Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and help restore a patients ability to eat, talk and smile.
Different Types of Dentures
1) Full Dentures - used to replace all missing natural teeth
2) Partial Dentures - used to replace one or more missing natural teeth. These can have metal or acrylic clasps that use your remaining teeth to help hold the denture in place.
3) Conventional Dentures - Teeth are removed and supporting bone and gum tissues are allowed to heal (usually several months) before these dentures are fitted.
4) Immediate - Teeth are removed and these dentures are placed right away. Usually a denture reline is required 6 months later to help the denture fit more accurately after the bone and soft tissues have shrunk.
5) Overdenture - Dentures are placed over existing teeth or dental implants to help secure the denture.
How do I care for my Dentures?
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You must remove your denture(s) to sleep. This is important so that you do not fracture the denture and you allow your gum tissues to breathe. Without removing them, you could cause the dentures to fracture due to grinding or clenching of your teeth and/or your gum tissues could get very red and inflamed. Place your denture(s) in a bath of water or a mild denture soaking agent. Always be sure to rinse the denture(s) before putting them back in your mouth.
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You must brush your dentures in the morning and at night and after meals with a soft brush and a non-abrasive agent (like liquid hand soap). Be sure to rinse your mouth after you remove the denture(s).
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Schedule routine hygiene check ups. This should be done if you have natural teeth or not as the hygienist can help professionally clean the dentures and assess the dentures for cracks and proper fit.
Things I should know about Dentures
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Do not use abrasive cleaning products (like toothpastes, bleach, hard bristled brushes) that can damage your dentures.
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Dentures may need to be adjusted from time to time due to changes in bone density. Teeth help hold the structure of the jaw and without them, over time, you will slowly lose bone and the jaws will become thin.
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Dentures will eventually need to be remade and replaced with new ones.
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After receiving new dentures, there may be discomfort at first. Make sure you call us if you have any pain. Dr. Dickinson will help adjust the dentures until they are comfortable.