If you’ve been recommended a partial or full denture, you may feel apprehensive about using them. However, advances in methods and technology have made today’s dentures better-crafted from the highest quality materials to provide greater comfort as well as longevity. Learn more about these dental prosthetics here.
Types of Dentures
Partials: fill in gaps where several teeth are missing (consecutive or nonconsecutive)
Full: replace a complete row of teeth by fitting snugly against the gum line
We also provide dental implant-supported dentures, which, instead of being worn on the gums, are attached to metal posts that have been surgically inserted into the jaw bone. This option provides increased stability when using the dentures.
Procedure
The process to have dentures made takes at least two or three visits to the dentist. During the first appointment, any remaining damaged or decayed teeth will be removed, if needed. X-rays will then be taken, and impressions will be made of the bite to design the denture, whether full or partial. This information will be sent to a dental laboratory where the custom dental prosthetic will be made.
Once the denture has been completed, a “try-in” appointment will be needed to have it fitted. In some cases, the denture will fit perfectly on the first try. Usually, however, adjustments will be needed to achieve the right fit, and patients will need to retry their denture.
Dental implant-supported dentures are made in the same way, but there will be one (or more) additional appointments to have the implants themselves placed in the jaw bone. A healing period will also be required to allow the posts to fuse into the bone.
Caring for Dentures
Though they are prosthetics, dentures will need diligent maintenance. This ensures that they not only fit comfortably and work well, but that they will last as long as possible.
Dentures should be brushed daily using minimally abrasive toothpaste and denture toothbrushes. They should be stored in cool water or a cleaning solution; this ensures that they keep their shape and don’t dry out. It’s recommended that dentures be cleaned over a towel or other soft surface to prevent them from damage if they should be dropped during cleaning. Implant-supported dentures will need to be brushed twice daily, just as natural teeth do. Visit your Wheatland Dental dentist at least twice a year to ensure that your dentures remain whole and continue to fit comfortably.
