Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth. They are custom-fitted to your mouth and can replace one or multiple missing teeth. Partial dentures are designed to replace missing teeth when there are still some natural teeth remaining. They fill in the gaps in your smile and restore function to your mouth. Full dentures are for patients who have lost all of their natural teeth.
Benefits of dentures
Dentures are one of the most common forms of tooth replacement. Dentures are crafted from natural-looking, durable materials, such as acrylic resin or porcelain. Dentures are designed to fit comfortably and securely in your mouth. They will not slip or fall out of your mouth, and they are a much more affordable tooth replacement option than dental implants.
Types of dentures
There are three types of dentures:
• Full dentures: Full dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaws. Once all of the natural teeth have been removed, and the gums have healed, the full dentures are placed. Full dentures are worn by slipping them over the patient’s gums. They can be held in place with natural suction or with adhesive.
• Partial dentures: Partial dentures are for patients who are only missing a few teeth. These dentures are designed to be held in place with clips or brackets. The denture teeth will be set into wax, and the patient will bite down on it, leaving a mold. The mold will be used as a template for the creation of the partial denture.
Dentures vs implants & bridges
While dentures and dental implants are both used to replace missing teeth, they accomplish their task in different ways. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to take the place of one tooth or several teeth in a row. The dental implant itself looks like a screw and is made of titanium, which is biocompatible, meaning it can safely be placed in the body. Implants are fixed restorations, whereas dentures are removable. Also, dentures do not require surgery to be placed.
While dentures and bridgework both restore the smile, they are very different. Dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, whereas bridgework replaces one tooth at a time. Dentures are removable and can be taken out by the patient for cleaning. Bridgework is cemented in place and cannot be removed by the patient.
Caring for dentures
Caring for your dentures is important. They require the same care as natural teeth. You should brush them daily and soak them regularly, as dentures should also be kept moist. This can be accomplished by either soaking them in a cleaning solution or using a denture sealer.
To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice by Dr. Lindbeck, call (760)-747-3988 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit Dentist in Escondido, CA at 661 E Grand Ave, Escondido 92025.