Smile Confidently Again with Full and Partial Dentures
Missing teeth can cause a variety of problems, both physical and emotional. They can make it difficult to eat and speak properly and cause a lack of confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, our San Luis Obispo denturist, Dr. Carrie Ramirez, offers a range of solutions for missing teeth, including full and partial dentures. So, whether you’re missing a single tooth or several, read on to learn more about how our dentists can help you restore your smile.
What Are Full and Partial Dentures?
Full and partial dentures are removable dental prostheses used to replace missing teeth. Full dentures are designed to replace all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw and are held in place by suction. Partial dentures are used when only a few teeth are missing and are held in place by clasps that attach to nearby natural teeth.
Dentures are typically made from acrylic or porcelain and are custom-made to fit the unique contours of a person’s mouth. The base of the denture is made of a special material designed to fit comfortably over your gums. With proper care and maintenance, dentures can provide a durable and functional solution for missing teeth.
Benefits of Full and Partial Dentures
Dentures continue to endure as a smile restoration solution due to the number of benefits they offer patients who suffer from tooth loss. Some of the notable benefits of full and partial dentures include the following:
- Improved Appearance: Dentures can fill in gaps left by missing teeth, giving you a fuller and more youthful appearance. This can improve your self-esteem and confidence.
- Better Speech: Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly, but dentures can help you enunciate words more clearly and effectively.
- Enhanced Comfort: Dentures can be customized to fit your mouth comfortably, reducing irritation and discomfort often associated with missing teeth.
- Improved Chewing Ability: With dentures, you can enjoy a wide range of foods that may have been difficult to eat before. This can improve your overall nutrition and well-being.
- Affordable Option: Dentures are a cost-effective solution for missing teeth when compared to other options like dental implants.
- Long-Lasting: With proper care and maintenance, dentures can last for years, making them a wise investment in your oral health and overall well-being.
The Different Types of Full and Partial Dentures
There are different types of full and partial dentures available, including:
Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures are the most common type of dentures used when teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing. They’re worn once the jaw has stopped changing due to tooth loss. These dentures are made after the remaining teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed.
The process of getting conventional dentures may take several appointments with a dentist, including taking impressions of the mouth and testing multiple fittings before the final denture is created.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are restorations placed in the mouth immediately after the removal of the remaining natural teeth. They’re typically made in advance and inserted into the mouth on the same day as the tooth extraction procedure. Immediate dentures are meant to be temporary and designed to help the patient transition to a new set of dentures.
Because the gums and bone will shrink and change shape as they heal after tooth extraction, immediate dentures may require adjustments or relining to ensure a proper fit. Once the healing process is complete, the immediate dentures may be replaced with a conventional set of full dentures.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are held in place by dental implants, which are surgically placed into the jawbone. This type of denture is the most stable and secure option, as the implants provide a strong foundation for the denture.
The Full and Partial Dentures Process
The process of getting your full or partial dentures takes place over a few appointments at our San Luis Obispo dental office. The process typically includes:
Initial Consultation
First, you’ll undergo an initial consultation. One of our San Luis Obispo dentists will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your consultation is also a good time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have.
Making Impressions and Models
Once you’ve been approved for a set of full or partial dentures, our dentists will take impressions of your mouth to create models of your teeth and gums. These models will be used to create your custom dentures.
Fitting and Adjusting the Dentures
Once your dentures are ready, our dentists will fit them to your mouth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Note that the process will involve different steps if you opt for implant-supported dentures.
Caring for Full or Partial Dentures
Caring for your dentures is essential to ensure they last as long as possible and continue to look and function their best. Here are a few tips on how to care for your dentures:
- Clean Your Dentures Daily – Use a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner to clean your dentures every day.
- Soak Your Dentures Overnight – Soaking your dentures overnight in a special cleaning solution can help remove any stains or bacteria.
- Brush Your Gums and Tongue – Brushing your gums and tongue every day can help keep your mouth healthy and prevent infections.
- Avoid Hot or Boiling Water – Hot water can warp or damage your dentures, so be sure to only use lukewarm water when cleaning them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dentures can last for several years with proper care and maintenance. However, the exact lifespan of your dentures can depend on various factors, such as the quality of materials used, your oral hygiene habits, and any changes in your jaw structure. Generally, dentists recommend replacing dentures every five to 10 years to ensure optimal fit and function.
Yes, modern dentures are designed to closely resemble natural teeth, allowing most people to eat and speak normally after a brief adjustment period. At first, you may experience some discomfort or difficulty while eating certain foods or speaking certain sounds, but this should improve as your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures. Additionally, your dentist may provide some tips and guidance to help you adjust to your new dentures.
It can take a few weeks to get used to wearing dentures as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. During this time, you may experience some soreness, irritation, or difficulty speaking or eating. However, with regular wear and practice, most people adjust fairly quickly to their new dentures. Your dentist may also recommend using a denture adhesive or other techniques to help improve the fit and comfort of your dentures.
While it’s possible to sleep with your dentures in, it’s generally not recommended. Wearing dentures for extended periods can increase your risk of developing oral health issues, such as gum disease or infections.
Additionally, leaving your dentures in overnight can contribute to bad breath or other unpleasant odors. Therefore, it is important to follow your dentist’s recommendations for wearing and caring for your dentures, including removing them at night to give your mouth a chance to rest and recover.
Call Your San Luis Obispo Dentists for Comfortable Denture Solutions!
Full and partial dentures can be life-changing for individuals who have missing teeth or need tooth extractions. They can improve your appearance, boost your confidence, and help you enjoy your favorite foods again.
Call our San Luis Obispo dental office by dialing (805) 549-8483 to learn more about full and partial dentures. You can also request an appointment by clicking the button, and we’ll get back to you shortly. We’re here to offer denture solutions to patients from San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas such as Santa Margarita, Arroyo Grande, and Pismo Beach, CA.
