Hand-Crafted Dentures in Plano, TX

Hand-Crafted Dentures From A Specialized Prosthodontist

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, the right treatment can restore your smile. While advanced dental loss can make eating and speaking very difficult, a custom denture can return the function and appearance of your original teeth. Unlike a general dentist, Dr. Christine Hopkins has dedicated her career to designing and placing prosthetics that help patients regain their smiles with natural-looking results. Her experience as a specialized prosthodontist combines science with artistry to create a custom set of dentures that complement your facial features and help restore your confidence!

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and restore function and appearance. Crafted to fit comfortably in your mouth, they consist of a gum-colored base holding a set of artificial teeth. Dentures can be either full or partial.

• Full: Best for replacing all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw
• Partial: Best for filling in the spaces in your smile created by missing teeth and preventing your other teeth from shifting position

What Are The Benefits Of Dentures?

Losing teeth can significantly impact your life, affecting everything from your ability to eat and speak clearly to your self-confidence and how you interact with your loved ones. Dentures offer a life-changing solution if you:

• Are missing multiple teeth
• Have lost an entire upper or lower arch of teeth
• Need to have several infected or decaying teeth extracted

How dentures can improve your life:

Enjoy Your Favorite Foods Again: Dentures restore your ability to chew properly, allowing you to savor a wider variety of foods and improve your nutrition.

Speak with Clarity and Confidence: Missing teeth can affect your speech. Dentures help you regain clear pronunciation and communicate with ease.

Rediscover Your Smile: Our dentures are custom-crafted to look natural and complement your facial features, giving you a smile you’ll be proud to share.

Give Your Face Youthfulness and Structure: Dentures support your facial muscles and prevent a “sunken in” look, helping you maintain a more youthful appearance.

Improve Your Oral Health: By replacing your missing teeth, dentures help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting and can improve your overall oral hygiene.

Long-lasting and Easy to Care For: With proper care, your dentures can last for many years. Daily cleaning and regular checkups will keep them in optimal condition.

Who Should Consider Prosthetic Teeth?

Dentures are ideal for individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth, whether due to decay, gum disease, or injury. They are suitable if you are seeking an affordable solution for tooth replacement that improves your chewing ability, speech, and overall facial aesthetics. Dentures give you a natural-looking, durable smile and allow you to smile and laugh with confidence again.

Types of Dentures To Choose From

There are various types of dentures that cater to different needs and preferences. The main types include:

1. Complete Dentures: Designed for people who have lost all their teeth in their upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They rest on your gums and can be conventional (placed after your gum tissue has healed post-tooth extraction) or immediate (placed immediately after tooth removal, requiring adjustments as your gums heal).
2. Partial Dentures: Suitable for those who still have some of their natural teeth. These dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent your other teeth from shifting. They are attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments.
3. Overdentures: These sit on top of your gums and are held in place by dental implants. They are a more stable and comfortable option, providing better chewing functionality and less gum irritation.
4. Snap-in Dentures: Anchored by dental implants, yet are also removable. They have special attachments that snap onto your implants and are known for their stability and ease of removal.

Our experienced prosthodontist in Plano, TX, Dr. Hopkins, can help you choose the type of dentures best suited for your individual needs. At Advanced Dental Center, your dentures are custom-made and meticulously designed to resemble your natural teeth. Whatever your goals may be, we make sure that you walk away with the comfortable, functional, natural-looking smile you’ve been dreaming about.

Designing Your Hand-Crafted Dentures

Careful planning and extensive consultation help us provide highly functional and natural-looking results when designing your dentures in Plano, TX. This is why selecting a specialized prosthodontist provides a level of care unavailable through a general dental practice. Because your needs are unique, Dr. Hopkins will conduct several appointments to plan and place your restoration. 

During your first visit, Dr. Hopkins will examine your oral structure, determine if any preparatory work is necessary, and take the first of two sets of impressions to begin designing your dentures. The initial impression allows us to create a custom-fitted tray that will capture far more detailed information about your jaw and soft tissues at a second appointment. We then design your new smile arrangement taking into account the proper tooth shape, size, and color. Once your dentures are ready, we check to make sure they fit perfectly.

What are the Alternatives?

Alternatives to dentures include dental implants and bridges.

Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and provide a permanent solution to your tooth loss that feels natural and stable.

Bridges, on the other hand, replace one or more of your missing teeth by being anchored to your adjacent natural teeth. The choice between these options depends on your oral health, budget, and personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do dentures last?

A: Dentures typically last between 5 and 10 years, but their lifespan can vary based on material quality, care, and changes in your mouth structure. It’s important to have regular dental check-ups as your dentures might need adjustments or relining over time due to natural changes in your gums and jawbone.

Q: Are dentures painful?

A: New dentures may initially cause discomfort as your mouth adjusts to them. Sore spots, minor irritation, and increased saliva flow are common but usually temporary. If discomfort persists, consult your dentist for adjustments. Over time, dentures should become comfortable to wear.

Q: How do I care for my dentures?

A: Caring for dentures involves daily brushing to remove food particles and plaque, soaking them in a cleansing solution overnight, and rinsing them before placing them back in your mouth. Handle them gently to avoid bending or damaging the material. Regular dental check-ups are also essential to ensure proper fit and condition.

Q: Can I eat normally with dentures?

A: Eating with dentures takes some getting used to. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth to keep the dentures in place. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as you become more comfortable. Avoid sticky or hard foods that may dislodge or damage the dentures.

Q: How will dentures affect my speech?

A: Initially, you might notice some changes in your speech with dentures. Certain words may require practice to pronounce correctly as you adjust. Reading aloud and repeating difficult words can help speed up your adjustment period.

Q: Do dentures look natural?

A: Modern dentures are designed to look as natural as possible. They are customized to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth and are arranged to complement your facial structure.

Q: Can dentures slip or fall out?

A: Properly fitted dentures should stay in place. However, over time, as your gums and jawbone change, they may become loose and slip while speaking or eating. Regular check-ups with your dentist will help in adjusting the fit as needed.

Q: Are there any restrictions on activities with dentures?

A: Most of your regular activities can be performed without issue. However, you may want to take additional precautions if you engage in contact sports or activities that risk facial impact. Consult your dentist for advice on how to protect your dentures during such activities.

At Advanced Dental Center, Dr. Hopkins and our team are dedicated to addressing all your concerns and ensuring your experience with dentures is comfortable and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions!

We Provide Custom Dentures in Plano, TX!

Ready to regain a full, vibrant smile? Visit Advanced Dental Center, where our experienced prosthodontist, Dr. Hopkins, and our skilled Plano dental team are eager to guide you through the process of getting your custom-made dentures. We provide personalized care to ensure your new dentures fit comfortably and look natural. Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life any longer. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a confident, beautiful smile.