Dentures

Dentures can do more than restore your smile. They can reignite your confidence, rehabilitate your oral health, and improve your quality of life. At Driggers & Baker Family Dentistry in West Columbia, Texas, the talented dentists use the highest-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology to make dentures that feel great, look amazing, and work perfectly. 

Dentures Q & A

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable prostheses that replace all or most of the teeth in your mouth, restoring the appearance and functionality of your smile. They’re designed particularly for your mouth so that they look just like your natural teeth and gums and fit comfortably and snugly.

Dentures today are much more comfortable and advanced than they used to be and are made from acrylic, nylon, and/or metal.

How do dentures work?

After you’ve lost all of your teeth or have had any remaining teeth pulled, your dentist will make an impression of your mouth and have a lab custom-design your dentures for your particular bite.

Dentures for the upper jaw have an acrylic and gum-colored base that fits over the roof of your mouth, while dentures for your lower jaw are shaped like a horseshoe in order to make room for your tongue. Both upper and lower dentures are held in place by suction or a dental adhesive.

Dentures are essentially replacement teeth for your entire mouth, so once you have them in and have acclimated, you’ll use them just like you would your natural teeth to help you chew, speak, and smile with ease and confidence.

Why should I get dentures?

Dentures improve the appearance of your smile, but they also keep your teeth, gums, and jawbone healthy. Dentures can:

Prevent your facial muscles around your mouth from sagging and caving in

Stimulate your jawbone, which helps it stay healthy

Make it easier to eat, chew, and speak

Help to improve your immune system

By providing your mouth with a strong and healthy alternative to missing teeth, dentures are incredibly beneficial to your oral and overall health.

How do dentures feel?

Dentures typically feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, with some patients saying that they feel loose or bulky in their mouth. This is because it takes a few weeks or months for the muscles in your mouth and jaw acclimate and figure out how to best hold them in place.

During the period of acclimation, you might notice increased saliva flow, some temporary nausea, and mild soreness and irritation. Once your mouth gets used to working with the dentures, though, you’ll find that it’s easier to speak and chew, and that your mouth is overall more comfortable and functional.

If you’re interested in getting dentures, start the process by scheduling an appointment with the dental experts at Driggers & Baker Family Dentistry. To book an appointment, you can call the office 979-345-5135.