Dentures - Los Angeles, CA
Take Severe Tooth Loss Head-On
Full dentures replace all missing teeth on the upper or lower arch, and partial dentures replace multiple missing teeth on one arch. Dr. Latner often designs esthetic, custom-fitted dentures to help patients reclaim their quality of life through total oral function and beauty.
Full dentures are secured with adhesive or natural suction, while partials rely on clasps connected to adjacent teeth for stability. In some cases, particularly with lower dentures, slippage or looseness becomes a problem. Dr. Latner may recommend mini-dental implants or traditional dental implants to hold a denture securely in place.
Implant-Retained Dentures
When appropriate, Dr. Latner suggests traditional dental implants for denture retention. Various styles of denture-retaining implants are available, such as the four-post solution or the bar-clip solution. Dr. Latner will review your options and help you determine which is best for your unique case.
Mini Dental Implants
If sufficient bone tissue is present, Dr. Latner can insert small posts into the sockets left by a few missing teeth. These posts are called mini dental implants, and they secure a denture, which snaps into place. Mini implants do not require true dental surgery. They are designed to be inserted in Dr. Latner's office during a simple and quick procedure. Your bone tissue will fuse to the mini dental implants to form a solid foundation for your denture or partial.
Our patients love implant-retained dentures because they eliminate the need for special cleaning routines, and they can last a lifetime. If you choose implant-retained dentures or partials, you will not need adhesives, suction, or clasps.
Benefits of Dentures
- Varied Diet: There are plenty of foods that you simply wouldn’t be able to eat without teeth, but fortunately dentures will let you continue to enjoy many of them.
- Improved Speech: The support of false teeth can help you speak more clearly.
- Enhanced Appearance: Obviously, a full set of teeth makes for a much better smile that you can be proud to show off. Also, full dentures can give your facial muscles the support they might lack after tooth loss.
- Custom-Made: To make sure they’re as comfortable and functional as possible, each set of dentures is uniquely designed to fit in your mouth.
- Removable: Traditional full and partial dentures can be taken out of the mouth for thorough cleanings.
- Long-Lasting: Dentures can typically last for about ten years, and they can be adjusted and repaired during this time to extend their lifespan as much as possible.
Partial Dentures
Did you know that there are dentures that can be used to only replace specific teeth? Partial dentures are designed to be used by patients with plenty of healthy teeth that nevertheless need to fill in the gaps in certain sections of their mouths. Like full dentures, partial dentures consist of false teeth and a base that sits directly on the gums; however, they’re supported and held in place by metal clasps that have been attached to healthy dental structures. They can sometimes be retained by implants, although this assumes that there’s currently plenty of bone tissue in your jawbone.
Full Dentures
If you imagine a complete arch of artificial teeth whenever you hear the words “dentures”, you are specifically thinking about full dentures. The base of full dentures is colored so that it resembles the gum tissue, and the teeth are typically made out of porcelain or another material that closely resembles natural enamel. When the base is placed on the gums, it forms a natural seal that holds it in place, providing enough stability for you to chew and speak. If, for any reason, your dentures begin to slip, you can use a special kind of adhesive to help stabilize them. (Of course, this won’t be an issue at all if you receive dental implants.)
Cost of Dentures
How much will you end up paying for dentures? This is naturally a very important question, but unfortunately there’s no one correct answer. Full dentures are likely to have a different price than partial dentures; for the latter, the exact cost can vary quite a bit depending on your specific tooth loss. And if you decide to get dental implants, there will be several more factors that affect the cost, including the question of whether bone grafts or another kind of preparatory procedure will be necessary.
Once the final price has been determined, we’ll work with you to consider your financial situation so that you can plan the path towards paying for your new teeth. This might mean using dental insurance (which normally at least partially covers dentures), or we could help you apply for third party financing.
Dentures FAQs
Do you have questions about what life will be like with dentures in Los Angeles? The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation, but we’ve also answered some common questions that we receive from our patients below.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
It’s not recommended that you sleep with your dentures in your mouth, because it could cause them to dry out and alter their fit. Each night, it’s important to soak your dentures in room temperature water or a denture-soaking solution to allow them to hold their shape and to give your gums a rest.
How often do I need to clean my dentures?
It’s important to clean your dentures every day and soak them each night while you’re sleeping. Here are some maintenance tips to make sure your dentures continue looking like new and stay clean:
- Remove your dentures and rinse them after each time you eat.
- Clean your mouth with a soft-bristled toothbrush after removing your dentures.
- Brush your dentures using a special denture brush and denture cleaning solution. Using a regular toothbrush and toothpaste could scratch or damage them.
- Schedule regular checkups and cleanings.
If you would like any additional advice or have questions about cleaning your dentures, feel free to contact our office.
My dentures feel loose, what should I do?
If you’ve had your dentures in Los Angeles for a while, and they begin to feel loose or fit differently, that could be a sign that the shape of your mouth and jaw are changing. This could be a sign that your dentures need to be readjusted or relined so they continue to function properly and fit in your mouth comfortably.
How much denture adhesive should I be using?
Before putting denture adhesive onto your restorations, make sure that they are clean and completely dry. It’s always better to place a smaller rather than a larger amount because too much can become messy and will require you to start the process over. Place a series of small dots along your dentures, being sure not to apply the adhesive too close to the edge. When fitting them to your mouth, firmly press them and hold them in place. One application of adhesive a day is usually enough.
How often do dentures need to be replaced?
Dentures typically last between five and 10 years, depending on how well they’re maintained. If they become broken or fractured, be sure to immediately visit your denture dentist in Los Angeles to have them inspected and repaired. Otherwise, you should be able to enjoy them for years to come.
Can I use regular toothpaste to clean my dentures?
Unfortunately, no, you instead must use non-abrasive toothpaste. Regular products can scratch and damage your dentures, whereas non-abrasive solutions will ensure the coating and materials that make up your prosthetics remain healthy and natural in appearance. But even when using the right toothpaste, you should remember not to brush aggressively. Instead, allow a soft-bristled toothbrush, a light hand, and denture cleanser to eliminate bad oral bacteria.
Will dentures change the shape of my face?
Tooth loss can result in what is referred to as facial collapse or sagging. This is when there is a lack of jawbone density that helps to support your facial muscles. As a result, the jowls begin to hang, the nose droops downward, and the cheeks appear sunken. Not to mention, the lips begin to turn inward. With dentures, however, they can help to fill in these areas of your face, giving you a more youthful appearance.
Is it hard to talk with dentures?
Initially, you may find it difficult to talk normally while wearing dentures but with much practice, you’ll notice any speech impediment that you develop will quickly dissipate. A slight lisp is normal and learning to speak while keeping your prosthetic in place takes practice. However, if you practice certain words and syllables that are more difficult (i.e., “s” or “z”), read aloud to yourself, and watch yourself in the mirror when pronouncing challenging words, you’ll soon begin speaking with greater ease.