Dentures in Raleigh

Having a full set of pearly whites can completely change your quality of life. When you’re missing a good portion of your teeth, social situations can become stressful and embarrassing if you feel the need to hide your smile.

Luckily, dentures have become a long-standing option for patients looking to replace partial and full portions of their teeth. Dentures protect exposed gums, increase the functionality of mouths with no teeth, all while allowing patients to show off a newly confident and full smile.

What Are Dentures?

It is a specialized field of dentistry focused on restoring unsightly or missing teeth back to a natural looking, aesthetically pleasing state. Cosmetic dentists can achieve this goal using several different procedures, all tailored to each patient's unique treatment plan. Cosmetic dentists (like most dental professionals) focus on preserving as much of your natural teeth as possible, to achieve an authentic looking repair, while maintaining and/or improving your surrounding bone and gum tissue.

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Anna Abernethy, DDS

Dr. Abernethy, originally from Concord, North Carolina, moved to Raleigh for college and graduated from Meredith College in 2001 with a degree in biology and a minor in chemical physics. Her journey towards dentistry began unexpectedly when she experienced a dental emergency during her college years, leading her to explore the field through externship programs. Witnessing a patient's life-changing smile makeover after a car accident inspired her to become a dentist. She pursued her dental education at UNC-Chapel Hill Dental School, actively participating in various community service initiatives and events. After graduation, she gained valuable experience as an associate in a dental practice.

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Jill Sonner, DDS

Dr. Sonner, a Raleigh native, completed her undergraduate studies at NCSU in Biological Sciences in 1999. She pursued dental education at UNC Dental School and trained at Fayetteville VA Medical Center, gaining skills in treating medically compromised and geriatric patients, and in advanced surgical techniques, including implant placement. She achieved Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association, mentored by Dr. Arun Garg. Dr. Sonner, alongside Drs. Abernethy and Wells, took part in a mission to the Dominican Republic, contributing to dental implant surgeries, enhancing chewing function for locals who wouldn't otherwise have the chance. Their efforts significantly improved the quality of life for many recipients.

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Anita Wells, DDS

Dr. Anita Wells, developed her passion for dentistry in her hometown of Pinehurst, inspired by her childhood dentist's compassionate and personalized care. From a young age, she was fascinated by his ability to transform lives through beautiful smiles. Observing his artistic skills and the positive impact he made on patients, she decided to pursue dentistry. Dr. Wells graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry, and later earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery with the highest honors. After practicing in Chapel Hill, she co-founded Renaissance Dental Center in 2009, aiming to provide personalized dental care based on her dedication to changing people's lives.

Different Types Of Dentures

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to remove all of your teeth to get dentures. There are several types of dentures available for patients seeking replacement options for missing teeth in multiple stages of treatment:

  • Full Sets: When people initially think of dentures, they often are referring to a complete set. Patients who receive a full set of dentures are missing all of their teeth from decay or damage, requiring a full mouth of replacement teeth to achieve a beautiful smile.
  • Partial Sets: Patients who still have healthy natural teeth or are considering the possibility of dental implants in  he future, often receive an partial set of dentures. These sets are made to sit on existing teeth and gums and can be adjusted as dental implants are added.

Candidates For Dentures

Patients experiencing any of the following situations may be perfect candidates for denture treatments:

  • Missing the majority/or all of your natural teeth.
  • Experiencing severe decay requiring extraction
  • Lack of bone integrity for dental implants
  • Receding gums due to age or disease

The cost of your customized dentures will be determined by the type of treatment needed in achieving your new smile. Dental insurance plans will also affect the how much of the procedure is covered and what portions will be required out of pocket. Calling your insurance company before a consultation with your dentist can be extremely helpful in planning for treatment within your budget.

As a traditional tooth replacement option, dentures have been around for quite some time. They have changed the lives of millions of patients looking for a full and beautiful smile and continue to improve with advancements in the dental field every day. For more information on achieving your dream smile with dentures, schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist today!

Caring For Your Dentures

Because dentures are not surgically inserted into the mouth, there is minimal discomfort expected with a proper fit. It is typical for upper dentures to feel tight, while lower dentures fit looser. If you are experiencing difficulty with slightly loose fitting dentures, there are multiple adhesive products available for keeping dentures tightly in place. If you are experiencing loose fitting dentures that are causing sores, you will likely need to see your dentist for an adjustment with the set.

You can expect to wear your dentures during waking hours, and removing them at night for proper cleaning. Patients often find the hardest adjustment when starting to wear dentures is getting into the habit of wearing them every day. Dentures can also change your appearance and chewing habits, causing individuals to feel slightly self-conscious in the beginning. It’s important to be patient during this transition and to remember your dentures will feel more natural the more they are worn on a daily basis.

What Happens In A Smile Consultation?

Setting expectations can be the first part of a smile consultation.   Here is some information to outline what to expect during a smile consultation with Renaissance Dental Center. The first part of a smile makeover consultation is for the patient to discuss their goals with the dentist.  Some of the most popular smile makeover goals include the following:

  • Replacing missing or decaying teeth with Dental Implants
  • Straightening crooked, weak or thin teeth with Clear Aligner Therapy
  • Whitening severely stained teeth
  • Lengthening teeth that are too short with Veneers
  • Filling gaps in between teeth with Bioclear

Second it is important for patients to expect the dentist to help them consider different procedures. The dentists at Renaissance Dental Center and our staff are trained to know what procedures will work best for certain conditions, which is why they help recommend the appropriate ones. For example, a cracked tooth may benefit from a dental crown or dental bonding, both of which are smile makeover options. Once the dentist makes their recommendation, the patient can begin to consider their options.

Your timeline is another expectation for the smile makeover consultation is for a timeline to be determined. Most patients want to know how long the process will take so that they can prepare appropriately. Certain smile makeover procedures may take a few months, which is good to be aware of prior to the process beginning. On the flip side, it is good to be aware of procedures that may not take as long, which can be helpful if the patient needs to undergo multiple procedures, such as teeth straightening and whitening. Oftentimes, multiple procedures are combined to complete a smile makeover because there may be multiple goals. Being aware of how long it may take can be helpful for the patient.

Done be afraid to ask questions.  The last part of the smile makeover consultation is to go over questions and concerns. Patients should expect the dentist and staff to discuss concerns that they have with the treatment and vice versa. Our team will answer any questions or concerns regarding the smile makeover so that the patient knows what to expect and how to prepare. This part of the consultation is extremely important because it allows for open communication between the dentist and the patient.