Dentures in Austin, TX

Nearly 1 in 8 Texans aged 65 and older are edentulous, meaning they have no natural teeth. Substantial tooth loss can make everyday activities like speaking, smiling, and eating more challenging. By replacing missing teeth, individuals coping with tooth loss can restore their bite function and smile confidently. For years, dentures have been a popular solution for replacing missing teeth. In fact, 90% of Americans without teeth have some type of denture.

At Aspire Dental, we are sensitive to the challenges that tooth loss creates. That’s why we provide compassionate guidance to help you choose a denture solution that suits you. By pairing an array of denture options with years of expertise, you can take solace in knowing that we are well-equipped to help you regain your quality of life.

Full and Partial Dentures

There are two types of traditional dentures: full dentures and partial dentures. The type that you need depends on the severity of your tooth loss.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace a complete set of natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw or both. They consist of a gum-colored acrylic base that fits over the gums and an artificial gumline to hold the prosthetic teeth in place.

The prosthetic teeth are typically made of porcelain or acrylic materials to resemble the look of natural teeth. Full dentures are custom-fitted, supporting your facial muscles and enabling you to speak and chew more easily.

Depending on how well they are maintained, the lifespan of full dentures can range from 5 to 10 years.

Partial Dentures

Like full dentures, partial dentures are custom-made and removable dental appliances. However, these replace one or more missing teeth when an individual still has some remaining natural teeth in their upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures comprise a metal or acrylic framework that attaches to the natural teeth with clasps. Artificial teeth are set into the framework to fill the gaps created by missing teeth.

Partial dentures improve chewing ability and restore the appearance of a complete smile while allowing the remaining natural teeth to remain in place.

Because some natural teeth support partial dentures, they may last longer than full dentures. While it depends on the materials used, some partial dentures can last up to 15 years.

The Drawbacks of Traditional Options

While traditional dentures have long been used as a tooth replacement method, they have some significant drawbacks.

Dentures cannot truly imitate the look, feel, or function of natural teeth: When prosthetic teeth are made from acrylic, they fail to mimic the translucence and texture of real teeth. They also lack the strength of natural teeth. Because dentures cannot withstand the same bite forces, denture wearers often have to change their eating habits, making it difficult to maintain a healthy diet that includes raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Their fit changes over time, making eating and speaking difficult: Losing a tooth leads to continual bone loss and gum recession. This, along with the frequent removal of the denture, causes the fit of your dentures to loosen. As a result, many denture users experience irritation and mouth sores from dentures that shift around. Sometimes, dentures pop out when eating or speaking, leading to speech impediments, chewing difficulty, and embarrassment. Some people resort to using messy denture adhesive to help secure their dentures.
To maintain their function, they must be periodically adjusted: Due to the changes in how dentures fit over time, they must be regularly reshaped or even remade. A denture reline adds material to create a better fit.
They are easily lost or broken: Traditional dentures are removable, meaning they are easily lost or broken. When taken out for sleeping, cleaning, or comfort, dentures are vulnerable to dropping and breaking or becoming lost. The stress of frequent removal and chewing forces also compromise the dentures’ integrity.
Traditional dentures cannot prevent bone loss: The roots of your teeth are embedded in your jaw. When you chew or bite, the teeth stimulate the jawbone to keep it healthy and strong. Unfortunately, even losing one tooth leads to bone loss. While dentures replace the missing teeth, they do not replace the tooth roots. As a result, dentures cannot stimulate the jawbone to maintain its long-term health.

Implant Dentures

If you are looking for alternatives to traditional dentures that solve common denture problems, we can help. At Aspire Dental, we offer mini implant dentures, which securely replace missing teeth using innovative mini dental implant technology to anchor the appliance.

Like traditional dental implants, mini implants are prosthetic tooth roots that we secure in your jawbone. These narrow implants provide a stable foundation for dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures. While small, mini implants are incredibly strong and offer significant benefits over traditional implant options.

Aspire Dental offers implant overdentures, semi-removable roundhouse bridges, and non-removable roundhouse bridges. Each option replaces a full arch of missing teeth by anchoring a dental appliance to the implants.

Overdentures

Implant overdentures are similar in look to a traditional full denture. However, instead of relying on the roof of your mouth or lower jawbone ridge for support, they are anchored by 4-8 mini implants. The implants provide exceptional stability for a secure and long-lasting fit.

If you have existing dentures, we may be able to retrofit them to snap onto the implants. This option is possible when the dentures are in good condition and have enough room to accommodate the implants. In as little as one hour, we can place the mini implants in your jawbone and adjust and attach the dentures. Patients frustrated with uncomfortable sliding dentures find immediate relief in these “snap-on dentures.”

Overdentures have a similar lifespan to the traditional option because they use the same materials. However, implant-retained overdentures maintain a secure fit because they do not shift and loosen over time. Additionally, with proper maintenance, the mini implants themselves can last a lifetime.

Roundhouse Bridges

A roundhouse bridge is a full arch of artificial teeth made from zirconia, a biocompatible material that is more durable and fracture-resistant than porcelain. Because zirconia is the strongest ceramic used in dentistry and is 10 times stronger than our natural teeth, the lifespan of zirconia bridges is much longer than standard dentures.

Unlike a traditional denture or an implant overdenture, roundhouse bridges typically include just the artificial teeth, making them fit more comfortably. However, some patients may need a bit of pink porcelain to add lip support. At your denture consultation, we will discuss your desired smile vision and the best options for achieving that look. Dentures in Austin TX Dr. Brandon Hall

There are two options for zirconia roundhouse bridges: semi-removable and non-removable. The semi-removable roundhouse bridge, also known as a Fix on Six® bridge, is secured with 6-10 mini dental implants. This option is low-maintenance, as it is removed only by Dr. Hall or Dr. McNeil during your routine dental visits. At your appointment, they will thoroughly clean the appliance and check for any wear and tear.

Alternatively, we offer a non-removable zirconia roundhouse bridge that is securely cemented to 10-12 mini implants. This permanent option ensures the greatest support, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Operating just like natural teeth, it offers a hassle-free, natural-looking solution for tooth replacement.

The Benefits of Mini Implant Dentures

Dentures supported by mini dental implants yield better outcomes and greater patient satisfaction than traditional denture options. The benefits of implant dentures include:

We place mini implants in a minimally invasive procedure that takes just one appointment.
Our efficient placement technique allows us to secure your implants and mount the dentures immediately, offering instant results.
Due to their size and the minimally invasive placement technique, patients recover quickly from the procedure.
Your dentures will feel more comfortable and secure, eliminating the frustrating slipping and sliding of traditional dentures.
Mini implants are long-lasting. The durable titanium fuses with the jawbone to provide unparalleled support for dentures.
Implants are the only tooth replacement option that maintains your jawbone’s health.

Mini implant dentures are the key to secure tooth replacement, providing a fixed foundation for dental appliances.

Replace Your Missing Teeth at Aspire Dental

Losing permanent teeth can be troubling, forcing you to change your habits and routines. With various denture options available, we can help you eat, speak, and smile with newfound confidence. At Aspire Dental, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health with the most up-to-date dental solutions, which include pioneering mini dental implants.

Whether you have lost all your teeth or need teeth extracted and replaced, we have a solution that will restore your smile. Don’t let tooth loss stand in the way of your well-being. Schedule your denture consultation at Aspire Dental today.