If you have lost some or all of your teeth due to gum disease, decay or accidental impact, dentures can dramatically improve your smile. A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Our Belleville Dentists may suggest full dentures or partial dentures, depending on how many natural teeth you have lost and the condition of your existing teeth.
Types of Dentures
Partial dentures are utilized when one or more of your natural teeth remain. Partial dentures can be used in both your upper and lower jaw.Partial dentures benefit you by filling in the gaps caused by the missing teeth and by securing your existing teeth to reduce future movement.
A partial denture is removable and can be manufactured with a pink or gum colored plastic base to better blend with your own gum tissue. Partial dentures are connected by a metal framework or an internal attachment that secures the denture in place in your mouth. If you are missing a tooth or two and would like to make your smile whole again, let our Belleville Restoration Dentist provide the best dental solution to meet your health needs and your budget.
Complete (full) dentures become necessary due to the loss of numerous teeth on the upper or lower jaw. The loss can result from periodontal gum disease or tooth decay caused by genetics or a lack of personal dental care. Poor oral health can also be attributed to nicotine and drug addictions. Our Dentist assessment of your existing oral health will determine if any of your remaining teeth can be saved or if it will be necessary to surgically extract those teeth to prepare your gums for full dentures.
Adjusting to your New Teeth
At first, your new partial denture may feel unnatural and cumbersome; in time your mouth will become accustomed to wearing it. Removing and installing the apparatus will also take some time and practice. Do not force the partial denture into place as this can damage or bend the attachment clasp. Our Dentist may advise you to wear the partial denture continuously in order to identify any discomfort and necessary adjustments. Once the partial denture is properly adjusted and fitted, you will be able to remove the prosthetic while sleeping.
Your full dentures may initially feel uncomfortable until your gums, tongue, and cheek have become accustomed to the prosthetic and learned to keep them secure. Minor irritation can occur and saliva flow may increase when you first begin wearing your dentures, but these problems will diminish as your mouth becomes accustomed to your denture.
When you first receive your dentures it may be necessary to wear them continuously throughout the day to determine if any adjustments are required as indicated by discomfort or soreness. Once alterations are made, you should remove your dentures before going to bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. The denture can be placed back into your mouth in the morning.
Denture Care
As with your natural teeth, it is important to brush and maintain the condition of your Partial Denture or full Denture set. A regular soft-bristled toothbrush is advisable as hard bristles can damage the denture. Our dental team will recommend a safe, non-abrasive cleaner and provide directions for proper care of you partial denture.
Even with the vast array of restorative dental procedures available today, nothing can permanently replace your natural teeth. Family Dentistry of Belleville encourages everyone to maintain routine General Dentistry comprehensive exams and professional cleanings as they are vital to a healthy smile.