SpringLake Dental Cosmetic Dentistry

Dentures

Dentures in Woodland

A denture, or a complete denture, as it is often called, is an oral appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth, and provides support for the cheeks and lips. Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated in two different ways.

A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.
An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted, and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh-colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.

Dentures will wear over time and need to be replaced or relined to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to teeth extraction. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.

Benefits of Dentures

With a full set of teeth, dentures can restore your smile and enhance your appearance, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
Better Speech: Talking can be difficult with missing teeth, and lisping is often the result. Dentures make it easier to speak clearly.
With Dentures, chewing food becomes easier and more comfortable, as there are no gaps and a better bite force
Dentures restore most of your bite force, allowing you to enjoy your meals without worry.
Dentures provide a cost-effective way to restore your smile and oral health.
Non-Invasive: You can get a full set of dentures without having to undergo invasive surgery.
Supports Facial Features: Dentures help support the cheeks and preserve the appearance of your lips so that you do not look prematurely aged, which is common when you are missing multiple teeth.
Natural Looking: Today’s dentures are remarkably natural-looking and can be custom-matched to the natural color and shine of your natural teeth.

Caring for Your Dentures

Dentures perform well and give you a vibrant smile as long as you care for them properly, including good oral hygiene. Keep these tips in mind when caring for your dentures, and you’ll continue to enjoy them in good health:

Dentures should be brushed inside and outside daily with a soft, large nylon denture toothbrush with round-ended bristles.
Use denture creams instead of toothpaste, which are too abrasive and will scratch your denture. Rinse with cold water.
Dentures warp if placed in hot water.
Inspect your denture regularly for worn teeth.
Be sure to visit your dental professional regularly.
Have loose dentures checked immediately, as they can cause friction and pressure on the gum tissues and bones.
When not in use, cover dentures with water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out.

The Importance of Professional Denture Maintenance

Your dentures are an investment that requires care and attention to maintain optimum performance. The fit of your dentures will have a profound effect on your oral tissues and health. An annual examination by Dr. Singh will help ensure your dentures are functioning properly.

Medical and Dental History Update

Updating your medical and dental history with any significant changes is critical to maintaining your oral health and well-being. A variety of medical and dental conditions can alter the fit of dentures or cause issues such as gun sensitivity.

Annual Oral Exam

Annual examinations can assist in detecting oral abnormalities, including cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions that may be missed when wearing dentures. Early detection of these conditions is beneficial for treatment.

Tissue and Bone Assessment

Ill-fitting dentures may cause bone and tissue changes and need to be corrected for your oral health. Dr. Singh can assess and recommend solutions to suit your personal needs.

Comfort, Fit, and Integrity of Dentures

An ill-fitting denture can cause bite problems, speech impediments, and tissue irritations and should be corrected. Ignoring poorly fitted dentures can lead to complications or damage to your jawbone and other issues in the future. Dr. Singh assesses your dentures for cracks, chips, and broken or loose teeth and suggests repairs or solutions that will restore a comfortable fit.