Atlanta Dentist Specializing in Dentures

Brett Langston, DMD, and the Dental Implants and Aesthetic Specialists team are skilled in the art of fitting and making dentures. All of our dentures are constructed by a licensed prosthodontist, and you can see your dentures being made and adjusted throughout the process. Custom dentures can restore a beautiful smile in both form and function so you can feel confident again.

delray - An older lady is smiling after dentures

Who is a Candidate for Dentures?

We would first like to say that there is no age requirement for dentures. If you have lost your teeth due to an illness, injury, or prolonged decay, you may want to consider getting dentures. Dentures can come in many forms, but we will ensure that we find the best fit for you.

What Dentures are Right For Me?

From the initial consultation to the first denture fitting or a later denture relining or repair, the skilled team in our office utilizes the highest quality materials to deliver the best overall experience.

We Offer the Following Denture Options

  • Metal framework partial dentures
  • Acrylic partial dentures
  • Implant-supported dentures
  • Conventional upper and lower dentures

To make sure we get the perfect fit, our in-house prosthodontist will take impressions to make a model of your jaw and mouth.

Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures are a removable prosthetic appliance that replaces all of the teeth in the upper or lower arch. Made from high quality acrylic, they sit on the gums and are shaped to look and function like a full set of teeth. For many people traditional dentures are a tried and true solution for tooth loss. While implant supported restorations are becoming more popular, traditional dentures have advantages that make them a great option for the right patient.

Traditional dentures have a long history of success so patients have peace of mind when looking for a predictable way to restore function and appearance. For patients who are not a candidate for dental implants or don’t want to have surgery at all, traditional dentures are a non surgical way to get a full smile. This is especially helpful for those with medical conditions or bone loss that limits surgical options.

Traditional dentures are more cost effective than implant supported alternatives. They are a fraction of the cost so they are more accessible. As the mouth changes with age dentures can be relined, adjusted or replaced.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can be made with a metal or acrylic framework. Unlike complete dentures, partials are meant to replace a few missing teeth, not all of your natural teeth. The frame will provide sturdy support for chewing, particularly when you’re missing molars.

Partial dentures with acrylic or metal frames will securely anchor to your existing teeth and stay in place without the use of dental adhesives.

Conventional Dentures

We also offer conventional dentures, which consist of creating a mold of your jaw and mouth and then making custom dentures for you. These can be created for both your lower and upper mouth and will replace all or most of your natural teeth, unlike partials. These can also be removed at any time.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are best described as a combination of both dentures and dental implants. An oral surgeon will attach four to six dental implants into the jawbone, usually with titanium screws, into the jawbone. Then a patient has to wait between three to six months for the screws to fuse with the jawbone tissue. When this process is finished, a set of special dentures are attached to them. Unlike other dentures, these cannot be taken out without a dentist’s assistance.

Overdentures

Overdentures are a type of removable denture supported by and attached to dental implants or natural teeth that have been specially prepared. Unlike traditional dentures, which rest solely on the gums, overdentures have attachments that provide additional stability and support. They are designed to enhance comfort, functionality, and the overall stability of the denture. Here are the key aspects of overdentures:

Implant-Supported Overdentures

These overdentures are supported by dental implants placed in the jawbone. Typically, two or more implants are used for stabilization. The overdenture snaps onto attachments on the implants, providing a secure fit that helps improve chewing efficiency and comfort. Implant-supported overdentures are especially beneficial for lower dentures, which traditionally are less stable than upper dentures.

Tooth-Supported Overdentures

One or more of the patient’s natural teeth are kept as a foundation for the overdenture. The natural teeth are usually reduced in size and covered with a protective cap or coping that helps anchor the overdenture. This approach provides stability to the denture, helps preserve the jawbone, and maintains the health of the oral tissues.

Benefits:

  • Improved Stability and Comfort: Overdentures are more stable than traditional dentures, reducing the risk of slipping or movement and enhancing the wearer’s ability to chew and speak confidently.
  • Preservation of Jawbone: Using dental implants or natural teeth to support overdentures helps to maintain jawbone density, which can deteriorate when teeth are missing.
  • Enhanced Oral Health: Overdentures can improve oral hygiene compared to traditional dentures because they are easier to clean and maintain.
  • Psychological Benefits: Overdentures’ added stability and natural feel can significantly improve the wearer’s quality of life and self-esteem.
  • Maintenance: Like all dental prostheses, overdentures require regular maintenance, including daily cleaning and periodic adjustments. Dental check-ups are essential to ensure the health of the supporting teeth or dental implants and the proper fit of the overdenture.
  • Customization: Overdentures are custom-made for each patient to ensure a comfortable fit and natural appearance. The dentist or prosthodontist will take impressions of the mouth and design the overdenture to suit the individual’s needs.

Whatever your needs may be, we are equipped to offer you the best dental care in Atlanta.

We Also Offer Teeth Relining and Repair Services

Dental Implants and Aesthetic Specialists have a licensed prosthodontist who can repair full or partial custom dentures within a few days, depending on the repairs needed. Denture repairs are done to help you leave feeling comfortable.

New dentures will typically fit securely in your mouth since they are designed specifically to fit your gums. Relining is needed every one to two years due to your gum tissue changing over time. This can cause your dentures to become loose and make them shift uncomfortably in your mouth. Having your dentures relined will help keep them tight and functional. When they are relined, our in-house prosthodontist fills the denture with a putty-like material. This putty is used to create an accurate impression of your mouth. The new denture is then sent to a lab and adjusted to the new shape of your gum tissue. By relining your dentures, you can ensure that you stay snug and secure for the rest of your life.

Contact a Dentures Specialist in Atlanta, GA Today

If you are interested in making an appointment for your new dentures, call our office at (404) 321-4588 to schedule your denture consultation!

Understanding Prosthodontists and Dentures

What is a prosthodontist and what specialized training do they have?

A prosthodontist like Dr. Langston is a dentist who has completed additional specialized training in prosthodontics, a dental specialty focused on the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth.

After completing dental school, prosthodontists undergo a few years of advanced training specifically in restoring and replacing teeth. This specialized education allows them to handle complex cases and offer a wider range of prosthetic solutions than what is typically available through general dentistry. Their expertise includes managing complicated restorative cases involving congenital anomalies of the mouth, traumatic injuries to the mouth and teeth, and complex restorative needs such as full-mouth reconstruction.

When should I see a prosthodontist instead of a general dentist for dentures?

When seeking a dentist for dentures, it’s helpful to consider the complexity of your needs. Many general dentists are trained to provide dentures and can handle straightforward cases involving basic denture fitting and adjustments. However, for more involved situations, a prosthodontist’s specialized expertise can be highly beneficial. You might want to seek out a prosthodontist specifically if you have complex oral health issues, need custom or specialized dentures, have had previous unsuccessful experiences with dentures, or want access to the most advanced prosthetic options available. At Dental Implants and Aesthetic Specialists, our in-house prosthodontist works closely with our team to ensure every patient receives the level of care their unique situation requires.

How do prosthodontists, general dentists, and lab technicians work together to create dentures?

Creating dentures involves collaboration between different dental professionals, each with specific expertise. General dentists focus on comprehensive oral health and can provide basic denture services for straightforward cases. Prosthodontists specialize in all aspects of dentures, including complex cases, implant-supported dentures, and custom prosthetics. Dental lab technicians work behind the scenes in a laboratory to fabricate the actual dentures based on the specifications provided by the dentist or prosthodontist. At our practice, you can see your dentures being made and adjusted throughout the process, with our licensed prosthodontist overseeing every step to ensure the highest quality results. This collaborative approach ensures that whether your case is simple or complex, you receive dentures that fit comfortably and function properly.

For the best in dental implants and restorative dentistry, visit Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists of Atlanta. Call our office in Brookhaven, GA at (404) 321-4588 to schedule an appointment!

en_USEnglish