Dentures, or prosthetic teeth, are artificial replacements used for your natural teeth and gums. If you lose some or all of your original teeth through an accident, disease, or poor dental health, a dentist or prosthodontist may recommend dentures to replace an entire row of teeth instead of a single tooth.

Commonly referred to as false teeth, dentures are ideal if your gum and jawline have been significantly eroded, making other dental procedures like crowns and implants less favorable.

Let’s take a closer look at what dentures are and who would make a good candidate to receive them.

Types of Dentures

There are two types of dentures:

• Complete/full denture
• Partial denture

If you’ve lost all of your teeth, you’ll need complete dentures. Conventional dentures are made after your teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has completely healed. The process takes 4 to 6 weeks. You’ll have to stay without teeth during that period.

Immediate dentures, on the other hand, are created beforehand and placed immediately after the teeth are removed. This prevents the patient from having to go without teeth over the healing period.

A partial denture is used if you have only a few teeth missing. It helps to cover the gaps left by the missing teeth. Partial dentures commonly feature a plastic or metal plate with several false teeth attached.

These can be fastened to your natural teeth using a metal or a flexible clasp to ensure they are detachable, or crowns can be placed on some of your original teeth to act as anchors for the partial denture.

There are also implant-supported dentures, which are used in case you can’t wear conventional dentures due to insufficient palate or bone to support the dentures.

Why You Would Want a Denture

• If you’ve lost all teeth in an arch
• If you’ve lost some teeth in an arch
• To repair your smile and facial tissues
• To correct your chewing, digestion, and speech

What to Expect When Getting Dentures

The process of getting dentures encompasses a couple of necessary steps, which can vary depending on the type of denture you want and the condition of your dental health.

In many cases, the process starts by visiting a dentist for an examination. During the examination, the dentist will take dental impressions and oral measurements to ensure the final dentures fit correctly.

Then, your dentist will extract any damaged teeth. You’ll be given a temporary denture to use as you wait for your denture to be made. Once the final denture is ready, it will be fitted in your mouth.

How Long Do Dentures Last?

If properly maintained and cared for, dentures can last several years. However, you may need to have them reconfigured after normal wear or after any changes in your mouth structures as your bone or gums shrink.

Improperly fitting dentures can result in various dental issues, including discomfort, oral infections, and sores, as well as bad breath. If you’ve been wearing complete dentures for many years, you may have a hard time getting well-fitting dentures crafted for you.

Caring For Dentures

You need to care for your dentures just as you would for your natural teeth. Dentures are just as prone to plaque and food particles as natural teeth. You should brush them with toothpaste and water at least twice a day.

You’ll also need to soak them in a denture cleaning solution. Special care is essential when it comes to removing any traces of denture fixative. Be sure to brush your dentures as you would your natural teeth, with a small-headed toothbrush and toothpaste.

If your dentures are stained or have plaque accumulation, you should see a dentist or dental hygienist to get them cleaned professionally. If you remove the false teeth at night, dip them in some water. This prevents warping.

It’s worth noting that dentures are quite delicate and could chip, or break if dropped. Handle them with care when cleaning them. Avoid the temptation of adjusting your dentures as you may damage them permanently.

You should also visit your dentist regularly for checkups, regardless of the type of denture you have, so that they can keep a close watch over the health of your mouth lining and make sure your dentures fit as expected.

Choosing the Right Dentures for You

Not everyone with missing teeth needs dentures. Our office has several services to help replace missing teeth. You can learn more about our services at https://www.riverpointfamilydental.com/dental-services/ If you’re looking to get dentures, schedule an appointment with Riverpoint Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry to discuss if dentures are the right solution for you. During the consultation, you’ll be thoroughly examined and advised on the appropriate solution for your dental problem.