Dentures & Partials
What is a denture?
Dentures are an affordable, removable option for replacing missing teeth. If you’ve lost some or all of your natural teeth, a partial or complete denture can replace your missing teeth and improve your smile and ability to chew your food. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health! Without support from dentures, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll be able to eat and speak better with dentures.
What is the difference between Dentures and Partials
There are various types of dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which may take several months. An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. A partial denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth. It can be attached to the remaining teeth with clasps (conventional partial denture) or it can be attached to the teeth with crowns and precision attachments (hidden clasp partial denture). Some partial dentures have a metal framework and plastic teeth and gum areas. Other partial dentures can be made without metal frameworks and are highly esthetic such as the Valplast® Partial Denture. Valplast® Partials are made from a flexible, nylon thermoplastic material that is thinner and more translucent than traditional partial dentures. Doctors appreciate the minimal preparation and patients appreciate their beautiful appearance and comfort.
Even if you wear dentures, you still must take good care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.
Will eating with dentures be difficult?
Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet. Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells.
How long are dentures worn?
Removing your dentures before bed and storing them in water or denture cleanser is an excellent way to give your gums a much-needed break while keeping your dentures clean.
During the first week or two, however, you may leave your dentures in overnight to allow your mouth to get use to wearing them.
Who is a good candidate for dentures?
If you are missing one or more teeth, dentures may be an affordable solution for you. Dr. Kenney can evaluate the health of your gums and remaining teeth to see if they are healthy enough for dentures. Heavy smokers, people who grind their teeth or who have a sensitive gag reflex may not be ideal candidates for dentures.