Dentures
Dentistry is all about smiles, and having a confident, healthy, beautiful smile is essential it everyone—even for patients wearing dentures. Our practice provides personalized denture services that meet our patients’ needs and comfort levels. Our patients are unique, and we create one-of-a-kind dentures that feel good and look natural.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. There are two types of dentures: full and partial.
- Full dentures are given to patients when all their natural teeth have been removed. Conventional full dentures are placed after the gum tissue has healed after removal, which can take several months. Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after the teeth have been removed and may require frequent adjustments during the first couple of months of use.
- Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame connected to your natural teeth. They are used to fill where permanent teeth have been removed. These dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges.
How Do I Know If Dentures Are Right For Me?
Dentures are not for everyone. If you’re interested in learning more about dentures and want to know if they are the right choice for you, please schedule an appointment. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you might have and determine the best course of treatment for your ongoing dental health.
Caring For Your Dentures.
Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily maintenance to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside of your mouth. Keep your dentures clean and your smile healthy:
- When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break.
- Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up, so it’s vital that you brush your dentures every day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently scrub the surfaces of the dentures, being cautious not to break or bend the plastic. Between brushings, it’s important to rinse your dentures after each meal.
- Use a gentle cleanser to clean your dentures. Many kinds of toothpaste, household cleaners, and mouthwashes can be too hard on your dentures. We recommend using a mild hand or dish soap to get your dentures clean. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose safe products for your dentures, or ask your dentist.
- When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or water can dry out, lose their shape or even crack and shatter. Certain styles of dentures require specific soaking solutions, so be sure to ask your dentist which solution is best for you.
- Even if you have a complete set of dentures, keeping your gums and tongue clean is essential. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to clean your gums and tongue daily.
If your dentures do break, don’t hesitate to contact our practice and schedule an appointment. Broken dentures that don’t fit properly can irritate your gums and mouth. Also, remember to continue scheduling regular dental checkups every six months to ensure that your smile stays healthy for many years to come.