DENTURES/PARTIAL DENTURES
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth. Depending on each individual patient case, they may receive full or partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are removed from an arch (top or bottom). Partial dentures are used when only some teeth in an arch (top or bottom) are missing. Partials can replace teeth on both sides of the mouth at the same time.
For the first few weeks to months after getting a new denture or partial, most patients need several adjustments. You may find that areas of your gums get sore, the denture or partial is too loose or too tight, the denture feels too bulky, or your bite feels funny. Most problems can be fixed in the office with simple adjustments. Over time, your mouth becomes trained to eat and speak with your dentures and they begin to feel more and more like your natural teeth. They may never feel perfectly comfortable, but it is much better than the alternative of not having teeth.
Over several years, your denture or partial will need to be adjusted, repaired, relined, or remade due to normal wear. As you age, your mouth naturally changes. These changes cause your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums. You should see your hygienists for regular cleanings every 3-6 months and your dentist annually for a checkup.
Even though dentures are not real teeth, you should care for them like they are. You should brush them to remove plaque and food particles before removing your dentures. After they have been removed you should place them directly into room temperature water or a denture cleaning solution. Never use hot water (except with flexible partials) because it could warp the dentures. Your dentures are delicate, so make sure you are careful when handling them so you don't drop them. Also, never try to adjust your dentures yourself. You could ruin them, so you should always seek assistance from your dentist if they feel uncomfortable or loose.
Types of Full Dentures:
Conventional Full Denture - This is when all the teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal before the dentures are placed. It could take a few months for the gum tissue to heal completely, and during this time you will be without teeth. Once healing is complete, a full set of impressions is taken and sent to the lab. The patient returns for 1-2 tryin visit to perfect esthetics and fit over a 4-6 weeks period before the final product is complete.
Immediate Full Dentures - Prior to having your teeth removed an impression is taken and the lab makes your denture based on your existing teeth. After extracting the teeth, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a follow up visit to refit your dentures because the jaw bone will shrink and change shape as your mouth heals. The dentures will need to be relined or remade after the jaw bone has healed for 6-8 months.
Types of Partial Dentures:
Acrylic Partial – These are made mostly of plastic with the only metal being the clasps that hold it in your mouth. They are usually used during healing from extractions or when your other teeth are not stable enough for other types of partials.
Cast Metal Partials – These are made with a metal framework under pink and white acrylic that look like natural teeth and gums. They are very strong and long-lasting. Other benefits include the ability to repair or add to if you mouth changes over time.
Flexible Acrylic Partial – These are made with a pink flexible acrylic as a base and white acrylic teeth. The benefits include being strong and long-lasting like a cast metal partial, but they are more aesthetic than cast metal. The bad thing about flexible acrylic is that it cannot be repaired or added to. They will need to be replaced if your mouth changes at all.
Please see our post operative care instructions for more information.
For the first few weeks to months after getting a new denture or partial, most patients need several adjustments. You may find that areas of your gums get sore, the denture or partial is too loose or too tight, the denture feels too bulky, or your bite feels funny. Most problems can be fixed in the office with simple adjustments. Over time, your mouth becomes trained to eat and speak with your dentures and they begin to feel more and more like your natural teeth. They may never feel perfectly comfortable, but it is much better than the alternative of not having teeth.
Over several years, your denture or partial will need to be adjusted, repaired, relined, or remade due to normal wear. As you age, your mouth naturally changes. These changes cause your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums. You should see your hygienists for regular cleanings every 3-6 months and your dentist annually for a checkup.
Even though dentures are not real teeth, you should care for them like they are. You should brush them to remove plaque and food particles before removing your dentures. After they have been removed you should place them directly into room temperature water or a denture cleaning solution. Never use hot water (except with flexible partials) because it could warp the dentures. Your dentures are delicate, so make sure you are careful when handling them so you don't drop them. Also, never try to adjust your dentures yourself. You could ruin them, so you should always seek assistance from your dentist if they feel uncomfortable or loose.
Types of Full Dentures:
Conventional Full Denture - This is when all the teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal before the dentures are placed. It could take a few months for the gum tissue to heal completely, and during this time you will be without teeth. Once healing is complete, a full set of impressions is taken and sent to the lab. The patient returns for 1-2 tryin visit to perfect esthetics and fit over a 4-6 weeks period before the final product is complete.
Immediate Full Dentures - Prior to having your teeth removed an impression is taken and the lab makes your denture based on your existing teeth. After extracting the teeth, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a follow up visit to refit your dentures because the jaw bone will shrink and change shape as your mouth heals. The dentures will need to be relined or remade after the jaw bone has healed for 6-8 months.
Types of Partial Dentures:
Acrylic Partial – These are made mostly of plastic with the only metal being the clasps that hold it in your mouth. They are usually used during healing from extractions or when your other teeth are not stable enough for other types of partials.
Cast Metal Partials – These are made with a metal framework under pink and white acrylic that look like natural teeth and gums. They are very strong and long-lasting. Other benefits include the ability to repair or add to if you mouth changes over time.
Flexible Acrylic Partial – These are made with a pink flexible acrylic as a base and white acrylic teeth. The benefits include being strong and long-lasting like a cast metal partial, but they are more aesthetic than cast metal. The bad thing about flexible acrylic is that it cannot be repaired or added to. They will need to be replaced if your mouth changes at all.
Please see our post operative care instructions for more information.