If you are looking to replace missing teeth with dentures, Dr. Dana Walters can help.
If you are missing one or more teeth from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, visit Dr. Walters to see if dentures are the right solution for you. Dentures are removable teeth that come as a partial or complete set depending on your needs. They can restore your health, smile, and confidence!
Full Dentures
Full dentures are a solution for people who have lost all of their teeth. They feature a plastic base that is colored to replicate gum tissue. This base supports a full set of plastic or porcelain teeth.
Full dentures are kept in place by a suction effect that naturally occurs between your gums and the denture. Some people need dental implants to help attach their dentures. Dr. Walters will make the best recommendation for your situation.
If you’ve lost all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, affecting your appearance. Full dentures will also help fill out your face. Because they closely resemble your natural teeth, your smile won’t change much. It may even improve!
Full dentures will also help you eat and speak better, restoring your confidence in business and social situations.
How are Full Dentures Made?
Custom dentures will be made for you, starting with impressions of your oral tissues that will support the denture. A dental lab will make models of your mouth from these impressions, slowly building the denture.
At each step in the build process, models will be placed in your mouth to ensure proper fit and appearance, and to establish a correct bite. You will need to see Dr. Walters once a week for 4 to 5 weeks until the denture is completed.
You can also expect to visit once or more during the first month of wear to have adjustments made.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are for people who are missing one or several teeth. These removable dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base.
Partial dentures are attached through an intricate metal framework built around your healthy, natural teeth. Tiny screws and clasps hold the new denture in place.
Metal offers the most durable solution, given its ability to withstand constant daily wear. Plastic is standard for temporary partial dentures, which are used for emergencies or the healing period following surgery.
In some cases, a partial denture is made to attach to your natural teeth with devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more aesthetically pleasing than clasps. They are also necessary if crowns on your natural teeth are needed to improve the fit of your partial denture.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are there alternatives to dentures?
Bridges and implants are two other ways to replace missing teeth. Bridges can replace only two to three missing teeth in a row, depending on the location. Because they are cemented in place, they are considered a fixed or permanent denture.
An implant can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. They are the most expensive but also the most natural-looking option. Dr. Walters will make recommendations for your unique situation.
What should I expect with dentures?
- Dentures are virtually undetectable, so go ahead and smile with confidence!
- It will take some time to learn the best way to insert and remove your dentures, and your gums may be sore at first.
- Eating with dentures in also requires practice. Start with soft foods and slowly introduce more solid food. Chew food equally on both sides of your mouth. Avoid chewy or sticky foods.
- Once the cheeks and tongue get accustomed to your denture, they will begin to help keep the denture in place automatically.
- Speaking also requires practice but will become more comfortable as you repeat certain words or sounds.
- Dentures may dislodge at first with movements such as yawning or laughing. If this continues, the denture may need to be adjusted or relined (refit).
- Finally, the denture may increase saliva at first, but that will eventually return to normal.
Should I wear the denture all day?
Dentures are generally worn all day and removed at night to give the gum tissues time to relax. During the first few days after receiving the denture, however, it needs to remain in the mouth even when sleeping to help identify areas that need to be adjusted.
How do I take care of my denture?
Dentures must be placed in a container of water or denture cleaner when not being worn. They should never be placed in hot water as they can be damaged or warped. They must be cleaned daily using a soft toothbrush with soap and water and a denture cleaner. Your mouth should be rinsed daily without the dentures in place to clean off any plaque and reduce the risk of infection.
Should I use a denture adhesive?
Denture adhesive helps the denture adhere to supporting tissues instead of relying on suction or clasps. A small amount of denture adhesive can be applied to the clean surface of your denture, but do see Dr. Walters if your denture routinely slips as it may be a fit issue.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of dentures?
Most dental insurance companies cover some or all of the cost of dentures.
How long do dentures last?
If cared for properly, dentures should last a minimum of 5 years. Over time, bone shrinks, causing the denture to become loose. The rate that this happens varies with each person. Visit Dr. Walters regularly to ensure your denture continues to fit correctly.
Call our office today to restore your smile and confidence! 614-662-2082.