Dentures

If you have lost some, or all of your natural teeth, you may want to look into dentures. A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and their surrounding tissues. Thus eliminating sagging of the face where the previous teeth are now missing. Dentures also allow you to eat and speak normally, which we all know is very important. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. There are two types of dentures available, a partial or a complete. A partial denture is made when there are still some natural teeth still in the mouth, while a complete denture is made where there are no natural teeth still in the mouth. 

Tooth loss may result from periodontal disease (gum disease), tooth decay, or traumatic injury. It is very important to replace missing teeth. The ill effects of not doing so can be a shift in remaining teeth, an inability to bite and chew properly, as well as a sagging facial appearance, which makes one appear older than they are. The beauty of today’s dentures is that they are designed to be comfortable and functional. They are very similar in appearance to natural teeth, and can improve a smile or facial appearance. Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be properly cared for. Use a gentle cleanser to brush your dentures, always keep them moist when they’re not in use, and be sure to keep your tongue and gums clean as well.

At Prima Family Dental, Dr. Alla Shikhanovich is dedicated to the overall oral health of the patients. We offer a variety of solutions to address missing teeth, and one of the dental treatments we offer is partial dentures.

What are partial dentures?

Partial dentures fill the gap where teeth are absent, and are normally used in situations where one or more natural teeth are still intact. Partial dentures come in two types: removable and permanently attached (fixed). In a fixed partial denture, dental crowns or artificial teeth are bonded directly to the abutment teeth, and only a dental professional can remove it. A removable partial denture, on the other hand, is only attached to the teeth with precision attachments or metal clasps, and can be taken out and cleaned anytime. Unlike full dentures, which is ideal for people who no longer have any teeth in their upper and/or lower jaw, a partial denture can be used if you are only missing a small number of teeth. They are also much easier to use, clean, and maintain due to the better fit.

Denture Preparation and Placement

During the first dental visit to evaluate the need for dentures, your dentist will examine your gums and supporting bone structure to identify the appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, oral surgery is performed to correct bony ridges that may interfere with the stability of the denture. In other cases, the remaining teeth may need to be extracted before placement. Once your dentist has decided that dentures are right for you, she will make an impression of the gums to identify every ridge and crevice to ensure the best fit possible.

Denture Care

It is extremely important to practice healthy dental hygiene when wearing dentures. There is an increased risk of developing a more serious medical condition should oral irritation result from improper dental hygiene.

In addition to adjusting to the feel of new dentures, it will also take some practice learning to chew with them. Begin by slowly chewing on very small pieces of soft food, using both sides of the mouth simultaneously. As your comfort and confidence increase you can progress to larger pieces of soft food and then proceed to harder foods.

The gums, tongue and palate should be brushed with a soft bristle brush every evening when the dentures are removed, and each day before you insert them to stimulate the gums and remove plaque accumulation. When removing dentures at night, brush them carefully to remove any loose debris and plaque then soak them in a cleansing solution. Your dentist will be able to recommend one. Some people keep theirs in an ultrasonic cleaner, but keep in mind that an ultrasonic cleaner doesn’t replace brushing. When cleaning your dentures, place a towel beneath them or clean them over a sink filled with water to avoid breakage.

To learn more about dentures or to schedule an appointment give Prima Family Dental a call at 781-944-4450.