Dentures are custom-fitted removable replacements for missing teeth and gum tissue. Partial and complete dentures are common and well-known, but there are additional options that increase comfort if you need to replace missing teeth.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
A few missing teeth may seem like merely an inconvenience, but it’s actually vital to get missing teeth replaced. The most important reason is to preserve as much jaw bone as you can – missing teeth leads to deterioration in this facial bone.
In addition, a missing tooth can result in the movement or tipping of nearby teeth into the open space. This can lead to problems chewing or talking, along with difficulties with bite and opening and closing your mouth.
Partial Dentures
This kind of denture is most appropriate to replace three or more missing teeth. The remaining teeth help hold the partial denture in place. The partial denture is constructed of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored base made of plastic, which connects to remaining teeth using a metal framework. These come in-and-out, and are placed and removed by the patient, and often cover both sides of the mouth, even if only one side is involved.
Complete Dentures
These dentures are custom-made to replace a full set of missing teeth, either upper, lower, or both. They are made using careful impressions of your mouth. Models are then used to custom-fit the complete dentures, and you and Dr. Lanahan choose the color, shape and size of the gum and teeth for a complete look.
If any teeth need to be extracted, immediate dentures fit over gums that are healing while conventional dentures are being made. Both require consistent adjustments as gums heal and you adapt to wearing the new dentures.
Implant Supported Dentures
This kind of denture solution is fairly new, using implants along with complete dentures for a more comfortable, natural fit. Three or four implants are placed along the jawbone, topped with abutments that attach to the dentures using a loosely “locking” mechanism.
The advantage of Implant Supported Dentures is that they hold the denture in place, and help prevent the movement that plagues denture weares.
Care of Your Dentures
Regardless of what kind of dentures work for you, they require consistent care. Like natural teeth, dentures need to be brushed consistently and soaked overnight in a cleansing solution.
Even when you have dentures, it’s essential to take care of your mouth and gums to avoid remove plaque and avoid decay. After removing dentures, brush your palate, gums and tongue to clean away debris and plaque and ensure a healthy smile!
