Dentures Tooth loss is a major problem affecting Americans. At any given time, at least 178 million of us are missing at least one tooth, and another 40 million are missing all of their teeth. Having gaps in your smile can lead to shame and embarrassment, making a person feel shy and hesitant or even flat-out refuse to show their smile due to their missing teeth. Nobody should have to feel insecure due to missing teeth, which is why at Raptou Family Dental we can provide our valued patients with dentures to restore their smile and their confidence. Deciding to get dentures is never easy, and it's why we will guide you through the entire process. Dentures serve as a replacement for lost or removed teeth and any surrounding damaged tissue. What are the Different Types of Dentures?Full DenturesFull dentures are ideal for a person who has lost either all or most of the teeth on their dental arch. Consisting of a thin, skin-toned plastic or acrylic base and a row of plastic or porcelain teeth, full dentures can help restore your smile. A full denture, despite its name, does not necessarily mean that you need to get a plate for both your top and your bottom dental arch. You may elect to only use them on a single arch, and have a partial denture, or keep your own natural teeth, on the other arch. For the upper arch, the plate is typically solid, and goes over your soft palate and gums. For the lower arch, the denture may be horseshoe, or “U,” shaped, which is more comfortable for your tongue. Even if you have not lost all of your teeth on an arch, you may still find yourself considering a full denture plate. This is actually fairly common, even if you do have some teeth remaining in your dental arch. For many patients, an extraction may be necessary in order to properly fit them with their partial denture. If an extraction does occur, the gums will need to heal before the final fitting of the denture plate. Typically, this can take anywhere between eight to 12 weeks, and some adjustments may be necessary during your appointment with us for ultimate comfort and fit. Complete DenturesImmediate dentures, unlike conventional, do not require an extended healing period. They can be made in advance and worn as soon as the teeth are removed. When you lose all of your teeth in one jaw, the gums and supporting dental bones shrink. Wearing an immediate denture may require multiple visits to the dentist over time to adjust the fit. Complete dentures can be made of gum-colored acrylic resin, with acrylic or porcelain teeth. Porcelain teeth can last longer than acrylic teeth, which wear against each other more easily. However, acrylic resin dentures are lighter and more cost-effective. They make for a stronger denture because acrylic adheres to the base of the denture more securely and is easier to adjust. Partial DenturesPartial dentures are ideal for patients with one or more avulsed teeth in random areas of the jaw. Partial dentures can be used in place of dental bridges and dental implants. Cast metal partials and flexible partials are the two more common partial dentures. Cast metal partials have a gum-colored acrylic base, and replacement teeth made from either acrylic or porcelain. Flexible partials are reared as a more aesthetically pleasing option, made from a flexible plastic material, they attach to the teeth using pink acrylic clasps. Partial dentures can be used for a long time, but will eventually break down, crack, or chip. Damaged partials may have to be replaced altogether if damaged. Implant-Supported DenturesAn implant-supported denture (or snap-in denture) is a full arch of teeth supported on dental implants. The implants are fixed into the jaw, fusing with the bone over a period of months in a process called osseointegration. This ensures the implants are strong, secure, and able to withstand the normal biting and chewing functions that are carried out by natural teeth. Implant-supported dentures offer greater stability compared to conventional, full dentures which are held in place by suction and adhesives. This makes them liable to slip, and even fall out, as well as limit the foods that wearers can eat. Implant-supported dentures are attached to two or more implants that hold the denture firmly in place. They are less bulky than conventional dentures, which are more comfortable, and they leave the palate open so the taste of food can more easily be enjoyed. Implant-supported dentures can be simply snapped in and out, making them easy for cleaning. In comparison to fixed, full-arch dental implant procedures, such as the All-on-4® Treatment Concept, implant-supported dentures are significantly more affordable. This is partly because fewer implants are required for the procedure. How Can I Care for My Dentures?Once you get your dentures, it will take some time for you to get used to them in your mouth. If you get partial dentures, you will need to get used to putting them on and taking them off without disturbing your remaining natural teeth. You may experience some initial difficulty eating and talking with your new dentures in your mouth, but almost all our patients report being able to quickly adjust. Even though the dentures are artificial teeth, they must be cared for, as good oral hygiene is still very important. You must take care to make sure your dentures are stored overnight using an approved cleaning solution. You should also rinse off your dentures after every meal and brush them at least daily. If you have natural teeth remaining, they still need to be brushed and flossed regularly. You also must continue to clean your gums, even if you have a complete set of dentures. For More Information and to Schedule Your Denture Appointment Now!If you have any concerns that you may need dentures or if you are starting to show symptoms and want to get an expert opinion, contact Raptou Family Dental today. We can bring you in for a consultation with the dentist and together we can put together an individualized care plan that meets all of your needs. Contact us at (614) 427-0449 to get started. |
Contact Raptou Family Dental TodayOur Columbus dentists are the first step to a healthier, happier you! |
