A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Three types of dentures are available - full, partial, and implant supported. Full dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some teeth remain.
FULL DENTURES
Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal. It is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to twelve weeks after the teeth have been removed.
Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. Because bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal, conventional are usually used over immediate.
IMPLANT DENTURES
An implant-supported denture is a type of denture that is supported by and attached to implants. A regular denture rests on the gums, and is not supported by implants. An implant-supported denture is used when a person doesn’t have any teeth in the jaw, but has enough bone in the jaw to support implants. An implant-supported denture has special attachments that snap onto attachments on the implants. They are usually made for the lower jaw because regular dentures tend to be less stable there. Usually, a regular denture made to fit an upper jaw is quite stable on its own and doesn’t need the extra support offered by implants. However, you can receive an implant-supported denture in either the upper or lower jaw.
PARTIAL DENTURES
A removable partial denture or bridge consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is sometimes connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed bridge can replace teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space to attach artificial teeth to them. This is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A partial denture is removable and has internal attachments that attach to the adjacent crowns to make it look natural.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR DENTURES
Take care of your dentures similarly to how you take care of normal teeth. There are many ways to properly take care fo your dentures, including:
-
Before brushing your teeth, rinse your dentures to remove any remaining food particles
-
Thoroughly clean your mouth while brushing. Be sure to clean your gums, chess, teeth, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue. This will help you properly remove any plaque in your mouth. This can reduce your risk of oral irritation.
-
You don't want to scratch your dentures so use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your dentures.
-
If you aren't wearing your dentures at any given time then put them somewhere they can be placed in water. This will prevent them from warping over time.
-
If you use adhesives for your dentures, please ask your dentist about what kind to use. There are many kinds available and depending on your circumstances, certain varieties many be better than others for you to use.
YOU CAN SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR DENTURES TODAY
Do you think it is time for you to get dentures? Give our team a call today. Have your questions ready and we will help you understand the options available and what is best for you. View our contact page to get directions to our office and to learn more about Carrie Muzny D.D.S.