At Smile312, our Chicago dental team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for every smile. From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we combine expertise, compassion, and modern technology to keep your teeth healthy and your experience stress-free. Discover dentistry that puts your comfort and wellness first.
When you have lost multiple teeth or all of your teeth, you’re likely to have problems chewing your food, and you will probably feel less than completely confident in your appearance and your ability to speak to others. Luckily, thanks to personalized, lifelike dentures, Dr. Mahler can help you re-complete your grin to improve the quality of your day-to-day life. Reach out today if you have suffered from extensive tooth loss and think dentures might be your best option for filling in the empty space.
There are many reasons you may be missing permanent teeth, including tooth decay, gum disease, and injury. While gaps in your smile may seem like a purely cosmetic problem, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are many negative consequences of missing teeth, including facial sagging, speech issues, difficulty eating, and even lower self-esteem.
Dentures are an excellent option for patients who have experienced significant tooth loss, have sensitive teeth, a lot of decay, but who also have sufficient healthy gum tissue and jawbone density. To receive dentures, you must also be committed to your oral health routine, and be willing to properly care for your dentures and smile
The number of teeth you’re missing will ultimately determine which type of denture Dr. Mahler recommends for you, as there are different types to choose from, including full dentures, partial dentures, and implant dentures.
Dentures are more affordable than other tooth-replacement options, making them an excellent option for patients on a tight budget.
For patients who aren’t a good candidate for dentures, there are other tooth restoration options you may want to consider, including dental implants. Because a titanium post must be inserted into your jawbone to get this treatment, you must have a solid bone structure. Dental implants are more costly than traditional dentures, however they are permanent and thus will not need to be replaced like dentures will.
It doesn’t really matter how many teeth you’re missing, nearly anyone can get dentures. First, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mahler so he can determine whether you’re a good candidate for this treatment. If not, you can still possibly become one by restoring the health of your gum tissue and bone structure.
There’s more than one kind of denture that you can get depending on the specifics of your situation. The type of denture we recommend for you will be based on your needs. Here’s a summary of your options:
Partial dentures are customized to replace a specific number of teeth in the patient’s mouth. Traditionally, this form of tooth replacement is removable; metal clasps are used to help the prosthesis stay in place.
A full denture may be necessary if you have lost all of your teeth or if you don’t have enough healthy teeth that are worth saving. Just like partial dentures, traditional full dentures are made to be removable. However, instead of relying on clasps, they simply sit on the gums; natural suction helps ensure that your new teeth stay where they need to be.
Having your dentures attached to dental implant posts will help ensure that your new teeth will never slip when you don’t want them to. The exact number of implant posts needed to keep a denture anchored in place can vary from patient to patient. Also, while some implant dentures are removable, others are designed to stay in your mouth 24/7.
Dentures have been around for a very long time, and plenty of people today continue to rely on them to get the most out of life even after tooth loss. Some of the benefits associated with dentures are:
If you have decided to restore your missing teeth with dentures, you are undoubtedly curious about how they are made. Knowing a little about how these amazing appliances are carefully crafted and meticulously customized to create a comfortable fit and a dazzlingly lifelike appearance can help you appreciate your restorations and stay motivated for providing them with excellent care. Here’s a quick overview of how dentures from our Chicago office are manufactured.
A denture consists of two primary components. These are:
The base: This structure serves as the foundation that holds the denture in place upon the gums and supports the artificial teeth. Bases are commonly made from nylon, porcelain, resin, and metal, but full dentures are typically made from acrylic since it can be shaded to match the patient’s natural gum tissue. The bases of partial dentures may incorporate metal clips that allow them to connect to the remaining natural teeth for a more secure fit.
The artificial teeth: Also called pontics, these structures are usually made from resin or porcelain to give them a remarkably lifelike appearance. Porcelain is an especially popular option since it looks and feels like natural teeth and is durable enough to withstand the pressure of chewing for many years. However, porcelain is usually recommended for full dentures since it can be abrasive on remaining natural enamel.
Each denture is completely customized through a multi-step process to create a fit that feels natural and an incredibly lifelike appearance. Here’s a brief look at each of the steps:
While you may experience some soreness when you start wearing your dentures, they should become increasingly comfortable as you get used to wearing them and eventually feel so natural that you no longer notice them at all. You can hasten this adjustment period by sticking to soft foods, exercising your facial muscles, experimenting with an adhesive if necessary, and reading a favorite book out loud while repeating any difficult words. However, please contact our office if your discomfort persists so we can make further adjustments as needed.
Our patients’ satisfaction is our top priority. From routine checkups to advanced dental care, we make sure every smile leaves our office healthier and happier.
Dr. Mahler has been my dentist for over 20 years. He is very proactive at planning the next step of treatment. He managed a complex dental implant and bridge situation for me. He also has put plans in place for my daughters and we have been able to avoid orthodontics.
Jennifer B.Thanks Dr. Mahler and the dental assistants for providing a professional and excellent service. Update: Dr. Mahler is the best dentist I have had after I visited some other dentists. He is very patient, professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy. He fixed my old crown and recommended another oral surgery expert Dr. Zager... read more
Song W.Dr Mahler and his staff at Smile 312 are the best. They’re friendly, and they listen to all your concerns and they respect your time. I went to see Dr Mahler for TMJ treatment and from day one his recommendations have made a big difference on my discomfort level.... read more
Jenniffer M.Dr Mahler has been my dentist for over 30 years. Simple cleaning this time. He had done a crown and filled cavities. I have brought family and friends to him. Personable and lets you know what needs to be done . I highly recommend him.
Tony B.I can't recommend Dr. Mahler highly enough! He is the best dentist I have ever had, combining exceptional professionalism with deep knowledge and expertise. His team is equally outstanding, making every visit smooth and pleasant. I first came to him after a distressing experience with another dentist, and Dr. Mahler... read more
Ana M.I’ve been a happy patient of Smile 312 for 20 years. Seeing Dr. Mahler really changed the trajectory of my oral health. Charming office, personable staff, painless procedures, and efficiently ran - Very minimum wait time, if any! I’m spoiled for sure.
Ty B.Excellent service. I felt very comfortable.
Screw I.Great expertise. A 1 in a million phenomenon. The destroyer of TMJ. Other dentists tremble at the sound of the name doctor Mahler (and I’m not talking about the weight loss doctor in Lockport) because they know they cannot compete no matter how hard they try.
Missael S.I walked in to see the dentist for a consultation. I thought I would be turned back due to not having an appointment. Amazingly, the doctor welcomed me, examined me in a professional and friendly way. Frankly, he took the time to check my teeth and explained in details his... read more
Saif A.When I first arrived at Smile312, my mouth was in complete disarray—I honestly didn’t even know where to begin. That all changed when I met Dr. Mohler. From our very first interaction, he established a sense of trust and professionalism that immediately put me at ease. He took the time... read more
Kimberly R.