The Allen Dental Center team proudly provides dentures as a restorative service for missing or failing teeth. Dentures are used to replace missing teeth with an easy-to-use oral appliance, improving facial structure and appearance. They are most commonly used with elderly patients but are an excellent option for any age. Losing all or most of your teeth can be intimidating, but we are sure these services will give you the same confidence as your natural smile. Once dentures are correctly fitted and placed, a patient’s smile will look as good as new!
Some patients are concerned that new dentures will make speaking and eating more difficult. At first, there may be some words that are difficult to pronounce. The best way to overcome this is by practicing saying those words out loud. When it comes to eating, it may also take some practice. We recommend beginning with soft, cut-up foods. The longer you wear your dentures, the easier it will become to eat with them. Before you know it, you will be chewing like you always have!
Your dentures will be made to resemble your natural teeth as accurately as possible. Depending on previous issues you may have been having, they will improve and fill out your smile. Your mouth may take a few weeks to get used to your replacement teeth. This is normal! The muscles in your cheeks and tongue will not be used to the appliance at first but will become comfortable the more often you do it. In addition to this, saliva flow may increase. This will also diminish over time as your mouth adjusts.
Types of Dentures: what to know
There are two different types: complete and partial. We can provide both options. How do you decide which is better?
- Complete dentures are for patients who are missing all of their teeth on either the top jaw, bottom jaw, or both. This treatment comes in two forms: conventional and immediate. If you decide on the conventional option, they will be made after removing your failing teeth. Before they are placed, the surrounding gum tissue will need to heal.
- If you want a quicker turnaround, the immediate option will be best. They are made in advance and can be placed in your mouth to give you your dream smile as soon as any problem teeth are removed. The only drawback to immediate over conventional is your gums and bones can shrink during the healing period, which may mean that you have to come in to adjust your dentures. Because of this, we see the immediate option as temporary.
- A removable partial denture is also known as a bridge. It consists of your new teeth attached to a base. Partials are the best option if one or multiple natural teeth remain in your jaw. A partial will prevent your natural teeth from changing position.
Caring for Dentures
Caring for your dentures is easy. Brushing and rinsing them daily is necessary, but avoid using toothpaste. Over time, toothpaste can scratch them up and create areas where it is more likely for plaque to build up. Brushing will also aid in preventing permanent stains and removing food. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush will be beneficial in preventing wear on your dentures. There are specific cleaning solutions for denture care that are important to use; make sure to use one with the American Dental Association seal of approval. When you are not wearing them, soaking your dentures in a cleanser will ensure they will not lose shape.
Schedule A Dental Appointment
Allen Dental Center is proud to provide solutions for missing and failing teeth. No matter the reason, we would be delighted to talk to you about how dentures can help! If you have any questions, contact us at (972) 727-3941.