Dentistry is all about smiles. Having a confident, healthy, beautiful smile is important even for patients wearing dentures. All of our patients are unique and we create one-of-a-kind dentures that feel good and look natural. Our practice provides personalized denture services that meet the needs and comfort levels of our patients.
What are dentures?
Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. There are two types of dentures: full and partial.
- Full dentures are given to patients when all of the natural teeth have been removed. Conventional full dentures are placed after the gum tissue has healed, which can take several months. Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after the teeth have been removed and may require frequent adjustments during the first couple of months of use.
- Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges.
How do I know if dentures are the right choice for me?
Dentures are not for everyone. If you’re interested in learning more about dentures and want to know if they are the right choice for you, please schedule an appointment. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and can determine the best course of treatment for you.
- When handling dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. If you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break.
- Dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up. It is important to brush your dentures every day as you would natural teeth. Gently brush the surfaces of the dentures using a soft-bristled brush, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. Between brushings, it is important to rinse your dentures after each meal.
- Use a gentle cleanser such as a mild hand or dish soap to clean your dentures. Many toothpastes, household cleaners, and mouthwashes can be too hard on dentures. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for dentures or ask our dentist about which products may be best for you.
- When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape, or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require certain soaking solutions, so be sure to ask our dentist which solution is best for your denture.
- Even if you have a full set of dentures, it is still important to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue every day. Also, remember to continue regular dental checkups every six months to make sure that your gums and mouth stay healthy for many years to come.
If your dentures happen to break, please contact our office and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Broken dentures that do not fit properly can cause irritation to your gums and mouth.