Dentures and Partial Dentures
Dentures
What are Dentures?
Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back
into 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.
There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Drs. Thurman & Dahlkemper will help
you choose the type of denture that's best for you based on whether some or
all of your teeth are going to be replaced and the cost involved.
How do Dentures Work?
With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base
of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that
of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.
Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your
mouth. Drs. Thurman & Dahlkemper will determine which of the three types of dentures described
below is best for you:
Conventional Full Denture
A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth
are removed and gum tissues have healed. Healing may take several months, during
which time you are without teeth.
Immediate Full Denture
An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth
are removed. (Drs. Thurman & Dahlkemper take measurements and make models of your jaw during
a prior visit.) While immediate dentures offer the benefit of never having to
be without your teeth, they must be relined several months after being inserted.
The reason is that the bone supporting the teeth shrinks and reshapes as it
heals, causing the denture to become loose.
Partial Denture
A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth.
Sometimes crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors
for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges.
How Long Before I Get Used to My Dentures?
New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even
months. Eating and speaking with dentures might take a little practice. A bulky
or loose feeling is not uncommon, while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue
learn to hold your dentures in place. Excessive saliva flow, a feeling that
the tongue does not have adequate room, and minor irritation or soreness are
also not unusual. If you experience irritation, see your dentist.
How Long do Dentures Last?
Over a period of time, your denture will need to be relined, remade, or rebased
due to normal wear. Rebasing means making a new base while keeping the existing
denture teeth. Also, as you age, your mouth naturally changes. These changes
cause your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your
gums. At a minimum, you should see your dentist annually for a checkup.
If your teeth have reached the point where you are considering dentures, we
invite you to come in for a complimentary consultation. We will do an assessment
of your condition and provide you with a list of options tailored to your individual
needs. With the advances in dental implants and other techniques in the last
twenty years, dentures can often be used in conjunction with implants for enhanced
function and comfort. However, for many people dentures alone are a very cost
effective solution to the problem of aging teeth and gum disease.
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