Start Smiling Again with Our Dentures in Greenwood
Our natural teeth are designed to last a lifetime, but sometimes, that may not be the case. Thankfully, dental professionals offer various options to restore both oral function and appearance. With significant advancements in polymer science, modern dentures are made from high-quality, durable plastic, providing enhanced strength, comfort, and a natural appearance. This is a new era of dentures – a far cry from those of previous generations!
Understanding Denture Basics
There is a wide array of dentures available for individuals missing some or all of their teeth. Complete dentures replace all teeth on the upper and/or lower jaw, resting on the gums that cover the jawbone. The stability of these dentures can be enhanced when attached to tooth roots (overdentures) or dental implants (implant overdentures). Some implant overdentures can be removed by the wearer, while others can only be removed by a dental professional.
Partial dentures replace a portion of the teeth and connect to the remaining natural teeth using clasps or mechanical components known as attachments (precision and semi-precision partial dentures). Your dentist or prosthodontist, a specialist in restoring and replacing teeth, will help you determine the best denture type and treatment plan for your needs.
Denture Types Explained
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Conventional dentures: Replace all missing teeth in a jaw and rest on the gum tissue.
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Conventional overdentures: Replace all missing teeth, rest on the gum tissue, and attach to one or more tooth roots.
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Implant overdentures: Replace all missing teeth in a jaw and connect to surgically placed dental implants.
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Conventional partial dentures: Replace some missing teeth and are secured with clasps that wrap around adjacent teeth.
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Precision and semi-precision partial dentures: Replace some missing teeth and are held in place with mechanical components called attachments.
The Denture Process
The treatments required before denture placement and their duration will depend on a person's overall oral health, the number and location of missing teeth, and the chosen denture type. These treatments may include:
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Impressions or molds of the mouth contour for denture creation.
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Extractions to remove any unhealthy teeth.
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Implant surgery for those receiving implant overdentures.
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Adjustments for optimal fit and comfort after denture placement.
Individuals requiring extractions or implant surgery will need to wait several weeks for the mouth to heal before denture placement. For some, a temporary or "immediate" denture can be inserted on the same day as extractions and worn until the permanent denture is ready.
Adapting to Your Dentures
Adjusting to dentures takes time, but once acclimated, you'll be able to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. Expect the following when complete dentures are first placed:
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A temporary feeling of fullness in the mouth, face, lips, and/or cheeks, which subsides quickly.
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Minor, temporary changes in speech, more noticeable to you than others.
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Tip: Speak slowly and enunciate clearly to help your tongue and facial muscles adapt.
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Altered chewing patterns as you adjust to the jaw movements required for dentures, taking several weeks.
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Tip: Start with small, soft food pieces, gradually increasing firmness, and chew simultaneously on both sides of the mouth with only your back teeth. A small amount of denture adhesive may help stabilize your dentures.
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