For patients who are missing teeth – either all of them or a portion, top, bottom, or both – dentures may be a great option to restore their smile in a way that looks natural and functions well. Over the years, the appearance of dentures has changed quite a bit, ridding them of their “bad rap” as an obvious and unsightly piece of hardware in one’s mouth. Today’s dentures, like the ones we use at Park Dental, look just like real teeth, and the fit and function is just as life-like.
Read on to learn more about the different denture options, to figure out if you’d be a good candidate, and how to properly care for them.
Complete and Partial Dentures
Depending upon how many teeth need to be replaced, you will either be fitted for a complete denture or a partial denture. Complete (full) means that all the natural teeth are missing or have been removed, and partial means that there are some natural teeth that remain healthy in the mouth. Both styles are removable, unless we opt for a fixed partial denture, where the piece is permanently fitted into place with cement using your adjacent teeth to support the appliance. This type of denture cannot be removed for cleaning, so it is cared for just like natural teeth. The removable denture may require an adhesive for extra stability and a partial may use clasps to attach to your surrounding teeth for a more secure fit. But every denture is designed to fit each patient’s mouth perfectly, and snaps in comfortably with easy removal for cleaning.
Conventional full dentures are created and placed into the mouth once the gums have completely healed if any teeth have been removed. This process can take several months. There are also immediate full dentures which can be placed right away. While they may need adjustments throughout the first few months, the end result is similar. The look and feel is natural and nobody will notice they are not real teeth. As for function, those who were unable to properly speak or chew beforehand can again do so because dentures provide so much more than a cosmetic fix.
Caring for Dentures
Removable dentures must be cared for properly and regularly in order for them to look and function well. There are special soft brushes and pastes that are required to keep them in good condition, as well as cleaning and soaking solutions to keep them from drying out. Dentures can get plaque and tartar build-up just like natural teeth, so cleaning is essential. Dr. Kaiser will go over the cleaning process with you to be sure you are well-informed about the specific needs of your dentures.
For more information about dentures and to find out if you are a good candidate for getting them, please contact Park Dental in Winter Park, FL for more information or to set up a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you and helping restore your smile. Our number is 407-671-8901.
