Dentures & Veneers

Dentures and veneers are dental prosthetics used to restore or enhance the appearance and function of teeth. Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues, available in partial or complete sets. They improve chewing ability and support facial muscles. Conversely, veneers are thin shells typically made of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance by correcting color, shape, size, or alignment issues. They are durable and provide a natural-looking smile enhancement, often used for cosmetic purposes. Both dentures and veneers in Stockbridge, GA, are customized to fit each patient's unique oral structure and aesthetic preferences, offering solutions for various dental restoration needs. 

Types of Dentures 

Complete Dentures 

Complete dentures, also known as full dentures, are prosthetic devices designed to replace all missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw or both. These dentures are essential for individuals who have lost all their natural teeth due to decay, gum disease, injury, or other medical conditions. Complete dentures consist of a full set of artificial teeth mounted on a gum-colored acrylic base that fits snugly over the gums and underlying bone structure. The primary goals of complete dentures are to restore the patient's ability to chew and speak correctly and enhance the appearance of their smile and facial structure. 

Benefits: 

• Allows for effective chewing and speaking abilities, enhancing overall quality of life. 

• Restores a natural-looking smile, supporting facial muscles and preventing a sunken appearance. 

• Tailored to fit the contours of the mouth, providing comfort and stability. 

• Maintains the shape of the face by supporting lips and cheeks. 

• Once correctly fitted, dentures are easy to adapt to and use daily. 

Partial Dentures 

Partial dentures are dental prosthetics designed to replace one or more missing teeth in a patient's mouth while preserving the remaining natural teeth. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored acrylic base, often reinforced with a metal framework for added strength and stability. These dentures fit snugly around the natural teeth and are typically secured with metal or plastic clasps or precision attachments for a more aesthetic look. Partial dentures restore the ability to chew and speak effectively, maintain the alignment of the remaining teeth by preventing them from shifting, and improve the smile's overall appearance. They are custom-made to ensure a comfortable fit and natural appearance and require regular maintenance and good oral hygiene practices to ensure longevity and functionality. 

Benefits: 

• Improves chewing and speaking abilities by filling gaps left by missing teeth. 

• Maintaining the alignment of remaining natural teeth prevents them from shifting into empty spaces. 

• Enhances the appearance of the smile by replacing missing teeth with natural-looking prosthetics. 

• Tailored to the individual's mouth for comfort and a secure fit. 

• It can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance, promoting better oral hygiene. 

The Procedures for Denture

Getting dentures involves several carefully coordinated steps to ensure a comfortable and precise fit. A comprehensive dental examination is performed to assess the patient's oral health and determine the best type of denture. Impressions and measurements of the mouth are then taken to create a custom mold. For those requiring extractions, teeth are removed, and the gums can heal, which may take several weeks to months. Immediate dentures can be placed right after extractions to maintain aesthetics and function during healing. Once the gums have healed, a more permanent denture is fabricated. The final fitting involves adjusting the dentures for optimal comfort and function, ensuring they fit snugly and allow normal eating and speaking. Follow-up appointments are essential to make any necessary adjustments and to monitor the overall fit and comfort, adapting to any changes in the mouth over time. Contact us today to learn more.

Types of Veneers 

Porcelain Veneers 

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. They are highly durable and resistant to staining, making them a popular choice for long-term aesthetic improvements. Porcelain veneers mimic the natural translucency of teeth and can effectively mask discolorations, chips, cracks, and gaps. They require minimal tooth preparation and are bonded to the teeth permanently, providing a solid and natural-looking smile enhancement. 

Benefits: 

• Mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth for a realistic look. 

• Stronger and more durable than composite veneers. 

• Custom-made to fit perfectly and match the color of your natural teeth. 

Composite Resin Veneers 

Composite resin veneers are made from a tooth-colored composite material applied directly to the tooth and hardened with a special light. Unlike porcelain veneers, they can be fabricated chairside in a single dental visit, making them a quicker and more cost-effective option. Composite veneers are ideal for minor cosmetic corrections, such as repairing chipped or slightly misaligned teeth. They are more susceptible to staining than porcelain but can be polished and repaired easily. 

Benefits: 

• Typically less expensive than porcelain veneers. 

• Easier to repair if damaged compared to porcelain veneers. 

• Effective at enhancing the appearance of chipped, stained, or slightly misaligned teeth. 

The Procedures for Veneers

Getting veneers typically involves several steps to ensure a perfect fit and a natural appearance. First, the dentist in Stockbridge, GA, performs a thorough examination and consultation to determine if veneers are suitable and to discuss the desired outcome. During the initial appointment, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface of the teeth to make room for the veneers. Next, impressions of the teeth are taken to create custom veneers that fit precisely. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where the veneers are fabricated, which can take a few weeks. In the meantime, temporary veneers may be placed to protect the prepared teeth. Once the permanent veneers are ready, our dentist will check their fit, color, and shape before permanently bonding them to the teeth using a strong dental adhesive. The final step involves curing the adhesive with a special light and making necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing result. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to check the veneers' fit and function. 

Both treatments can significantly improve your smile and overall dental health when chosen based on your specific needs and goals. Visit Arch Dent Dental Clinic at 101 Center St., Stockbridge, GA 30281, or call (770) 320-8792 to explore the best option for restoring your smile and achieving optimal oral health.