Dentures – Partial, & Custom
Fort Worth, TX
Tooth loss is quite common, and most people have lost at least one of their permanent, adult teeth, which can lead to some serious issues. For instance, smiles can be less confident, and chewing and eating specific types of foods can become more challenging. Losing teeth affects speech, too. If you are among the millions of Americans who have lost one or more of your teeth, and you are looking for a solution to your teeth loss, we here at HomeTown Dental, Fort Worth (Sycamore) have compiled this article that outlines dentures to help you understand them better.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures could either be complete dentures or partial dentures. They are a type of removable device, built for replacing missing teeth. These prostheses are custom-made for patients to provide them with both the cosmetic appearance and the functions that were lost. They are made to replace either a few missing teeth or replace your entire missing dental arch. When people lose teeth, their facial muscles could start to droop over time. Dentures help to prevent that, as they fill out your facial profile and help you speak and eat as you normally would.
Complete Dentures
Designed from a colored plastic base, complete dentures can be conventional or immediate. With conventional complete denture, all the teeth are removed from the mouth of a patient and the gingival tissues are left to heal. A patient will not have any teeth in their mouth during the healing period, which may take a number of months. When the mouth is healed, the denture is then prepared.
Conversely, an immediate complete denture is placed right after the teeth have been removed. This way, a patient has the false teeth in his or her mouth while the healing takes place. This means that the dentures will have to be realigned after healing, as the bone reshapes during healing, which can cause the denture to not fit as securely.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a good option for patients that still possess some natural teeth in good condition. They are made from either a plastic base or a metal framework to hold the teeth needed for replacement. Partial dentures are held in place with clasps (which are gently fixed around the natural teeth), or crowns (that can be built in to serve as anchors). Partial dentures are made to be easily removable for when patients are asleep or for easy cleaning.
Getting Used To Dentures
For the first few weeks, new dentures may definitely feel a bit odd as your mouth adjusts to getting comfortable with them. With a little practice, you should be able to confidently speak and eat with your dentures. There might be excess flow of saliva or minor irritation, which should go away quickly.
Taking Care Of Your Dentures
You should always handle your dentures with care, never letting them dry out. With a soft toothbrush, clean them to eliminate plaque. You can soak them in denture cleansing liquid overnight. Also, you should rinse your mouth daily when the denture is not in it to help reduce the risk of infections. If you would like to learn more about dentures, please contact us here at HomeTown Dental, Fort Worth (Sycamore) today at (817) 224-2251 for more information.