Custom and Partial Dentures
The days of hiding your smile because of missing or failing teeth are over, thanks to dentures. Dental dentures are artificial teeth and gums that replace missing teeth. If you are missing all of your teeth on the top or the bottom, you can get dentures to replace them, called a full arch. If you are missing one or a couple of teeth, you may get replacements that are called partial dentures.
What Are Dentures?
If you are facing the loss of all of your teeth, dentures are one of the most common tooth replacement methods available. Although all types of dentures in years past had a fake look to them, today’s modern dentures look more natural than ever before.
Who Is a Candidate for Dentures?
Anyone who is missing all or some of their teeth may be a good candidate for dental dentures. Here are some reasons why a person may qualify.
Missing Teeth From Injury
There are times when an injury results in tooth loss. In these cases, partial dentures can provide an effective tooth replacement.
Tooth Decay
When tooth decay has progressed to the point where the tooth cannot be saved, it will have to be extracted [removed/pulled]. Depending on the number of teeth that must be removed, either full or partial dentures offer tooth replacement.
Choosing the Right Type of Denture
The type of dental dentures you need will depend on how many teeth you have lost. Two0 types are partial dentures and custom dentures.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is a removable tooth prosthetic that is meant to replace several teeth in a row that are missing. Partial dentures look very natural because they are made to match the color of your gums and your surrounding teeth., A partial denture stays in place with a clasp that fits around the teeth surrounding the gap in your mouth.
Custom Dentures
If you are facing the loss of all of your teeth, custom dentures can provide a complete replacement. Custom dentures are crafted to look natural and feel comfortable. Although there is a period of adjustment with dentures, after you get used to them, you’ll be able to laugh, speak and eat much like you did before you got custom dentures.
Denture Preparation and Placement
Today’s dental dentures look very much like your natural teeth, and they are much more comfortable than dentures of the past. Regardless of the reason for your tooth loss, full or partial dentures can restore your chewing function and improve your ability to speak properly.
Initial Visit
At your first visit to the dentist, your gums and supporting bone structure will be examined to help your dentist determine the best treatment plan for you. Your dentist may also make a mold of your natural teeth and gums at this appointment to help in creating your custom dentures.
Procedure
You may need to have additional teeth pulled. If this is the case, your dentist may give you an immediate denture designed to promote proper healing of the extraction sites. It will also mean you will not have to go without teeth while you wait for your custom dentures. You may have to have these adjusted while you wait for your custom dentures because gums shrink after the healing process of tooth extraction.
It will take time for your gums to heal. Once that happens and your gums are restored to a healthy condition, it will be time to make your custom dentures.
If you are getting a partial denture, your dentist will take impressions and measurements of how your upper and lower jaws align. Then, they will make a model of the denture. You may have to go through a number of partial denture adjustments to ensure that the prosthetic has the correct shape, color and alignment.
Restorative and Aesthetic Benefits
Both partial dentures and custom dentures provide several restorative and aesthetic benefits. Here are a few examples.
They Restore Your Ability to Chew and Speak Properly
When even just a few teeth are missing, chewing and speaking can be a challenge. People with missing teeth often find that their nutrition suffers because eating healthy foods without a full set of teeth is difficult. With partial dentures or custom dentures, there may be a period of adjustment, but in time, people find that their ability to chew properly is restored.
Speech can also be impacted, depending on where the tooth loss is located. Forming sounds correctly requires that the lips, tongue and teeth work together.
They Are Removable
Keeping your partial dentures or custom dentures clean is easy because you can take them out of your mouth. Dentures are a good option for people who do not like the thought of a permanent prosthetic in their mouths.
They Support Your Facial Structure
When teeth are missing, there is nothing there to support the structure of the face. This can lead to sagging. Filling in the gaps with partial dentures or custom dentures preserves the look of your face.
They Are Cost-Effective
Both types of dentures are cost-effective ways to replace missing teeth. Affordable dentures are one of the most popular ways for tooth replacement.
Denture Care: Adapting to Your New Smile
Most dentists will tell you that it may take a month or longer to adapt to your new smile. There is a learning curve with both types of dentures until speaking and eating feels normal again. You can help with the process by planning meals out ahead of time and sticking to softer foods that will be easier for you to chew. You can also practice speaking aloud in the privacy of your own home to become accustomed to talking with dentures. There are denture adhesives you can use to help you get used to your new dentures.
Keep in mind that developing sore spots on your gums when you first start wearing dentures is normal. You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help alleviate symptoms.
Oral Health Best Practices
Taking care of your dental dentures is easy because they are removable. They can crack if you drop them. So, be careful when handling them.
Take them out and rinse them thoroughly after eating. Rinse your mouth thoroughly before putting them back in. Brush your dentures at least once a day and soak them overnight. Rinse them before putting them back in — especially if you use a denture-soaking product.
Denture Repair & Reline
As you age, your gums change shape. Your upper and lower jaw may not align properly as the gums shrink and recede, and you may notice that your custom dentures no longer feel the same. Improperly fitting dentures can cause mouth sores and other issues.
Types of Repairs
There are three main types of denture repairs: (1) reline, (2) rebase and (3) adjustment. A reline involves resurfacing the side of your denture to make it fit more securely. A rebase is when your denture’s gum part is completely remade before adding your prosthetic teeth to the new base. An adjustment is needed when your dentures are causing irritation on the gums. Your dentist will adjust your dental dentures to make them more comfortable.
When to Replace
Most people can expect to replace their dentures 5 five to 10 years, however, you’ll need to realign your dentures throughout your lifetime. Visiting your dentist regularly is essential— even when you are missing all of your teeth — so they can advise you when your dentures should be replaced.
Getting Dentures at West Coast Dental
At West Coast Dental, we provide partial dentures and custom dentures for patients. If you have experienced tooth loss, we can restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably and make you want to smile again.
Team of Board Certified Specialists
Our team is made up of experienced general dentists and board-certified specialists who can create natural-looking, comfortable dental prosthetics. We pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art dental practice and our commitment to providing patients with the best possible care.
Same-day Appointments Available
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, give us a call. We have space in our schedule for same-day dental appointments when they are needed. Set up an appointment today.
Accepts Most Insurances
At West Coast Dental, we accept most dental insurance plans. We also offer a variety of payment options to make dental care affordable for our patients.
Dental Discount Program
We don’t want the cost of treatment to keep people from getting the dental treatments they need. To help make dental care affordable, we offer a dental discount plan to help keep expenses down through the Dental Alliance Discount Plan. We also offer financing options through CareCredit and Dental Alliance Financing so patients can get the care they need today and pay for it with affordable monthly payments.