Q. Dentures

Full tooth loss has multiple causes. It can occur as a result from anything to injury and decay, to removal by a dentist for health reasons.

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth placed into the mouth to hold false teeth in place. These teeth look and function just like real teeth. Because of their realistic appearance and function, you can live as you normally would. Replacing toothless areas results in greatly increased chewing ability, visual appeal, and pronunciation. We supply both full and partial dentures, and implant supported overdentures.

A full denture is used to replace an entire set of teeth, where a partial denture replaces only sections of lost teeth.

Denture technology has improved over time to make them much more comfortable and easy to use, as well as more visually subtle.

Q. What are implant supported dentures?

This modern tooth replacement option is high-tech, made from durable materials, and can truly restore and transform your smile. As little as 2-4 dental implants are placed in your mouth. From there, your prosthesis will be fixed on to your implants. You’ll restore your appearance and your ability to speak and chew normally. Implant-supported dentures are easy to clean and maintain. With proper care, your new smile can last a lon time.

Q. Am I candidate for implant dentures?

Though traditional dentures may be a good option for some, they can be a hassle! Many people don’t want to deal with adhesives and nightly cleanings. Plus, there’s the embarrassment of having to take their teeth out in front of loved ones, or even the denture falling out during a meal. They can also affect the way you speak and keep you from being able to chew and eat the foods you love. Furthermore, traditional styles do nothing to stop bone loss and gum disease common in those with missing teeth.

Q. Replace up to 8+ teeth with partial dentures

Partial dentures can replace anywhere from a single tooth to 8+ teeth at a time. As long as you have a healthy mouth and your remaining teeth are strong enough to provide an anchor point for the partial denture, you can replace many teeth without having to remove healthy ones

Q. The process for receiving full dentures

The first step involved in full dentures is to extract any remaining teeth from your upper, lower, or both arches of your mouth. Once this step has been completed, our dentist will provide you with a temporary set of dentures that you can wear until your gums have completely healed.

Once the healing process is complete, our dentist will take impressions of your jaw and gums. Next, a series of wax forms and molds will be made to fine-tune the exact position and shape of the denture.

Next, a set of prototype dentures will be requested. You’ll try on this set of dentures to ensure proper fit, and will fine-tune the fit and shape until it’s perfect. Finally, your dentures will be cast, and you’ll come in for your final fitting.

Q. What do you need to be a good candidate for dentures?

If you are missing multiple teeth but your remaining teeth are healthy, and you are not interested in bridges or dental implants, partial dentures may be right for you. Full dentures are a good option for you if you are missing most or all of your teeth or your remaining teeth are damaged and unhealthy. This is not the case with implant-supported dentures. Your dentures will be securely anchored to a series of 4 dental implants, which are permanently bonded with your natural jaw tissue. Whether you choose permanent bridges or removable implant-supported dentures, you will never have to worry about your implant-supported dentures moving when you eat, speak, smile, or laugh.

Q. Am I candidate for implant dentures?

Since dental implants fuse with your natural gum tissue and jaw bone, you will need to have a healthy mouth in order to be a good candidate for surgery. Adequate, healthy jaw and gum tissue are necessary to support a dental implant.

Q. How to care for your implant denture?

Just like natural teeth, your implant-supported dentures must be cleaned carefully every day and you should brush your gums and around your implants twice a day. Because your denture plate is attached to implants placed in your jawbone, you must remove all detachable appliances and clean around attachments, artificial teeth, and gum areas.

Q. Is it difficult to eat once you get dentures?

It will usually take you a bit of time to adjust to your new dentures and eating may be a bit uncomfortable for a few weeks. We recommend eating soft foods and small pieces of food to start off with. Once you become used to your new dentures you will be able to return to your normal diet. You should continue to be careful when eating hard, hot or sticky foods.

Q. What is the best way to clean dentures?

It’s important to keep your dentures clean as they’re prone to stains, plaque and tartar build-up. Just like brushing your teeth cleaning dentures is an easy and necessary process. A recommended cleaning process for full or partial dentures involves, using a denture-cleaning tablet in warm water (make sure it’s not too hot and enough to cover the denture). The next step is to use a soft brush and gently brush your dentures just like you would brush your teeth. Once you’ve brushed your dentures, rinse it thoroughly underwater

Q. What should you do after your denture appointment?

After your appointment eat soft and easy-to-chew foods in the first few weeks following your denture fitting. Rinse with warm salt water to help with healing. Use pain relief medication if you need it. Use a cold compress to help control and limit swelling. From 2 days after your surgery remove and carefully clean your dentures twice a day using a denture brush and denture cleanser. Don’t smoke for at least 48 hours after denture surgery.

With proper care, dentures can last for years. Take good care of your oral health by flossing daily, brushing twice daily and regularly visiting your dentist.

Q. What happens when dentures dry out?

It all depends on the level of dryness involved. As an example, if a set of dentures dries out completely, the acrylic material becomes brittle. When that happens, the dentures could crack or split. That means an individual would have to get a new set as the old one would no longer work.

Another issue when dentures dry out is that they can lose their shape. When someone first gets dentures, a dental laboratory uses specific information provided by the dentist to ensure that patients have the right fit. Even a slight deviation can cause dentures to slip or rub against the gums. Over time, the rubbing can lead to irritation, pain, swelling, and even infection.

If a set of dentures are totally dry, they are also at risk for shattering if dropped. In that case, a person’s dentures become useless. These are just a few examples of why it is so important to keep dentures properly moistened. Ultimately, a patient will enjoy a comfortable fit and have dentures that last a long time.