Modern Solutions for Natural-Looking Smiles
At Newport Smiles, we can provide you with complete or partial dentures, depending on your needs. Dentures are removable prostheses that replace one or more teeth, or even a full set of teeth. They offer many health benefits on top of restoring correct function and a nice smile. They can be a cost-efficient dental repair and/or replacement option. Your dentist will help you determine what type of denture is appropriate for you, as well as when you should get it.
It is generally recommended that if you lose one or more teeth, you should get it replaced as soon as possible to prevent future issues with your jawbone. Dentures are especially practical when most of your teeth need replacements. Starting to wear dentures is a normal scenario for seniors due to dental decays that come with age.
Dentures are covered by various insurance plans, but our team always recommends that you check with your insurance company before undergoing any dental treatment. We are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have about dentures and/or other dental treatments we offer. Our goal is to ensure our patients’ comfort and satisfaction.
Types of Dentures
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are also known as full dentures. They are useful when most or all your teeth need to be replaced. The full denture can either be flexible or implant-supported, although implants are more expensive. If it is deemed necessary, your dentist will remove any other teeth so the full denture can be fitted and used. This removable prosthesis functions like a full set of teeth. All of our full dentures are made to be comfortable. Complete dentures help to minimize oral bone loss and dietary restrictions.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are removable prostheses used in place of a few missing teeth. The goal is to replace and protect the remaining teeth from moving since there are gaps. For upper front teeth or bottom teeth, partial dentures generally work best and allow for a natural-looking smile.
Common denture materials include a gum-colored acrylic base, and the artificial teeth color matches the natural ones. A metallic clasp may be needed to make sure your dentures are secured to the nearby teeth. When not worn, acrylic dentures must be stored in water to avoid drying up. A new material used for dentures is nylon, which is very close to natural gum in both texture and appearance.
What Is the Process for Getting Dentures?
When deciding to get dentures comfort is an important factor, especially because you will wear yours every day and for many hours. Since they don’t require surgical procedures compared to implants dentures are a less invasive option.
The process of getting a denture begins with an examination where our dentist will perform an x-ray to check for a bite or other dental issues. We do this to ensure you are a good candidate for wearing a denture. If you are good to go, we will work together to choose the color and size of the denture. Our dentist will then make impressions of your teeth and send them to the laboratory to get the denture created.
We will use try-in dentures for fitting, to ensure that your smile and your bite are fine. If there’s anything that needs to be fixed, then adjustments can still be made. Once completed, the final denture is sent to your dentist which is then fitted to you during your next appointment.
Wearing Dentures
The common way that dentures fit inside the mouth is through suction between the wet gum and the denture’s inner surface. Dentures can also fit using metallic clasps or snaps, which may be supported by the nearby teeth. When the dentures do not fit anymore or become loose, an adhesive may be placed as a temporary fix until a new set is ready.
Dentures are designed to be well-fitting and comfortable. If they cause pain and/or become loose, you should see your dentist for an evaluation and potential adjustments. This is why it is important to get your dentures regularly checked by a professional.
Although dentures allow you to eat normally again, you may still need to be careful with certain types of food. Our dentist will talk with you about recommendations specific to your type of dentures and situation.
If you are thinking about getting dentures, call us today at (949) 353-5622 to schedule an appointment.
Denture Care
Taking proper care of your denture will help it remain comfortable and last longer. While you need to visit your dentist regularly for overall oral health, the way you care for your dentures daily is vital.
Here are some of the best practices for denture care:
- After eating, clean and rinse your dentures to remove any existing food particles.
- Handle your denture carefully: when you clean it, make sure to put it somewhere safe.
- After eating, clean your whole mouth before placing your denture again. This helps to avoid infections.
- Brush your denture at least once a day to keep it clean.
- At night, make sure to soak your denture in water or an appropriate solution to keep it moist and wet.
- After soaking your dentures at night, rinse them before wearing them again in the morning
Regular dental check-ups will help you know when your denture requires repairs, or even replacement. If anything feels out of the ordinary or you notice a change in your denture or its fit, contacting your dentist is always a good thing.