Missing multiple teeth affects how you eat, speak, and feel confident in social situations. The gap between your natural teeth and a complete smile often feels impossible to bridge, leaving you searching for solutions. Dentures in Chicago, IL can benefit both your health and appearance by preventing your facial muscles from sagging and restoring eating and speaking function, offering a practical path back to normalcy.
At Sonrisa Family Dental, we understand how tooth loss impacts your daily life and overall well-being. Our team creates custom dentures that restore both function and confidence, helping you return to the foods you love and the social interactions you enjoy. We work with you to find the denture solution that best fits your lifestyle and budget, ensuring you feel comfortable throughout the entire process.
Types of Dentures Available
Choosing the right denture type depends on your specific needs, oral health, and personal preferences. We offer several options to help restore your smile and improve your quality of life.
Complete dentures replace all teeth in either the upper or lower arch when no natural teeth remain. These removable appliances rest directly on your gums and are held in place through suction and denture adhesives. Complete dentures require an adjustment period as you learn to speak and eat comfortably, but they provide significant improvement in both function and appearance. The upper denture typically stays in place more easily due to the suction created against your palate, while lower dentures may require more practice to master.
Partial dentures fill the gaps when you still have some healthy, natural teeth remaining. These appliances use metal clasps or precision attachments to anchor securely to your existing teeth. Partial dentures prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position while restoring your ability to chew effectively. They’re often more comfortable than complete dentures since they use your natural teeth for additional support. The framework can be made from various materials, including flexible resins that blend seamlessly with your natural gum color.
Implant-supported dentures combine traditional dentures with dental implants for superior stability. Small titanium posts are surgically placed in your jawbone, and your dentures snap securely onto these implants. This option provides the most natural feel and eliminates concerns about dentures slipping during eating or speaking. Many patients find that implant-supported dentures allow them to eat foods they couldn’t enjoy with traditional dentures.
The Denture Creation Process
Getting dentures in Chicago involves several appointments to ensure proper fit, comfort, and appearance. We take time with each step to create dentures that look natural and function effectively for your daily needs.
Your first visit includes a comprehensive examination of your mouth, gums, and remaining teeth. We discuss your goals and expectations while evaluating which type of denture works best for your situation. If tooth extractions are necessary, we coordinate this treatment and allow proper healing time before proceeding with denture fabrication. During this consultation, we also review your medical history and any medications that might affect the healing process.
We take detailed impressions of your mouth to create models that serve as the foundation for your custom dentures. Multiple fittings allow us to adjust the bite, check the fit, and ensure your dentures feel comfortable. We also help you select tooth color and shape that complement your facial features and provide a natural appearance. Throughout this process, we provide temporary dentures so you’re never without teeth. Our dental laboratory works closely with us to ensure each denture meets our exacting standards for fit, function, and aesthetics.
The final fitting involves careful adjustments to ensure your bite feels balanced and your dentures stay securely in place. We teach you proper insertion and removal techniques, along with cleaning and maintenance procedures. Follow-up appointments allow us to make minor adjustments as your mouth adapts to the new dentures.
Adjusting to Life With Dentures
The first few weeks with new dentures require patience as your mouth adapts to the appliances. We provide guidance on eating, speaking, and caring for your dentures to help you adjust more quickly and comfortably.
Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, and chew slowly using both sides of your mouth equally. This helps keep your dentures stable and reduces sore spots. Avoid sticky or hard foods initially, and gradually introduce more challenging textures as you become more comfortable. Practice speaking by reading aloud or having conversations with family members, as your tongue and muscles need time to adapt to the new appliances. Some patients find it helpful to practice common words and phrases in front of a mirror during the adjustment period.
Proper denture care extends their lifespan and maintains your oral health. Remove and rinse your dentures after eating, brush them daily with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner, and soak them overnight in a denture solution. Never use regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and damage the denture material. Continue visiting us for regular dental checkups to monitor your oral health and ensure your dentures continue fitting properly. We recommend professional denture cleanings and adjustments as needed to maintain optimal comfort and function.
Benefits of Modern Dentures
Today’s dentures offer significant advantages over older versions, providing better fit, improved appearance, and enhanced functionality. Advanced materials and techniques allow us to create dentures that look remarkably natural and feel more comfortable than ever before.
Modern denture materials resist staining and wear better than traditional options, maintaining their appearance longer with proper care. Computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques ensure precise fits that reduce the need for extensive adjustments. Many patients are surprised by how natural their new dentures look, often receiving compliments on their improved smile.
The health benefits extend beyond aesthetics and function. Dentures help maintain proper facial support, preventing the sunken appearance that can develop with extensive tooth loss. They also improve nutrition by allowing you to eat a wider variety of foods, contributing to better overall health. Socially, dentures restore confidence in speaking and smiling, helping you reconnect with activities and relationships you may have avoided due to missing teeth.
Restoring Your Smile at Sonrisa Family Dental
Dentures represent a significant step toward reclaiming your quality of life and confidence. With proper planning and professional care, modern dentures provide excellent function and appearance, allowing you to enjoy meals, conversations, and social activities without hesitation. The investment in quality dentures pays dividends in improved health, nutrition, and self-esteem.
Dr. Jason Korkus and our team at Sonrisa Family Dental in Chicago have helped countless Chicago-area patients restore their smiles with comfortable, natural-looking dentures. We accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, making quality dental care accessible to everyone in our community. Our commitment to affordable care extends to flexible financing options and payment plans that work with your budget. Take the first step toward your new smile by contacting us today to schedule your denture consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to replace missing teeth?
Do dentures provide natural-looking results?
Do I still have to see a dentist if I wear dentures?
What’s a same-day denture?
What is the main benefit of an immediate denture?
What if I break my denture?
What if the clasps on my partial have loosened?
How much do partial or complete dentures cost?
Does dental insurance cover the cost of dentures?
Why choose the office of Sonrisa Family Dental?
