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Dentures – Arnold, MO

Easy, Affordable Tooth Replacement

JL Dental knows that choosing the right tooth replacement method is important. Everyone is different, and various factors including oral health, bone density, budget, and age all weigh into the decision. That’s why we offer various ways to replace your missing teeth at our Arnold, MO dental practice. Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears are well-trained family dentists who are committed to helping patients of every age and stage of oral health find the dental care they need, and one way we do this is by offering dentures and partials. Whether you’re missing all of your teeth along an arch or need to replace just a few teeth, JL Dental can provide a dental prosthetic that will fit comfortably and return your smile to excellent function.

The Different Types of Dentures

close up woman holding her face with dentures in Arnold

A denture can be used to restore your ability to smile, talk, and chew with confidence after tooth loss. No matter how many teeth you’re missing, there’s a type of denture out there for you. The three main kinds of dentures we offer are:

  • Full dentures: These replace an entire arch of missing teeth at once. This full arch of prosthetic teeth is attached to a pink acrylic base, sitting directly on the gums and remaining in place with natural suction or a bit of denture adhesive.
  • Partial dentures: These are used to fill the gaps in your grin if you still have some teeth left. By attaching to your natural teeth with metal clasps, it fits within your smile like a missing puzzle piece.
  • Implant-retained dentures. A full or partial denture can be secured by dental implants placed directly in the jawbone to maximize stability and strength.

The Process of Getting Dentures

full and partial dentures

If you’re looking to replace your missing teeth with dentures, the first step is to schedule a consultation with either Dr. Jonathan or Laura Mears. We’ll discuss your options for tooth replacement, and if we decide you’re a good candidate for dentures, we can move forward with the process.

For traditional full and partial dentures, we first take impressions of your mouth and design various models for you to try on. Once we find the model that fits you best, we send it to a local dental lab, where your final dentures will be crafted. A few weeks later, you’ll return to our office, where we’ll fit them, make any final adjustments if need be, and explain how to wear and care for them.

For implant-retained dentures, we’ll place as many of the titanium posts as needed into your jawbone during an oral surgery. In some cases, we can also install a temporary denture on the same day. After the implants have fused to your jawbone, we’ll place a more permanent denture that allows you to reap the rewards of having the sturdiest method of tooth replacement available.

Benefits of Dentures

dentist holding pair of full dentures

It’s not an exaggeration to say that getting dentures can change your life. Some of the things that dentures can help you do include:

  • Boost your confidence in your ability to smile
  • Speak more clearly
  • Enjoy a wider variety of chewy, crunchy foods with ease
  • Protect against gum disease
  • Improve your overall oral health

Tips for Living with New Dentures

hand holding glass of water with full dentures in it

It can take a few weeks for your mouth to grow accustomed to your dentures, so a little tenderness in the beginning is normal. Keep wearing them as much as possible, except at night. Try cutting your food into bite-sized chunks and work your way back up to normal bites. Practice reading aloud with them in to help you get used to speaking with them.

Maintenance is actually quite easy. Brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush but no toothpaste every day. Let them soak in a denture cleanser overnight. Just don’t forget to rinse them off before putting them back in in the morning!

Contact JL Dental in Arnold, MO to discuss your options for tooth replacement and begin the process of regaining your smile. Missing teeth can lead to all kinds of other problems -- don’t let them go unaddressed.

Denture FAQs

If you’re missing teeth, dentures offer a quick and comfortable way to restore your pearly whites! Thanks to the latest dental technology and high-quality materials, full and partial dentures are more lifelike and reliable than ever. For your convenience, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions we get about this classic tooth replacement option below. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to call us and we’ll be more than happy to help!

I Need Dentures—Where Do I Start?

Your journey towards a complete, confident smile starts with a consultation with Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears. At this first appointment, they’ll take the time to fully understand your smile goals and concerns. Then, they’ll review your medical history, inspect your oral health, and explain which treatments they recommend for you.

Do I Brush My Dentures Like Natural Teeth?

Your dentures may look like natural teeth, but they are cared for in a slightly different manner. Regular toothbrushes and toothpastes shouldn’t be used to clean your dentures because they’re too abrasive and can scratch your dentures. Instead, clean them off every morning, evening, and between meals by rinsing them off and using special denture brushes and cleaners. Another important part of caring for your dentures is to soak them every night. Soaking cleans away harmful particles from every nook and cranny of your dentures while giving your gums a rest.

How Long Will My Dentures Last?

As your mouth naturally changes shape over time, your dentures will begin to lose their snug fit. Eventually, they may begin to feel loose or uncomfortable. You’ll typically need to replace your dentures every seven to ten years to keep you and your smile healthy.

However, if you’re looking for a longer-lasting tooth replacement option, you may want to consider implant-retained dentures. These dentures are held in place with a modern tooth replacement treatment called dental implants. By strategically placing several small titanium posts into your jawbone, we can anchor your full or partial dentures into place as if they’re a natural part of your smile! Replacing a missing tooth both above and below the gumline offers unmatched functionality, comfort, and longevity. In fact, with the proper care, you can easily expect your implant-retained denture to last a lifetime!

Can I Eat Normally with Dentures?

While dentures can restore the appearance of your pearly whites right away, they do take some getting used to. Eventually, you’ll be able to comfortably and easily enjoy most of your favorite foods while wearing your dentures, but it will require some time and practice. Over the first several weeks of wearing your new dentures, stick to taking small bites of soft foods. As you begin to feel more comfortable, you can progress to crunchier, tougher foods. While this process takes a different amount of time for everyone, many patients feel very comfortable eating with their dentures after a month of practice.

Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Dentures?

Every dental insurance policy is different. Feel free to call us or bring your policy paperwork with you to your consultation and we’ll be more than happy to help. We accept a wide range of dental insurances and have years of experience maximizing our patients’ benefits to provide the most cost-effective care. If your insurance doesn’t cover dentures, or if you don’t have dental insurance, we also are happy to accept CareCredit and CitiHealth Card. These third-party financing options can help break down the cost of your treatment into smaller payments that fit into your budget.