What are Dentures?
Dentures are replacement (or prosthetic) teeth designed to replace injured or compromised biological teeth. There are different types of dentures and all are custom-made to fit your unique mouth. Dentures are typically made out of hard resin which provides a long and durable lifespan.
If you are missing teeth, your dentist will explain in detail all of your options for dentures at your appointment. If you have questions about your current dentures, you can bring them with you to your appointment.
Types of Dentures
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used to replace several missing teeth and are fitted to the gum line in addition to being fastened to the adjacent teeth. Partial dentures are not permanently placed and can be taken out for cleaning and sleeping.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are removable dentures that are placed the same day as the tooth removal surgery. Immediate dentures are for patients who have one tooth or multiple teeth extracted and are used to prevent a patient from having to go without teeth while they are healing from the extraction.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are also known as full dentures. If a patient has had all remaining teeth removed, full dentures may be a good option. These dentures are customized to fit where a full set of either top or bottom teeth have been removed. Complete dentures can be taken out for cleaning and sleeping.
Overdentures
Overdentures are designed to save the remaining teeth around those that have been extracted. They are fitted over a person’s natural teeth and can also be placed over dental implants if a person does not have any natural teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
As the name suggests, implant-supported dentures are anchored by dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed into the bone. The denture may clip on and off the implants which provide retention and support.
Getting Used to Your Dentures
It can take time to get used to your dentures. They may feel loose at first or cause excessive saliva production when first adopted. Please let your dentist know if you experience any discomfort. Your dentist may then make adjustments to provide a more comfortable fit.
How to Care for Your Dentures
Care for your dentures is similar to how you care for your natural teeth. Even though dentures are made of artificial material, it’s still possible for plaque, tartar, and bacteria to build upon them. You can use a denture cleaner or mild soap to clean your dentures when removed from the mouth.
It’s recommended to avoid using anything other than a denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your dentures. Many kinds of toothpaste may be too abrasive and damage your dentures. You may also use a gentle effervescent tab to help clean your dentures.
Additionally, cleaning your gums and remaining teeth with fluoridated toothpaste and a toothbrush will keep your smile healthy and happy.
How to Preserve Your Dentures
Dentures should be removed before you sleep to allow your gums to relax and breathe. This will prevent excessive growth of bacteria and yeast in your mouth. It will prevent decay on any of your remaining natural teeth. Keeping your dentures in warm water while you are sleeping will ensure the longevity of the denture.
Benefits of High-Quality Dentures
Dentures are a great of providing you with a healthy and natural smile! They help restore both esthetics and function. With a proper fitting set of dentures, you should be able to bite and chew more normally and with ease. Dentures should restore one’s ability to speak and enunciate words more properly. Dentures can also protect your remaining teeth and allow a normalized use of mouth and gums.
Contact Apple Grove Dental or fill out our contact form today for all questions about dentures, we would be happy to help! Learn more about our dental implants, which can be another option for missing teeth.
