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Daniel Berquist, DDSJoseph Ornelas, DDS

Dentures – La Porte, IN

Achieve a Complete, Beautiful, & Functional Smile Again

man with dentures in La Porte standing with his arms crossed

Whether you’re currently missing several teeth or are on the brink of losing an entire arch of teeth, the right denture can make all the difference. With these customized sets of prosthetic teeth secured onto gum-colored bases, you’ll feel comfortable flashing your grin, talking with loved ones, and digging into your favorite foods. Here at Region Dental, Dr. Daniel Berquist and Dr. Joseph Ornelas provide high-quality dentures in La Porte, IN to help you achieve a complete, beautiful, and function smile again. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more!

Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?

dentist in La Porte showing dentures to a patient

If you’re missing a few, several, or all of your natural teeth, then it’s very likely that you’re a good candidate for dentures. So, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team at Region Dental if you’re ready to have a complete, confident smile again. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more, starting with the negative effects of tooth loss.

Effects of Missing Teeth

Senior woman smiling while resting against balance ball

Naturally, tooth loss can take a toll on your self-esteem. However, that’s really only the beginning. The gaps in your smile can lead to several other problems, including:

  • A Restricted Diet – Oftentimes, patients are left eating the same soft, bland foods on repeat. Not only can this be extremely boring, but it can also make it difficult to get all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your body needs to thrive.
  • Dental Drift – Following tooth loss, the teeth surrounding the gap can slowly drift into the open space, which is known as “dental drift.” Unfortunately, this can lead to several issues, including chronic jaw pain and premature wear.
  • Difficulty Enunciating – Even a relatively minor space between two teeth can create a noticeable lisp. So, you can imagine how big an impact moderate to severe tooth loss can have on your speaking patterns!

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Dentist smiling while taking notes on clipboard

Before we begin the dentures process, our dentists will need to complete a comprehensive oral exam. In the process, we will make sure your mouth is free of any health issues that could compromise the success of your treatment. If we do find tooth decay, gum disease, or another common oral health problem during your initial consultation, you don’t have to worry – that doesn’t mean that you need to settle for an incomplete smile. Rather, we need to provide the necessary restorative care. Then, once your mouth is sufficiently healthy, we can begin reconstructing your smile.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Illustration of single dental implant

Although dentures are extremely versatile, there are some cases where we recommend a different approach. For instance, if you are only missing one tooth, then we may recommend:

  • A Dental Bridge – With a traditional dental bridge, we place a dental crown on the two teeth surrounding the gap. Then, we connect them with the prosthetic tooth or teeth.
  • A Dental Implant – Dental implants are unique because they can replace any number of missing teeth. They can also restore the entire structure, which results in a more lifelike look and feel.

Whether you’re interested in a single dental implant or implant dentures, the next best step is to schedule a consultation at our dental office in La Porte. That way, we can complete a comprehensive oral exam, discuss your treatment options, and begin the process of rebuilding your smile!

Types of Dentures

two full dentures and two partials

When it comes to tooth replacement, every patient has different needs. At your consultation, your dentist in La Porte can discuss your situation and determine which type of denture will best bring back your smile. Modern dentures are made from comfortable, lifelike materials that are built to last, so you can trust that no matter which type of denture we recommend, it will closely resemble your original pearly whites.

Full Dentures

dentist holding a set of full dentures

Just like the name suggests, a full denture replaces an entire arch of missing teeth and can be used in the upper or lower jaw. It is held in place using a natural force of suction on the gums. A small amount of denture adhesive can also add stability.

Partial Dentures

partial denture replacing missing teeth

A partial denture replaces several missing teeth when some healthy natural teeth are still present in the mouth. These teeth may be missing all in a row or from various parts of the mouth. Partial dentures are held in place by clipping behind the natural teeth. Because the artificial teeth are personalized to mimic your natural ones, a partial denture fits in your mouth like a missing puzzle piece.

Implant Dentures

six dental implants supporting a full denture

The closest thing to having your home-grown teeth back is by anchoring a denture onto dental implants. These tiny cylinders are surgically placed in your jaw and are made of titanium, a material that fuses with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. After the implants have essentially become your new tooth roots, they provide unmatched stability for the full or partial denture that is attached on top.

The Benefits of Dentures

smiling woman holding an apple

There are plenty of options these days for replacing your missing teeth, but dentures have remained popular for decades – even centuries. That’s because of the numerous benefits they offer, which include: