Life without a complete smile is a struggle. Poor chewing,
pain, and compromised personal appearance result when teeth succumb to decay, accident or gum
disease. In his Fort Smith AR practice, Gilbert Lopez DDS of New Smile Dental creates dentures that give
life back to incomplete smiles.
Types of Fort Smith AR dentures
Basically, there are 2 kinds of dentures--partial and full. Both are created
from lifelike tooth- and gum-colored acrylic and frequently contain metal
framework.
Dr. Lopez places a partial denture when the patient has one
or more natural teeth. These teeth anchor the prosthetic made up of new teeth
mounted on a frame with clasps. Dr. Lopez places a complete denture when the
upper or lower arch or both are edentulous (missing all teeth).
Complete dentures may be conventional or immediate. The
dentist places the conventional dentures after remaining teeth are extracted
and gums heal. The patient does not receive his replacement teeth for 4 to 6
weeks after extraction.
The dentist places an immediate denture right after he
removes remaining natural teeth. The immediate denture helps control bleeding
and provides a complete smile right away. However, as gums and bones heal, they
shrink. So, the immediate denture requires relining and refitting as time goes
by.
The advantages of dentures
Dentures restore smiles to full function and appearance.
Patients eat and speak normally, they have a full set of attractive teeth, and
facial muscles are supported and more youthful looking. Quality dentures
created by your Fort Smith AR dentist at New Smile Dental last for years with
regular hygiene at home and professional care from Dr. Lopez and his team.
How Dr. Lopez creates and places dentures
In an initial consultation, Dr. Lopez takes x-rays and
dental impressions to determine how a denture should look. He offers the
patient viable options and formulates a treatment plan. The dentist sends his
instructions, the impressions and imaging to a dental lab where a skilled
technician crafts the denture.
During a subsequent appointment, Dr. Lopez “tries-in” the
prosthetic, checking fit, bite and appearance. The appliance may return to the
lab for reworking if necessary. When fit and other factors are exactly right,
the patient leaves with his denture in place.
Life with dentures
Patients find they adjust to quality dentures quickly.
Slight slurring of speech resolves, and facial muscles learn the proper way to
bite and chew. Individuals enjoy their renewed facial aesthetics, and find they
laugh and smile confidently.
