Removable dentures have been used for decades to replace an entire mouth of missing teeth. In cases where some natural teeth still remain, an overdenture or partial denture, may be recommended to restore missing teeth. They are composed of fake teeth supported by an acrylic base that is fabricated to resemble natural gum tissue. Nowadays, dentures are highly aesthetic and have a natural appearance compared to dentures of the past. Additionally, they help to fill out your face and prevent facial muscles from sagging due to lost teeth.
Did You Know?
Not everyone who has dentures needs to use denture adhesive. In fact, well-fitting dentures rarely need denture adhesive and instead use suction to remain in place.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for dentures?
Candidates for dentures are individuals who have multiple missing teeth in need of replacement. Complete dentures work well to replace an entire mouth of missing teeth, while partial dentures are best suited for those who still have some remaining natural teeth. Both complete and partial dentures can also work well for people who are looking for a minimally invasive way to replace multiple missing teeth. To find out if dentures are right for you, schedule a consultation with your Saratoga dentist today.
How are dentures fitted at my Saratoga dental office?
At your Saratoga dental office, your dentist will fit you for dentures by taking a dental impression and/or oral scan of your mouth. This information will then be sent to a dental laboratory where your denture will be customized to fit perfectly in your mouth. In some cases, minor adjustments will need to be made to the permanent restoration in order to guarantee the best fit.
It is also important to note that before being fit for your dentures, any severely damaged or decayed teeth must be removed prior to having a dental impression taken. Depending on how long it takes to heal, this can add time to your overall treatment length.
What can I expect after having my dentures placed?
After having your dentures placed, you can expect the first few weeks to be an adjustment period as you learn how to live with your new dentures. Although this adjustment period can be frustrating at first, things will get better as you begin to adapt to your dentures. Many patients note that their dentures feel loose at first and may slip or rub. This is normal and eventually you will learn how to use your tongue and cheek muscles to stabilize your dentures. It is also likely that the rubbing can cause some gum irritation, however this will subside once your gums have toughened up. You may also notice difficulties with eating and speaking. To ease difficulties with eating, you should start with soft foods and gradually work up to harder foods. To ease difficulties with speaking, your dentist may recommend reading out loud for a few minutes everyday.
How do I care for my new dentures?
To keep your dentures in good condition, it is important to care for your dentures properly. Everyday your dentures will need to be thoroughly cleaned at least once a day and they should be washed after every meal. You will also need to preserve their shape so that they will continue to fit properly. To preserve your denture’s shape, you must never let them dry out. This means that when you take them out at night, they need to be stored in denture solution. Many dentists recommend removing dentures at night to give your gums a chance to rest and to preserve your dentures.
