While many people think dentures greatly limit what they can eat and drink, this solution significantly broadens your options compared to having missing teeth. Dentures improve oral health as there are now new teeth in place to protect the gums from food particles that can turn into tooth decay and gum disease. Dentures provide protection while giving you a brand new smile you can be proud of.
You may be considering dentures or already have them. Here’s information about dentures, how they work, how to care for them, and what you can do to improve your oral health. We want to answer all of your questions about dentures and help you decide if dentures are right for you. If you are missing teeth, dentures can provide a positive solution to improving your oral health. We are proud to provide dentures that are designed to fit your mouth for proper function and unique comfort.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial gums and teeth that are made from synthetic teeth. These are created by a dentist to replace natural teeth that have been removed or lost. Full or partial dentures can be used to replace missing or damaged teeth. Whatever type of dentures are required, they will be custom-made to fit your mouth. They will also match your existing teeth visually to create a beautiful and brighter smile.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Modern dentures are in most cases made out of a tough resin. Denture teeth are made of a harder material than natural teeth. The denture support structure that holds the artificial tooth in place is similar to the natural gum line and is often made from either the same resin that was used for the teeth or a flexible material that fits snugly onto the natural jawline.
What Are the Benefits?
Dentures improve the appearance and function of missing teeth. They also support the structure of the mouth by keeping the cheeks and lips sound. Dentures allow you to consume “chewy” foods, which allows you to continue eating the same diet as before and helps to ensure your overall health. Dentures can also be used to replace teeth that cause severe pain or damage, such as rotten roots or severe decay. The procedure of fitting dentures means that any troublesome teeth can be extracted and replaced by a strong, beautiful alternative.
Types of Dentures
Some dentures can replace one or two missing teeth. Some dentures replace all teeth and gums. When you visit our dental office for a consultation, our dentist will help you decide what type of denture is the best fit for your oral health. Here are some of the options we provide at Meadow Park Family Dentistry:
– Partial dentures
Partial dentures can be used in place of other tooth replacement options when the surrounding teeth are too weak to support structures like dental bridges or when more than one tooth is missing. The partial dentures will fit on the gum line, attach to nearby natural teeth to ensure that they don’t fall out of their place. They don’t have to be attached permanently and can be easily removed for cleaning and sleep.
– Full dentures
Full dentures are also known as complete dentures. They replace all your natural teeth. They can be fitted to your top or bottom teeth. The dentures are held in place with suction and/or an oral adhesive. They can be easily removed, just like partial dentures.
– Implant-supported dentures
These dentures are fixed to the jawbone by dental implants, as the name suggests. Dental implants are permanent fixtures that attach to the jawbone. They can replace any number of missing teeth. The implant is made up of the implant, a metal post (usually from titanium), and a custom-made crown that looks exactly like a natural tooth.
Implant-supported dentures can be attached in a variety of ways, but they should be treated and cared for the same way as traditional dentures. Implants on the lower jaw are more common as the upper is less likely to fit securely. However, many people have both.
How To Clean Dentures
No matter what type of dentures you have, they must be cleaned every day, just as regular teeth. Dentures can be damaged by bacteria, plaque, or tartar, even though they are artificial teeth.
You can clean your dentures by taking them out of your mouth and running clean water over them to remove any food particles or debris that might be trapped between your teeth, at the gum line, or under the structure. Use a soft toothbrush or denture brush to clean the dentures. Avoid using regular toothpaste or electric toothbrushes. These are too harsh and can cause damage to denture materials. Make sure you rinse your dentures after cleaning.
If your dentures have been removed from your mouth, make sure you clean your gums with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Wrap your finger in a soft, wet washcloth to gently rub your gums. When visiting our dentist, we will also help you clean your dentures and provide guidance on how to best maintain them.
How To Preserve Your Dentures
To prevent damage to dentures and to allow your gums to relax, remove them from your mouth before going to sleep. Warm, but not too hot water should be used to submerge dentures completely in the solution. This will prevent them from drying out and becoming damaged. Use denture-soaking solutions only if you don’t have any metal components as it can tarnish the metal.
Dentures in Bedford, TX
Following your appointment, we will provide you with information on at-home care for your dentures. We strongly recommend scheduling follow-up appointments for periodic denture cleanings.
For more information about dentures or to request an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (817) 464-8655!