Dentures

Quality Dentures for Lutz Residents at Today’s Family Dental

Tooth loss can have a significant impact on your everyday life, from the foods you can enjoy to the way you feel when you smile. At Today’s Family Dental, Dr. Alex Afsahi, DMD, provides custom dentures designed to restore both function and confidence.

Whether you are missing several teeth or need a complete replacement, modern dentures offer a reliable way to bring back a natural-looking smile and improve your oral health. Patients in Lutz, FL, and surrounding areas, including Land O’ Lakes, Odessa, Wesley Chapel, and Trinity, can trust Dr. Afsahi for expert care and treatment plans tailored to their unique needs.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

Living with missing teeth affects more than just appearance. It can make it harder to chew favorite foods, speak clearly, and maintain proper oral hygiene. Over time, tooth loss can also contribute to bone loss in the upper and lower jaws, leading to changes in facial structure and overall dental health. Replacing teeth with high-quality prosthetic devices like dentures helps preserve the shape of your face, support the remaining natural teeth, and improve your overall quality of life.

Beyond the practical challenges, missing teeth can impact your confidence and willingness to smile. Many patients find themselves avoiding social situations or struggling to eat comfortably, which can affect both emotional well-being and nutrition. Gaps in your smile also place extra stress on the remaining teeth, sometimes causing them to shift out of alignment or wear down unevenly. This added strain increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and even further tooth loss.

By restoring your smile with dentures, you can protect your oral health while improving your day-to-day comfort. Modern dentures are carefully crafted to provide a comfortable fit and natural look, giving you the ability to enjoy your favorite foods, speak with ease, and feel more confident in your appearance.

Types of Dentures Available

Dentures are not one-size-fits-all. Today’s Family Dental offers several different types of dentures so patients can choose the best option for their lifestyle and oral health.

Full Dentures

Full dentures, also called complete dentures, replace all teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both arches. Traditional dentures are removable appliances made from acrylic resin that sit directly on top of the gum tissue. These prosthetic devices restore a complete smile, support the soft tissues of the mouth, and prevent the sunken facial appearance often caused by tooth loss.

Partial Dentures

If you still have some remaining natural teeth, a removable partial denture may be the right type of denture for you. Partial dentures consist of artificial teeth attached to a metal framework or acrylic resin base. Metal clasps or precision attachments secure the denture to the remaining teeth on either side of the gap, helping restore function while preserving the natural teeth you still have.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are placed right after tooth extraction, so you don’t have to go without teeth during the healing process. While they may require adjustments as the gum tissue and bone heal, they provide an immediate boost to your facial appearance and quality of life.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For a more permanent solution, implant-supported dentures use dental implants to secure the prosthetic in place. These dentures offer improved stability compared to traditional removable dentures and reduce the need for denture adhesive. Because implants stimulate the jawbone, they also help prevent bone loss and maintain a healthy facial structure.

How Dentures Improve Oral Health and Quality of Life

Dentures do more than restore your smile—they also play a significant role in maintaining oral health. By replacing missing teeth, dentures prevent the shifting of remaining teeth, support proper bite alignment, and help avoid complications such as gum disease or tooth decay around the remaining teeth.

For denture wearers, the benefits go beyond dental health. With a comfortable fit, dentures make it easier to eat a wider range of foods, speak naturally, and smile with confidence. By supporting your soft tissues and facial structure, dentures also reduce the appearance of sagging skin and maintain the shape of your face. The result is improved overall quality of life and restored self-esteem.

Our Denture Fitting Process

The first step in getting dentures is a thorough dental exam with Dr. Afsahi. During this appointment, he will assess your oral health, discuss the best type of dentures for your needs, and create a treatment plan.

The fitting process typically involves:

1. Consultation & Impressions – Impressions are taken of your upper and lower jaw to ensure your dentures will fit comfortably.
2. Tooth Preparation or Extractions – If needed, unhealthy teeth may be removed before creating your new dentures.
3. Temporary or Immediate Dentures – For patients undergoing extractions, immediate dentures may be provided during the healing process.
4. Custom Denture Fabrication – Your dentures are crafted from durable materials, such as acrylic resin, for a natural look and a comfortable fit.
5. Adjustments & Final Denture – Once your final denture is ready, adjustments are made to eliminate sore spots and ensure proper bite function.

Dr. Afsahi and his team will guide you through each step, ensuring your new dentures are designed for both function and appearance.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

It’s normal for denture wearers to need a short adjustment period. At first, you may notice sore spots or experience minor gum irritation as your mouth adapts to the new appliance. Speaking and chewing can feel different in the beginning, but with practice, most patients find that these activities quickly become second nature.

Wearing dentures regularly is the best way to help your mouth adjust to them. Start by eating soft foods cut into small pieces, and gradually reintroduce more of your favorite foods as your comfort improves. Reading aloud can also help retrain your tongue and muscles for clearer speech. If adjustments are needed for a more comfortable fit, Dr. Afsahi and our team at Today’s Family Dental in Lutz are here to provide expert care. Over time, your dentures should feel like a natural part of your smile, improving both function and confidence.

Caring for Your Dentures

Proper care is essential for maintaining your dentures and protecting your oral health. Here are a few important tips:

• Daily Cleaning: Gently brush dentures with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleanser to remove food particles and plaque.
• Overnight Soaking: Keep removable dentures in water or a denture solution overnight to prevent drying and warping.
• Oral Hygiene: Even with dentures, it’s important to brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth daily to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Visit Today’s Family Dental for routine dental care. These appointments will help us ensure everything fits or make necessary adjustments. Our team will also monitor your oral health to locate common conditions early.

Restore Your Smile with Modern Dentures

Modern dentures are designed to provide a natural appearance, comfortable fit, and improved function compared to traditional removable dentures of the past. With advancements in materials and techniques, today’s dentures can be customized to match your natural teeth and facial structure. Whether you need a full denture, a partial denture, or an implant-supported solution, Dr. Afsahi will help determine the best option for your specific needs.

By choosing custom dentures, you can enjoy a more permanent solution to tooth loss, improved oral health, and a boost in overall quality of life. Modern dentures not only restore the function of chewing and speaking but also support the facial structure, helping you maintain a youthful look. With proper care and regular dental visits, your dentures can provide years of comfort, confidence, and reliable use.

Call Today’s Family Dental at 813-751-3133 to schedule an appointment. It’s time to take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between removable and fixed dentures?

Removable dentures, including traditional and some implant-supported dentures, are appliances that can be taken out for cleaning. Fixed dentures, also known as permanent dentures or a fixed bridge, are secured to dental implants and can only be removed by Dr. Afsahi. They offer a non-removable, more permanent solution for tooth replacement.

Will dentures change how I look or speak?

Dentures can enhance your appearance by providing a more youthful look, and they may initially alter your speech as you adjust. However, with practice, most people adapt quickly and regain their natural speaking abilities, boosting both confidence and comfort in social interactions.

Do I still need to schedule regular dental appointments after I get my dentures?

Yes, regular dental appointments are very important for denture wearers. These visits allow us to check the fit of your dentures, examine your gums for any issues, and screen for signs of oral diseases. Proper care and routine check-ups are key to maintaining your long-term dental health.

When will I need to replace my dentures?

On average, dentures need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. Over time, normal wear and natural changes in your jaw due to bone loss can affect the fit. If your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, it may be time to discuss replacement teeth or a new denture with our team.