Dentures, the removable dental appliance that replaces missing teeth, are of two types - full and partial. Full dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when there are still some natural teeth remaining. Dentures are custom-fabricated to fit in your mouth comfortably. The appliance can be held in place by dental implants or adhesives.
A partial denture is a removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth where there are still a good number of natural teeth remaining. It can consist of one or more dental prosthetic teeth attached to a gum-colored base. It fills the gap in your smile and prevents other teeth from shifting out of place as you chew and speak.
Procedure for Dentures and Partial Dentures
Impressions are an important part of fabricating dentures. Impressions are taken of the jaw to determine the shape of your teeth and your bite alignment. The impressions are sent to a lab where your dentures will be fabricated.
At-home impression kits are a good option for patients but often require multiple tries. Our dentists are experts at taking impressions. We can take impressions of your jaw in just a few minutes and with a high level of accuracy.
Once our dentist has taken impressions of your mouth, you will have another appointment to review the results. Your dentist will make adjustments as necessary, and once you are satisfied with the appearance, your dentures will be fabricated by a dental laboratory.
How to Care for Your Dentures and Partial Dentures
When you receive your dentures or partial dentures, they will feel bulky. Over time, they will adjust. After a few weeks, you’ll start to get used to them. But, when you first start wearing dentures, you’ll need to take special care of them.
Here’s what you should do:
- Get them fitted. Your dentures and partial dentures should be custom-fitted to your bite. Your dentist will take measurements and impressions of your bite and then work with you to create dentures that fit well.
- Don’t sleep with them on. It’s not safe to sleep with dentures on. They can cause sores in your mouth and damage your jaw.
- Clean them regularly. Clean your dentures every day after using them. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleanser. Start by rinsing your dentures with water to remove food debris. Then, brush them gently.
- Store them the right way. When you remove your dentures, keep them moist by soaking them in denture solution or water. Your dentures should be stored away from children and pets.
Phoenix Family Dentistry, located in Phoenix, AZ, has the best dentists and is equipped with modern technologies that enable the best dental care services for our patients. To know more about dentures and partial dentures, call us at (602) 755-6684 and schedule an appointment with our dentist.