A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and gum tissue. Partial dentures replace missing sections of the mouth, while complete dentures replace all teeth on the upper or lower jaw. At Daniel Dentistry, we often recommend our patients receive immediate dentures after their teeth are extracted so that their smile looks normal immediately.
Like your teeth, your removable dentures must be cleaned regularly to avoid plaque buildup and infection. You should remove your dentures and clean them thoroughly each night before reinserting them into your mouth in the morning and after meals. This increases the longevity of your dentures by keeping them in good shape for as long as possible.
Types of Dentures
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are used when all your teeth are missing. They are made to rest directly on the gums. Complete dentures usually require only a few appointments for fitting and adjustment.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is a removable appliance that fits around your existing teeth to fill in the spaces left by missing teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. It’s typically made with a metal framework combined with resin and plastic for a more natural look. It consists of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base, which fits among your natural teeth to fill in the gaps.
The Procedure for Dentures
Metal and acrylic dentures are made from a mold of your mouth, so they fit snugly against your gums. These molds are taken during a preliminary visit when you come in for a consultation about your denture needs. Our dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower jaws and any natural teeth remaining in your smile after treatment. Then we’ll send these impressions to a lab where your permanent denture will be crafted just for you. Once your new denture arrives from the lab, you’ll come back for another appointment so your dentist can check the fit and make any adjustments. You may need to wear a temporary denture between visits, but you’ll have your final denture in place in no time.
How to Care for Your Dentures
It may take some time to get used to your new denture, and you might also experience some soreness as your gums heal. Contact the office if you’re still experiencing pain after about a week of wearing them. We’ll look at your dentures to determine if an adjustment or a replacement is needed. After a few weeks, you should feel much more comfortable with the fit of your dentures.
Now that you’ve become accustomed to the look and feel of your dentures, you’ll want to be extra careful to keep them clean. When brushing them, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching them. Leaving them out at night is especially important because your mouth produces less saliva while asleep.
Dentures can restore your smile and improve your ability to speak and chew. Visit Daniel Dentistry at 19 Inverness Center Pkwy, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35242, or call (205) 967-0760 to learn more about dentures.
