Dentures – Petaluma, CA
Show Off Your Entire Smile Again!
Dentures have been the standard way to address tooth loss for centuries! They are affordable and reliable for people who have suffered from extensive tooth loss. And thanks to modern dental techniques and technology, they are customed to fit perfectly in your mouth and give you a beautiful grin! If you’ve suffered from tooth loss, dentures in Petaluma could be the ideal solution for you. To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Bob Koenitzer, give us a call!
Why Choose Bob Koenitzer, DDS For Dentures?
- Customized for Every Patient
- We Welcome Dental Insurance
- Financing Through CareCredit
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Dentures are ideal for those who are missing multiple or all of their teeth. They allow you to complete tasks that tooth loss makes difficult – like enjoying a nutritious diet and speaking without accidentally mumbling. Depending on the number of teeth you have lost and where they are located in your mouth, a customized treatment plan will be put together just for you. If you have any existing oral health conditions, like cavities or gum disease, they will need to be eliminated before we can move forward in your dentures treatment plan. The health of your smile is always our top priority.
Types of Dentures
There are several different types of dentures to meet different needs. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which of these options is right for you:
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are made up of multiple replacement teeth and a gum-colored base. This type of denture fits between your existing teeth like a puzzle piece to fill in any gaps. To remain stationary, partial dentures are attached to your natural teeth with the help of clips or brackets.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are made to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, either on the top or bottom. They remain in place with help from the natural shape and suction of your mouth. If you need any additional support, denture adhesive is also available to provide stability. Traditional full dentures are removable, so you can take them out to clean your smile and while you sleep.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are supported by dental implants. This technique helps to eliminate shifting and the need for any adhesive or clasps. Dental implants also help to stimulate the jawbone, preventing the progression of bone resorption due to tooth loss. This additional stability from the implants allows patients to regain up to 70% or more of their natural chewing ability. Implant dentures are also made to last for numerous decades, so you don’t need to worry about periodic repairs or replacements.
The Benefits of Dentures
Here are just some of the many benefits you can experience when you get dentures to replace your missing teeth:
- Allows for a more expansive diet
- Improved speaking ability
- Prevents movement of surrounding teeth
- Natural appearance
- Supports facial muscles
- Increases confidence
- Easy removal for cleaning
- Partially covered by most dental insurance plans
Denture FAQs
Can I Sleep with My Dentures?
It’s typically not recommended to sleep with your dentures in. Dentures adhere to the gums via suction, which requires a snug fit— so snug, in fact, that it can cut off circulation to the gums. While this isn’t necessarily a problem when wearing your prosthetic, it could irritate your gums over time if you never take them off.
It’s also possible for your denture to collect bacteria over time, and for them to grow under your dentures. Taking them out overnight to soak in an antibacterial solution can help to mitigate this issue.
What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?
While dentures can provide you with greater bite force than you may have without them, there are still some foods that you should probably steer clear from eating with your prosthetic, like:
- Hard-to-crack foods like nuts, apples, and carrots. These could damage your prosthetic if you aren’t careful.
- Tough meats, like steak, that could put a lot of stress on your prosthetic.
- Food with bits that could get stuck under your dentures, like popcorn.
- Sticky foods, like peanut butter and caramel, that can pull your denture out of place.
Why Do My Dentures Smell?
When dentures smell, it’s usually because of a bacterial contamination that has taken over your prosthetic. You should make sure that you’re cleaning your dentures thoroughly via both brushing and an antibacterial cleaner. You should also clean elsewhere in your mouth, thoroughly brushing your gums and tongue.
These kinds of infections can be exacerbated by ill-fitting dentures that irritate the gums and the other soft tissues in the mouth. You may also want to pursue a denture reline if you notice an uptick in gum sores along with the smell.
Will Dentures Change the Shape of My Face?
It’s natural for your face to sag if you’re missing teeth, which can affect your overall appearance and cause wrinkles prematurely. Thankfully, a set of well-fitting dentures can take the place of the teeth in this regard, giving you face some much-needed support. This is yet another reason to make sure that your prosthetic fits well, and to get a reline if you need one.