Dentures
What are Dentures?
Because teeth can be lost to gum disease, decay or injury, many patients turn to dentures as an option for replacing missing teeth. Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. They also can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth and can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile while improving your smile!
How are Dentures Made?
To ensure a comfortable fit, dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth.
While dentures take some getting used to and will never feel exactly the same as one’s natural teeth, today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever. At our dentist will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for your smile. Call our office at 984-330-5151 to schedule an appointment and get dentures in Apex!
Types of Dentures
When considering teeth replacement alternatives, there are several types of dentures to consider. Traditional dentures are an economical way to replace missing teeth. They are placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months, during which time you are without teeth.
Premium dentures are made from high-quality materials that impact and stain resistant. They also fit well to the shape and size of the wearer’s mouth and can also be adjusted to reflect the natural color of the oral cavity. Designed to mimic the gradual wear of natural tooth enamel, for less wear and tear, they are customized according to both the mouth and other defining elements of the face like cheekbones or jawlines.
An immediate full denture, also known as a temporary denture, is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. While immediate dentures offer the benefit of never having to be without your teeth, they must be revised several months after being inserted.
A removable alternative to bridges, partial dentures rest on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. More than cosmetic devices, partial dentures are not for permanent usage and are often removed overnight. They help patients experience better chewing and speaking. They also prevent a patient’s remaining teeth from shifting.
Living with Dentures
Eating and speaking with dentures might take some practice, especially since a bulky and loose feeling is not uncommon as the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Over a period of time, your denture will need to be revised due to normal wear.
How to Take Care of Dentures
Caring for your dentures is a simple process. When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water before being placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water Never use hot water, which can cause them to warp. Also, brush your dentures daily to remove food deposits and plaque and help prevent them from becoming stained. You also should brush your gums, tongue, and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
For more information about dentures near Apex, North Carolina, call our office at 984-330-5151 to schedule an appointment with a dentist.
Immediate vs Complete Dentures
Conventional dentures are made for a patient’s mouth cavity once the teeth have been removed. A dentist first removes the patient’s teeth and then lets the patient’s gums heal after the operation. Once the gums have healed, the dentist will cast a mold over the patient’s oral cavity. This molding helps shape the dentures. After the molding is set, the dentures are created to the mold and then fit into the patient’s mouth. Immediate dentures are placed in your mouth immediately following the extraction of your teeth, during the same visit as your teeth removal, so they serve as a bandage to control bleeding and protect gum tissue. Because more time is spent preparing them, immediate dentures cost more than conventional dentures.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is a removable, yet natural-looking dental appliance that helps restore the form and function of your jaw by replacing one or more missing teeth. When you are missing one or more teeth, the bite pressures shift in your mouth. Other teeth may begin to move to compensate for the “gap” in your bite, and you may experience shrinking of both the soft tissues and the supporting bone near your missing teeth. This can alter your physical appearance and lead to subsequent problems with your other teeth. A partial denture keeps the underlying structures of your mouth – your gums, jawbone, facial muscles, etc. – active and engaged. It helps prevent further shifting of the other teeth in your mouth while giving you the confidence of having a beautiful, complete smile.