With our Chicago dental team delivering hundreds of conventional dentures, partials, and fixed bridges every year, we’ve mastered the art and science of traditional tooth replacement. This FAQ focuses on the practical, affordable, and time-tested solutions we offer right here in our office—no surgery required.
On Natural-Looking Results & Customization
“How do you make dentures look so natural? Can you really match my old smile?”
Creating a natural look is an art and science. We go far beyond just picking a tooth color. Based on your facial features, age, and even old photographs, we guide you through selecting:
- Tooth Color, Shape, and Texture: We consider subtle variations in opacity and surface texture that mimic natural enamel.
- Gum Line and Contour: The way the prosthetic gum tissue emerges from the base dramatically affects realism. We customize this to look healthy and natural.
- Gum Material and Shade: Modern materials allow us to replicate the stippled texture and slight color variations of real gum tissue.
We work with skilled dental labs that allow us to blend features from different molds to create a truly custom smile that complements your unique appearance—not just a generic one. The result is a smile that looks like it belongs to you.
On Tooth Replacement Options: What We Offer
“What’s the difference between a bridge and a partial denture for replacing missing teeth?”
Great question. Both are effective, non-surgical options, and the best choice depends on how many teeth are missing and the condition of your surrounding teeth.
- Fixed Bridges: A bridge is a permanent solution for replacing one or a few missing teeth in a row. It works by creating a prosthetic tooth (or teeth) anchored to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Those anchor teeth are gently shaped to receive crowns, and the entire restoration is cemented in place. You cannot remove a bridge—it feels and functions like your own teeth. This is an excellent option when the adjacent teeth are strong and healthy.
- Removable Partial Dentures: These are ideal when you have multiple missing teeth scattered throughout an arch, and not all surrounding teeth are ideal candidates for bridges. A partial denture consists of replacement teeth set in a gum-colored acrylic base, connected by a lightweight metal framework. It clasps gently onto your existing teeth for stability and can be easily removed for cleaning. The biggest advantage? It requires no drilling or alteration of your healthy adjacent teeth.
Both options restore your ability to chew and speak confidently without any surgical procedures.
“What about replacing a full arch of teeth?”
For patients missing all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, we offer complete (full) dentures. These are custom-made prosthetic devices that rest comfortably on your gum tissues. Modern full dentures are highly sophisticated:
- Superior Materials: We use high-quality acrylic that closely mimics natural gum tissue.
- Precise Fit: Through detailed impressions and multiple fitting appointments, we ensure your denture achieves optimal suction and stability.
- Immediate Dentures: If you need teeth extracted, we can often provide an “immediate denture” that you wear as your gums heal, so you’re never without teeth.
On Affordability & Value
“Are conventional dentures and bridges more affordable than surgical options?”
Absolutely. One of the greatest advantages of traditional removable dentures and fixed bridges is their cost-effectiveness. Because they do not require surgical placement of implants or the extended healing time associated with surgery, the overall treatment cost is significantly lower. This makes them an accessible solution for many patients seeking to restore their smile without a major financial investment.
We believe everyone deserves a confident smile. At ABC Dental, we offer:
- Flexible Payment Plans: To help manage the cost of treatment over time.
- Complimentary Insurance Benefits Check: We’ll contact your provider to verify your coverage and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs before you begin.
You receive high-quality, durable restorations that provide excellent function and aesthetics at a fraction of the cost of surgical alternatives.
On Fit, Comfort, and the Patient Experience
“How should my new dentures feel? Will they be comfortable?”
Initially, there will be an adjustment period as your mouth’s muscles and tissues adapt to the new appliance. A well-fitted denture or partial should feel secure. We take great care during the fitting process, but your feedback is crucial. We encourage you to communicate any spots that feel too tight or cause irritation so we can make precise adjustments. With hundreds of cases delivered, we know that a few minor tweaks can make the difference between “okay” and “perfectly comfortable.”
“How will the fit change over time, and what can I do about it?”
It’s important to understand that your mouth is not a static structure. After extractions, your jawbone and gums will naturally heal and change shape over the months and years. This means the fit of any removable denture will eventually need to be adjusted. This is a normal part of denture ownership.
This is why we schedule regular checkups. During these visits, we monitor these changes. If your denture feels loose, we can perform a reline—a procedure where we add material to the inside of your denture so it fits your current gum contours perfectly again. Attending these appointments is the best way to ensure lasting comfort.
“What can I do to ensure the best possible fit and experience?”
The single most important thing you can do is communicate openly with your doctor. We can only work with the information we have. From our clinical perspective, a denture might look perfect, but only you know how it feels when you speak or chew. If something feels off, too tight, or causes a sore spot, tell us right away. A tiny adjustment can make a world of difference. Secondly, follow all care and maintenance instructions diligently—they are designed to keep your restoration in top condition.
On Care and Longevity
“How do I care for my dentures or bridge to make them last?”
Proper care is simple but essential:
- Daily Cleaning: Brush your dentures or partial every day with a soft brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner (not regular toothpaste, which can be too harsh). This removes food and plaque.
- Overnight Soaking: Removable dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Soak them overnight in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water.
- Handle with Care: When handling your dentures, do so over a folded towel or a sink full of water to prevent breakage if dropped.
- Regular Dental Visits: Continue seeing us for checkups. We’ll examine your restorations and your oral tissues to ensure everything is healthy.
“How long does the entire process take, from first appointment to final smile?”
The timeline is unique to every patient. It depends on:
- Your Current Oral Health: Do you need extractions? Does your gum tissue need time to heal?
- The Chosen Solution: A simple partial denture may be fabricated relatively quickly, while a full denture involves multiple appointments to ensure the perfect fit and aesthetics.
- Your Body’s Healing Time: If extractions are involved, we must allow time for your gums to heal properly before final impressions.
We will provide you with a clear, personalized timeline during your consultation. Our experience allows us to guide you through each step efficiently while always prioritizing your health and the quality of the final result.
Ready to Discuss Your Affordable Smile Restoration?
With hundreds of conventional cases completed right here in Chicago, we have the experience to answer your unique questions and find the perfect, affordable solution for your needs and lifestyle—no surgery required.
Call us today: (773) 481-2200
Email us: info@abcdentalchicago.com
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