DENTURES

PARTIAL DENTURES

Partial dentures look exactly how they sound. Instead of having an entire set of new teeth, partial dentures replace missing teeth to give you a complete smile. Partial dentures are teeth fixed to a pink gum-like base that clicks into your upper or lower teeth. Like a retainer, they are removable and can be easily cleaned. They are a good solution if most your natural teeth can be kept in healthy condition.

Candidates for partial dentures are those people who have some of their natural teeth remaining with gaps between them where teeth are missing. It is a removable appliance that easily fits securely on the gums to fill the space between the natural teeth with replacement teeth

Partial dentures are be made from acrylic, metal or both and is constructed with a gum colored base that holds the replacement teeth, with a clasp to hold it in position in the mouth

Although dentures are most commonly thought of as being for elderly patients, this is simply not the case. There are many reasons why people may require partial dentures, regardless of their age. They may have been born without some permanent teeth or have lost one or a few of their teeth, possibly in an accident for example and require a partial denture to fill the space where their teeth are missing.

In addition to the cosmetic benefit provided by a partial denture, it will also prevent the possibility of your other teeth from moving and getting out of line due to the spaces created by missing teeth.

COMPLETE DENTURES

Complete dentures are for those who need a completely new set of teeth.

While partial denture are used to fill spaces created by one or more missing teeth, complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing.

It can therefore take some time to get used to the awkward feeling of having complete dentures, since they are resting on your gums.

With natural teeth, the impact of chewing food is absorbed by the teeth which are firmly rooted within the gums, but dentures are resting on the gum line, with the attached teeth fasted into the denture

This can cause mild discomfort at first, so it is recommended to start with softer foods that are easy to chew.

Within time you can build up to regular eating habits and eventually the dentures will feel like a familiar part of your everyday routine.

Immediate dentures are often the treatment of choice for most patients and often require re-line for better fir 6-8 months after extractions. Implants can also be utilized to better secure the denture to your jaw. The professionals at Dunsmuir Dental will then walk you through how to take care of your dentures properly to last you a lifetime!

Caring for your Dentures

For the first few days after getting your dentures, you may be advised to wear them all the time, even while sleeping. This may not be comfortable in the short terms, but is the best way to find out if any part of the dentures need to be adjusted.

After any necessary adjustments are completed, the regular routine will be to remove your dentures before going to sleep. This will give your gum tissues time to rest, while being naturally stimulated and claensed by your tongue and saliva.

You will need to clean your dentures like you would take care of natural teeth, since they can build up plaque and tartar in the same way.

Our office will be happy to provide you with clear, easy to follow steps explaining the best way to care for your dentures. The dentres can then simply be placed back into your mouth the next morning.

Today, dental implants are another way to significantly increase the retention and stability of dentures. Many options of implants exist to increase the confidence in denture wear.

For more information about either dentures or implants, or to schedule a time to meet with one of our dentists for a personalized consultation, please feel free to contact our office.