Sometimes, due to missing one or several teeth, you may want to consider a complete or partial denture. All types of dentures are customized to your mouth and designed to rest comfortably on the existing teeth and gums, and can help to restore the natural contours of the cheeks, lips, and face.
If you are a few or all of your teeth, you may be a candidate for a partial or complete denture.
Partial Denture
- A partial denture is an appliance for people to fill gaps in their mouth left by missing some, but not all of their teeth.
- People wear dentures to improve their appearance and comfort while eating.
- They are designed to rest comfortably on the existing teeth and gums & can help to restore the natural contours of the cheeks, lips, and face.
Complete Denture
- A complete denture is carefully crafted and customized to fit your mouth and replaces all missing teeth.
- A complete denture can be fixed in place with the help of implants, known as an implant-supported denture
- A complete denture may also be made to be removed and taken out at night
- All dentures are made to mimic the natural teeth and gum tissue, leaving you with a beautiful, natural looking smile.
How do I know if dentures are the right choice for me?
Dentures are not for everyone. If you're interested in learning more about dentures and want to know if they are the right choice for you, please schedule an appointment. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and can determine the best course of treatment for your ongoing dental health.
Caring for your dentures
Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily maintenance to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside of your mouth. Keep your dentures clean and your smile healthy:
- When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break.
- Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up, so it's important that you brush your dentures every day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. Between brushings, it's important to rinse your dentures after each meal.
- Use a gentle cleanser to clean your dentures. Many toothpastes, household cleaners, and mouthwashes can be too hard on your dentures, so it is recommended that you use a mild hand or dish soap to get your dentures clean. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for your dentures, or ask your dentist about which products may be best for you.
- When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape, or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require certain soaking solutions, so be sure to ask your dentist which solution is best for you.
- Even if you have a full set of dentures, it's important to keep your gums and tongue clean. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue every day.
If by chance your dentures do break, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Broken dentures that don't fit properly can cause irritation to your gums and mouth. Also, remember to continue scheduling regular dental checkups every six months to make sure that your smile stays healthy for many years to come.
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