable. Once we cement the prosthetic in place, it never comes out of your mouth. Because it’s so secure, there is no need for the support of a pink base. Permanent roundhouse bridges look incredibly natural and seamless in your mouth and are about as strong as your natural teeth! If you desire a more natural look, a permanent roundhouse bridge is the denture for you!
Revamp Your Smile With Full Dentures in Syracuse, NY!
Dentures come in many shapes and sizes, but when looking for full dentures in Syracuse, NY, trust Dr. Bradford with your care! Using mini dental implants, he can secure your smile and provide you with functional and beautiful teeth. Whether you want removable, semi-removable, or non-removable dentures, Brent Bradford, DDS, has the solution for you.
Schedule a free implant consultation to learn more about how Dr. Bradford can restore your smile!
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