Dentures
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures and not every form is right for every patient. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam during your consultation to review your oral health and the condition of your gums and bone health to determine what version would be most beneficial for your smile. Some of the most common types of dentures include:
- Full denture: Fabricated to look and feel natural, a full denture fills in an entire arch of teeth on the top or bottom and is usually made of a durable plastic resin and sometimes porcelain. A full denture on the top of the mouth typically covers the palate.
- Partial denture: A partial denture, sometimes simply called a partial, replaces several missing teeth in one area of your mouth and is an appliance that snaps in place.
- Removable denture: Most dentures are made of replacement teeth attached to a plastic base and are removable tooth prosthetics that are designed to look and function like natural teeth.
- Implant denture: Some patients have enough jawbone strength to tolerate dental implants. If they are missing nearly all their teeth, several implants can be placed and an implant denture can be permanently attached for a strong, natural-looking smile restoration.
Benefits of Wearing Dentures
More than half of all American adults are missing one or more teeth. About 10 percent are missing all their teeth. It’s impossible to function comfortably and feel good about yourself when you don’t have all your teeth. The function and aesthetic of your smile matters every day, no matter who you are, no matter what job you do. Getting a prosthetic solution like dentures delivers multiple benefits:
- Affordable way to replace missing teeth
- Custom-fitted to be comfortable
- Make it possible to eat foods you may have avoided
- Allow for clear and articulate speaking
- Crafted for maximum comfort
- Fracture resistant options available
Caring for Dentures
There is not a lot expected of denture patients. Yes, the muscles in your tongue and cheeks will have to adjust to keep the dentures in place, and you will have to care for your appliances to keep them clean and free of odors and stains, but the effort won’t be extreme. Because dentures are removable prosthetics, they will require the following:
- Gently clean and brush every day
- Wash after eating
- Brush gums daily to prevent bacterial infections
- Soak dentures in water when not in use
- Soak overnight in a denture solution
Just like anything new, the first few weeks will help you get used to this new element of your life and adapt to the feel of dentures. Slight irritation and soreness can occur but this feeling will subside. Dentures are custom fitted for every person’s smile, but if you don’t care for them properly they can become distorted.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dentures?
If you are missing one or more teeth, schedule a consultation with the team at Bethesda Family Dental to discuss whether you are a good candidate for dentures. It is possible to restore your tooth function, whether you’re missing several or all your teeth. When you bring an experienced dentist to the table, there is always a solution for the oral health problem you’re experiencing, but you have to reach out and make that first move.
Your smile can be beautiful again, and dentures may just be the solution to get you there. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
