Permanently Replace Your Missing Teeth in Milwaukee
A smile can reveal a lot about a person, and it can especially affect the way people perceive you. Having gaps or missing teeth can affect your ability to feel confident about the way you laugh or how you interact. That’s why at Hampton Dental Associates, our doctors and team are dedicated to helping patients achieve the smile of their dreams.
Thanks to dental technology that allows for customization, fixed dentures are the latest permanent solution to filling in missing teeth gaps in a smile. Unlike removable dentures, these are meant to stay in place, allowing patients to eat, speak, move, and laugh as freely as they want.
To find out if fixed dentures are right for you, read our FAQ here:
What are fixed dentures?
The introduction of dental implants has opened remarkable possibilities in permanently replacing missing teeth. Dental implants cannot only replace a single missing tooth, it can also be used to make dentures a fixed appliance. Fixed dentures are making removable dentures a thing of the past and more and more patients in Milwaukee, WI are choosing this over the traditional full dentures. Fixed dentures is a very effective solution in replacing an entire row of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Just like a dental bridge, a fixed denture is anchored to the jaw bone using dental implants for support.
Fixed dentures are designed to be more realistic in appearance and are built for the patient’s comfort. Unlike removable dentures, fixed dentures don’t slip and allows patients to eat whatever they want. It promotes normal speech function and eliminates the need for using denture adhesive and special denture care. The long term use of removable dentures can cause sore gums and can lead to bone loss. It can affect your sense of taste because the upper palate support of the removable dentures cover the roof of your mouth.
Why should patients consider fixed dentures?
Complete tooth loss has many disadvantages. Leaving your gums bare and not choosing to have your teeth replaced can make you look aged and mature resulting to a collapsed face because your facial muscles, cheeks, and lips no longer receives the structural support that it gets from your teeth. Toothless gums can make it very difficult for you to eat and speak and will affect your self-confidence when interacting with other people.
What Makes Fixed Dentures Better than Removable Dentures?
Although dentures can provide the structural support and restore the natural function of the teeth, there are still some issues with removable dentures that makes fixed dentures a better choice. Removable dentures can look very unnatural and can be very uncomfortable and painful for the wearer. Removable dentures limits your taste sensation and you may suffer from bad breath. Removable dentures will restrict your choices in food, making you avoid chewy and crunchy food as this may damage your dentures. They can become a nuisance and make you feel self-conscious when you become intimate with a loved one and reduce your self-esteem. Removable dentures also require special care and puts your health at risk as denture adhesives were found to contain zinc which can result to neurological issues.
What Are the Benefits of Getting Dental Implants?
The use of the technology of dental implants improves the level of performance of fixed dentures. By using dental implants you are preserving the bone density of the jaw bone and maintaining the integrity of your facial structure. The permanent support provided by dental implants reestablishes support to the lips and other facial structures to avoid the appearance of sunken face and of lines and wrinkles. Dental implants for fixed dentures eliminates the need for dental adhesives and you can take care of your fixed dentures the same way that you take care of your natural teeth. Dental implants makes fixed dentures more comfortable and allows patients to eat whatever they want with increased taste sensation.
What should patients expect when getting fixed dentures?
The first phase of a fixed denture installation is the surgical placement of the dental implants. Dental impressions will also be taken to fabricate your fixed dentures. Dental implants will be strategically placed on the jaw bone to ensure a sturdy support for the fixed dentures. As you wait for the dental implants to heal, you will be provided temporary teeth so that you can eat normally and to maintain the normal teeth appearance. Once your dental implants are completely healed, the fabricated dentures will be attached to the dental implants.
Since fixed dentures will make use of dental implants, it is important that patients have sufficient bone height to support the implant. Patients with bone loss may have to undergo bone grafting techniques before proceeding with fixed dentures treatment.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Fixed Dentures?
As long as you have enough jawbone mass and are in overall good oral health, the ideal candidate for dentures are patients who have multiple missing teeth, sensitive teeth, or have the need for tooth extraction, resulting in loss of teeth. Dentures are a great option for fixing your smile. If you have gum disease or any other type of oral condition that may complicate the use of dentures, this may not be the right treatment for you.
Are Fixed Dentures Painful?
Fixed dentures are put into place securely, and because they are specifically designed to fit each tooth, they should cause zero pain or discomfort while in your mouth. While slight pain may occur immediately after your procedure, over-the-counter medication usually helps to manage this. With the proper care and attention as recommended by your doctor, there should be no pain or complications after getting your crowns.
The Removable Alternative to Fixed Dentures
Patients in Milwaukee, WI who would prefer a removable version of the fixed denture can opt for a removable over-denture. Removable over-dentures are attached to the jaw bone using a bar or ball attachment. These are also anchored to a dental implant that is surgically placed towards the front of the jaw. However, it has been found that holding fixed dentures using implants provide better support, however, this can be an alternative for patients who are looking to keep the cost of their fixed denture installation to a minimum. Removable dentures are more loosely fitted compared to fixed dentures and are not as aesthetically pleasing compared to fixed dentures.
Fixed dentures require no special care and can be taken care of the same way as your natural tooth but it is important that you come in for regular checkups so that your dentist can check the condition of your fixed dentures and make any adjustments if necessary.
Read more about this Fixed Denture patient case study.
Can I eat any foods with fixed dentures?
Yes, fixed dentures allow you to enjoy most foods without worrying about slipping or discomfort. Because they are securely anchored with dental implants, you can bite and chew more naturally compared to removable dentures. However, be cautious with extremely hard or sticky foods, especially right after treatment.
How long do fixed dentures last?
With proper care, fixed dentures can last 10-20 years or longer. The implants themselves can last a lifetime, while the denture (the prosthetic teeth) may eventually need replacement or adjustments due to natural wear.
How long is the healing time after the procedure?
jawbone before the permanent fixed dentures can be placed. During this period, patients wear temporary restorations.
Do fixed dentures look natural?
Absolutely. Fixed dentures are custom to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color. Because they are firmly anchored in place, they perfectly resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function, giving you a confident smile.
How do I clean fixed dentures?
Cleaning fixed dentures is similar to caring for natural teeth. You should brush at least twice a day, floss (or use floss threaders/water flossers) around the implants, and schedule regular dental checkups. Your dentist may recommend special tools to ensure the gum line and implant areas stay clean.
Can fixed dentures stain?
Yes, just like natural teeth, fixed dentures can stain over time if exposed to coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, or certain foods. Practicing good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings will help maintain their brightness.
Can fixed dentures break or crack?
While fixed dentures are very durable, they can still chip, crack, or break under excessive force (such as biting on hard objects or accidents). Regular checkups and avoiding harmful habits like chewing ice can help prevent damage.
Will my speech be affected by fixed dentures?
Most patients experience an improvement in speech compared to removable dentures, since fixed dentures don’t slip or move. There may be a short adjustment period as you get used to them, but once adapted, your speech should sound clear and natural.
Why Choose Hampton Dental Associates for Fixed Dentures?
At Hampton Dental Associates, we are more than a dental practice; we are a family tradition rooted in compassion, education, and excellence. For over four generations, our family has been serving Milwaukee with a commitment to treating every patient like part of our own. Since 1922, our practice has grown through the dedication of our father, grandfather, and now Dr. Richard Winter, who continues this proud legacy of care. With nearly a century of experience, we combine time-honored values with progressive techniques to provide exceptional solutions like fixed dentures, designed to restore confidence, function, and comfort for every patient.
What truly sets us apart is quality, personalized care. Dr. Richard Winter, a Diplomate in the American Board of Oral Implantologists/Implant Dentists, one of only 550 in the United States. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Â He is also a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and he brings advanced expertise in reconstructive and implant dentistry to his wonderful patients. He has published extensively, lectured nationally and Internationally , and earned recognition as a Top Dentist in Milwaukee for over a decade. At Hampton Dental Associates, we use only the finest labs and materials to ensure fixed dentures that are durable, natural-looking, and customized to your needs. From deluxe dentures to over-dentures and fixed bridges, Dr. Winter is honored to help you on your journey to better oral health. Visit us at www.hamptondentalassociates.com to hear Dr. Rick's philosophy of care and to see our before and after gallery!!!
Schedule a Consultation
If you are ready to transform your smile and get the perfect dentures made exclusively for you, click here to schedule a consultation with us today! Our team is ready and excited to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Call 414-464-9021 for information on any of our services.
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