Missing teeth can be embarrassing and impact your ability to eat and speak properly. Dentures can replace several or all of your missing teeth along one or both dental arches to restore function to your smile. Dr. Steven L. Ollason in Albuquerque, NM, works with specialists to craft both traditional and implant-supported dentures.
Request an AppointmentWhat Are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetics that replace missing natural teeth that may have been lost due to decay or dental trauma. Dentures restore the appearance and function of your bite, allowing you to eat and speak properly once more.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are customized to replace areas of tooth loss throughout the mouth.
Complete Dentures
Full or complete dentures replace a full arch or all of your natural teeth.
Restore Your Smile With Dentures
At New Mexico Smile Center in Albuquerque, NM, we understand that missing teeth can be frustrating and cause feelings of embarrassment. Depending on your unique needs, Dr. Ollason can craft traditional or implant-supported dentures to restore your smile. Our dentistry practice uses state-of-the-art technology to provide our patients with effective dental solutions of the highest quality. As our patient, you can expect that your dentures will be effective and durable.
Not sure if dentures are right for you? We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Request an initial consultation with our dentist or call our Albuquerque.
The Benefits of Dentures
Improved Quality of Life
Not only can missing teeth cause pain, but it can also impact your ability to eat and speak properly. Dentures can restore the function of your bite, allowing you to eat what you love and speak confidently.
Improved Oral Health
Tooth loss and tooth decay can lead to widespread dental issues like jawbone atrophy and infections. Procedures sometimes involved in the denture process like dental implant placement and tooth extraction can improve your overall oral health.
Boosted Self-Confidence
Even a single missing tooth can cause feelings of embarrassment, but if you are missing multiple teeth, you may feel the need to hide your smile. Dentures are natural-looking replacements that can give you a beautiful smile you’ll be proud to share.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment times will vary based on the patient’s needs, but a general treatment may involve these steps:
It is our goal to make your visit with us an extremely pleasant one and to send you home with a beautiful and healthy smile.
Initial Consultation
During an initial consultation, Dr. Ollason will examine your mouth and assess the health of your gums and any remaining teeth. He may also take X-rays of your jawbone to determine your candidacy for dental implants.
Preparatory Procedures
If you require procedures like tooth extractions, bone grafting, or dental implant placement surgery, you will have to undergo those treatments and allow yourself to heal before your dentist can take impressions of your mouth.
Impressions
Your dentist will take impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth. Our practice uses iTero® digital scanning technology, eliminating the need for messy and uncomfortable putty impressions. These impressions are sent to a lab, where they will craft your custom dentures.
Receive Dentures
Once your dentures are ready, they will be sent to our Albuquerque dental office. Dr. Ollason will ensure that they fit and function properly.
Follow-Up Appointments
Attend follow-up appointments so your dentist can make any necessary adjustments to keep your dentures comfortable and functional.
Traditional vs. Implant-Supported Dentures
Traditional
Traditional dentures consist of artificial teeth that are supported by a gum-colored base. This base rests along your gums and relies on denture adhesive and suction to remain in place. Though traditional dentures are an effective solution for widespread tooth loss, they can sometimes slip out of place while you are chewing or speaking.
Implant-Supported
Implant-supported dentures are a set of dentures that are attached to dental implants, titanium posts that can be placed in the jaw. These dentures offer greater stability, but require dental implant placement surgery. Our Albuquerque dental practice offers All-on-4® implants for patients who don’t qualify for traditional implants.
Request an AppointmentAll-on-4 Implants
If you’ve been told you don’t have enough bone mass to support dental implants, All-on-4 may be the solution you need. All-on-4 implants allow patients to qualify for implant-supported dentures by strategically placing four implants in areas that maximize contact with the existing bone tissue to achieve the necessary support. All-on-4 implants offer benefits such as:
Accelerated Treatment
Because All-on-4 implants don’t require bone grafting for placement, patients can shave a few weeks to a few months off of their denture treatment timeline. Additionally, patients receive a temporary denture after receiving their All-on-4 implants so they can have a functional smile immediately after implant surgery.
Easier Recovery
All-on-4 uses just four implants and allows patients to forgo preparatory procedures like bone grafting. With fewer implants and preparatory procedures, patients can typically expect an easier recovery.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
The cost of dentures varies based on the patient’s unique dentistry needs. After your initial consultation, Dr. Ollason can give you an estimate.
New Mexico Smile Center accepts most dental insurances, which typically contribute to the cost of treatment. Once your dentist creates your custom treatment plan, our staff can help determine what your insurance will cover so you know ahead of time what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
Our Albuquerque, NM, dentistry practice wants dental care to be accessible to all. If you need help with out-of-pocket costs, we accept CareCredit® to help finance your treatment. Patients without insurance can see if they qualify for this financing option or take advantage of our available discounts.
Request an AppointmentDentures in Albuquerque
Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance of your smile. Modern dentures are crafted for comfort and natural aesthetics, allowing patients to eat and speak more confidently. At New Mexico Smile Center, dentures may be used alongside dental implants or other restorative dentistry treatments depending on your oral health needs.
Dentures in Albuquerque FAQs
What are dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of your smile.
What types of dentures are available?
Dentures may include full dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported dentures depending on the patient’s needs.
How long does it take to get dentures?
The denture process usually takes several appointments to ensure a proper fit and comfortable bite.
Will dentures look natural?
Modern dentures are designed to look natural and complement the patient’s facial features.
Do dentures require special care?
Dentures should be cleaned daily and removed at night while maintaining good oral hygiene.
Can dentures improve chewing and speaking?
Yes, properly fitted dentures can restore the ability to chew food and speak more comfortably.