If you're missing several teeth due to age or injury, a full or partial denture might be the right solution for you. At Dr Christopher J. Fotinos Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Orange, CA, we provide patients with a comprehensive list of treatment options for replacing missing teeth, including traditional and All-on-4 dentures.
Conventional Partial and Complete Dentures — These rely on the contours of adjacent teeth for support (for partial dentures) or the contours of bone and tissue (for complete dentures). These are a good short-term option, but long-term these may lead to mobility, poor fit, and difficulty with basic functions, such as chewing and speaking.
Implant Overdentures (Removable) — This option is ideal for patients who want dramatically improved denture retention by implants and prefer a removable denture. Cost is about 2-4 times that of a conventional denture. However, studies show that patients who choose implant overdentures (All-on-4) instead of conventional dentures report the money was very well spent and the result greatly exceeded their expectations.
Implant Fixed Dentures (Non-Removable) — This option is ideal for patients who want the greatest amount of retention and cosmetics and do not want to insert and remove their dentures. Patients who choose this option demand stability, require less maintenance, and want a denture that is most similar to natural teeth. Very strong and retentive (since prosthesis is completely fixed to implants), highly cosmetic and looks and feels most natural.
Not every patient is a candidate for each option. Therefore, a complimentary consultation is critical in order to determine which options are available.
Dentures are artificial teeth made from acrylic, nylon, or metal that replace one or more missing teeth. Full dentures are designed to replace an entire arch of teeth, and partial dentures simply replace a few consecutive missing teeth. Dentures consist of a supportive, gum-colored framework and artificial teeth.
Traditional dentures are removable and designed to hug the contours of gums (lower dentures) or palate (upper dentures). They're often held in place with a special paste or cream.
All-on-4 dentures, also referred to as implant dentures, look like regular dentures, but attach to four artificial roots (implants) that have been implanted into the patient's jaw bone. These implants hold the dentures in place, making them very stable, comfortable and natural-feeling.
The primary complaint about traditional dentures is that they can slip and move around inside the mouth, leading to embarrassing situations and creating sore spots on the gums. Since All-on-4 dentures are affixed to permanent artificial roots (implants), they never slip around or rub against the gums. They also don't require the use of any messy pastes for affixation.
With All-on-4 dentures, patients receive a full set of teeth that look and feel natural! Implant dentures allow patients to speak normally and eat all the foods they love without any of the discomfort or worries associated with traditional dentures.
Edentulism, or toothlessness, is a chronic oral disease. In a survey, patients report their quality of life is the lowest if not restored — unable to eat, speak, and having compromised esthetics. For patients missing several or many of their teeth, dentures are a great replacement choice. With full dentures, partial dentures, and All-on-4 dentures to choose from, patients have plenty of options. Deciding which is right for you can depend on several factors such as personal preference, the number of teeth being replaced, gum health, bone structure and cost.
Candidates for All-on-4 dentures will be replacing all of their upper and/or lower teeth. They also must have enough jaw bone to support the dental implants. During a consultation with Dr Fotinos or Dr Rosales, we'll discuss your options, perform a complete examination, and help you determine the best treatment option for you.
If you're missing one or several teeth, you don't have to live with the discomfort. There are plenty of options for replacing missing teeth, and our top-rated Orange, CA dentists can help you determine the best treatment plan. Contact Dr Christopher J. Fotinos Cosmetic & General Dentistry to schedule your consultation today.
Includes a full series of x-rays, intra & extra oral photos, a comprehensive dental exam, regular dental cleaning, oral cancer screening, sleep apnea screening, and an orthodontic assessment.
This is a 30 minute appointment to discuss a current condition, cosmetics or emergency treatment.
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