Dentures If you are lacking a tooth, or several teeth, dentures may be an option for you. A denture is a prosthetic used to replace missing teeth and tissue. It is removable, meaning it is not supported by an implant. Our dental team at 253 Dental Care provides partial and complete dentures to our patients. When you visit our office, we determine which option works for your specific case. Complete dentures are an option if you have teeth completely missing in the arch, while partial dentures are preferred if you have some natural teeth left.Complete DenturesComplete dentures can be immediate or conventional. An immediate denture is constructed in advance and fitted soon after extracting the teeth. A conventional complete denture is ready for placement after about eight to 12 weeks from the time of teeth removal. They are placed after the gums have healed following a tooth extraction. Immediate dentures mean that you will not have to stay without teeth during the recovery period. Nonetheless, your bones and gums will shrink over time, particularly during the healing period. Immediate dentures also need more adjustments than conventional dentures, therefore, they are considered a temporary solution as you wait for the conventional dentures to be made. Benefits of Complete DenturesComplete dentures have a more natural appearance. Today, dentists use dentures that have acrylic resin teeth, making them look like real teeth. The base of the dentures is designed to match the color of the gum tissue, helping it blend in well. When you lose the entire arch of teeth, it makes it difficult to eat. Wearing dentures allows you to eat many of your preferred foods. You are also able to chew more effectively, hence helping with digestion and overall nutrition. Partial DentureRemoval partial dentures consist of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. A metal frame connects the base and holds the dentures in place. You may also have partial dentures with no metal framework. Our dentist will discuss the options with you. Benefits of Partial DenturesRemovable partial dentures improve your bite function. A permanent or fixed partial denture is used to replace one tooth or several teeth by fitting crowns on the teeth and affixing the artificial teeth. The bridge is secured or cemented into place. The dentures help prevent your other teeth from shifting position by filling in the spaces created by lost or missing teeth. Your partial dentures will help prevent the overuse of one side of your mouth and protect the teeth from damage. Taking Care of Your DenturesProper maintenance of dentures is essential for your health and mouth. Just like regular teeth, dentures must be brushed and cleaned daily to remove plaque and food remains. However, avoid brushing dentures using toothpaste because it is abrasive and can contribute to microscopic scratches where plaque and food particles can build up. When cleaning dentures, our dentist recommends the use of a denture cleaner. Dentures can also be cleaned using mild soap. When not wearing your dentures, ensure they are kept safe. We will offer you instructions on how to take care of your dentures. Remember that dentures should be kept moist to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape. If you have any missing teeth and are wondering how to replace them, feel free to visit our dental office at 253 Dental Care for more details. Contact us at (253) 838-9333 to book an appointment. |
