Tooth loss can be physically and emotionally devastating. Whatever the cause, your teeth are an important part of you, and losing them can be as depressing and stressful as losing any other body part.
While implants have become the leading tooth replacement option, you may feel that implants are too costly or find that you lack enough bone in the jaw to successfully place them. Yet not replacing your lost teeth can lead to future problems with your oral health and physical appearance.
We focus on proactive oral health as well as corrective treatments at Creedmoor Family Dentistry, and Dr. Matthew Willis will work with you to find a fitting replacement for missing teeth.
One replacement option is dentures. Dentures are removable replacement teeth that come in complete and partial sets. Complete sets – with upper and lower plates – are used when all the natural teeth have been removed. Partial dentures, which are replacement teeth set into attachable plastic or metal frames, are used to fill the gaps between remaining natural teeth. In each case, complete and partial dentures are an option that will help to give back what you’ve lost in day-to-day dental functions. Why Dentures?
Gum disease, injury to the mouth, and tooth decay can lead to the extraction of some or all of your natural teeth. Without your teeth, you may have difficulty chewing or speaking. Even if only some teeth have been removed, the surrounding teeth will shift to take up room, which may compromise esthetics and function. Your facial muscles can sag, causing you to look older and changing the shape of your profile.
If you have dentures and would like to talk to Dr. Willis about replacing or repairing them, contact us at Creedmoor Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Your dentures should be professionally repaired if they become chipped or broken. We recommend not trying to repair them yourself. Pros and Cons of Complete and Partial DenturesWhen it comes to having dentures, there are several benefits:
Dentures can make it easier to eat and to speak clearly.
Dentures can improve your smile.
Dentures support your facial muscles, helping you to look younger.
Modern denture technology has led to more comfortable, natural-looking dentures than those made with earlier technologies and materials in the past.
Dentures are a good choice if your gums and jaw are unable to support implants.
However, there are also several issues to consider with regard to dentures:
Dentures take time to create and properly fit. You’ll need to meet with Dr. Willis several times to make certain your dentures fit well.
You’ll need to adjust to wearing dentures. At first, they can cause some discomfort, which can range from from sore gums to excess saliva. Talking and eating will be different as well, as you’ll need to practice pronouncing some sounds and dentures lack sensitivity to temperature or the hardness of some foods.
Dentures can slip – especially the lower dentures. Ask Dr. Willis about how to lessen your dentures’ mobility.
Dentures are fragile, so you will have to take care in inserting them, cleaning them, and storing them at night.
Dentures need to be adjusted and will eventually need to be replaced. And if not fitted properly, partial dentures can promote infection and decay in adjoining teeth.
You may find that using adhesives will help to keep your dentures stable in your mouth. Adhesives can also aid your denture retention if you have dry mouth conditions or need to be especially active with regards to your mouth muscles (public speakers, musicians, etc.). But if you find yourself using adhesive to “fix” poorly fitting dentures, or if your dentures haven’t been evaluated for a long time, you should make an appointment to see Dr. Willis for an examination of your dentures. Dentures that don’t fit can cause sores to develop in your mouth or on your gums, and gum tissue shrinks over time, causing dentures to slip even more. And if you have an allergy to an adhesive’s ingredients, you should definitely stop using it. If you have questions about the advantages and risks of wearing complete or partial dentures, call us at Creedmoor Family Dentistry and consult with Dr. Willis. Together we can create dentures for you that are a comfortable, natural-looking fit.
Cleaning & Care of Dentures Dentures should be cleaned every day with a denture cleaner and a special brush, although a soft toothbrush will work just as well. If you have a partial denture, take it out to clean it before you brush your natural teeth. This will help to keep down the buildup of denture plaque and keep your gums healthy. Not cleaning your dentures can lead to a bad odor and stains on the dentures, which will need to be brought to Dr. Willis for a dental cleaning. You should always take your dentures out at night, as this will help your gums to rest and be stimulated and cleaned normally by your tongue and saliva. Soak your dentures in cool water – not hot water, which will cause them to warp – and a denture cleanser overnight.
If your dentures do develop stains, call for an appointment at Creedmoor Family Dentistry for a dental cleaning. You should never soak your dentures in bleach or any other sort of solution without getting permission from Dr. Willis first, as chemicals can damage them. We use an ultrasonic cleaner to remove stubborn stains from your dentures to keep them from becoming pitted or cracked.