Dentures & Partials
Dentist Ann Arbor
 Replacing missing or lost teeth is not only good for your appearance but also your health. Complete or partial dentures replace your real teeth and provide support for the lips and cheeks. Without the support from dentures, facial muscles could begin sagging, often making you look older than you really are. You may also find it difficult to speak and eat as required. Our team at Greashaber Dentistry recommends dentures because they can be fabricated to closely match the shade and color of your real teeth, therefore, your appearance does not change.
Overview of Dentures and Partials
A denture provides a solution for the replacement of missing teeth. You may lose teeth from infection, decay, accident, or gum disease. There are often two kinds of dentures you can get from a dental office. There are the complete or full dentures and then the partial dentures. You wear full dentures if you have the whole arch of teeth missing. Partial dentures are an option if you have some natural teeth left in the mouth. Dentures are constructed of acrylic, a form of plastic, or metal.
Types of Dentures: Complete and Partial
Full Dentures
A full denture is a restoration that replaces all the real teeth within the lower or upper jaw. Complete dentures may be traditional or immediate. A traditional denture is placed after the gum tissue heals. If you had your teeth extracted, it may take about eight to 12 weeks before you can get your traditional dentures. Full dentures are supported by suction and can be removed. Although they may bring soreness in the tissues, you will get accustomed to them after some time.
Unlike traditional dentures, when it comes to immediate dentures, are pre-formed and can be fitted the minute you have had your teeth extracted. Immediate dentures ensure that you do not stay without teeth when recovering from teeth extractions. Since the gums and bone tend to shrink over time, particularly within the first six months following the removal of your teeth, you may want to get the restorations for relining, adjustments, or even replacement. Our team is able to talk about this issue when you are receiving the immediate dentures and during the visits you make to have the dentures checked.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is fitted to fill the spaces that are left when you miss or lose teeth. Partial dentures can be secured to the natural teeth using metal clasps. Our dentist may also use precision attachments to attach the partial dentures in the mouth.
Partial dentures are a good choice if you have one or several natural teeth still present in the mouth. They not only fill the gap left by the lost teeth but also prevent your other natural teeth from shifting their position. A precision partial denture comprises internal attachments in place of clasps. Therefore, they tend to be a little more concealed.
The Benefits of Choosing Dentures
Gaps in the teeth can result in food and bacteria forming in the empty spaces. Dentures and partial dentures fill in the gaps, which helps prevent tooth and gum decay. Along with helping you speak and eat better, dentures also help prevent the caving in of cheeks and lips, that often occurs when there is significant tooth loss.
How Dentures and Partials Are Made
Dentures are dental solutions to fix lost teeth, and they can either be complete or partial. Whichever you get, they will be custom-made by your dentist so that they can match your other teeth and fit properly. They are normally used on the bottom or the upper jaw, and they always cover the gums, making them appear very natural. Most of them are usually made from resin material and can last for a long time if well taken care of.
Complete dentures are the most common types of dentures available in a dental office. Partial dentures are better alternatives when other teeth replacement methods are not suitable. They cover half of the mouth and support the rest of the teeth if they are not strong enough. They fasten to the teeth available in your mouth to prevent them from shifting or loosening. On the other hand, full dentures cover the entire mouth. They are always fitted if you have no remaining teeth in your upper or lower jaw or both sides of your jaw. To have them, your dentist can consider removing the few left teeth to have them fit properly. The good news is that they are always custom-made to fit properly and will not easily shift or move if placed well.
The Process: Getting Your Dentures Fitted
Having partials created usually requires four of five visits. First, our professionals will take x-rays to examine your teeth, jaws, and tissue. Then, they will create impressions from which to make the dentures. A second appointment is often required to reshape the teeth (the reshaping is often minor). Our professionals will test your new dentures' shape and fit (adjustments will likely be necessary). The fourth appointment is when the newly-adjusted dentures are fitted and worn. Often, our professionals will want you to come back in a few days to report any soreness.
Getting Used to Your Dentures
Initially, your dentures will feel odd in your mouth. They might seem bulky or strangely-placed at first, and it will take time for your tongue to grow accustomed to them. You will probably need to practice speaking for a couple of weeks to regain your normal speech patterns. Also, your mouth will likely produce more saliva in the beginning. Over time, your brain will recognize the dentures as a permanent part of your mouth and produce less saliva. Finally, eating will probably feel uncomfortable during the first week. Start with soft foods to reduce soreness.
How Long to Wear Dentures
Our team advises that you have your dentures in the mouth throughout the day, apart from when sleeping. This is especially so during the first week. Although the dentures may feel awkward in the mouth at first, do not worry, you should get comfortable with them after a few days.
You should never sleep with the appliance in your mouth at night, but letting it dry out is not good either. Allowing it to dry can cause its shape to change, meaning they will no longer fit properly, and you may have to have them reshaped or even remade. When you take them out at night, always put the plate directly into the specialized cup you received with the appliance.
Visit us to discuss your tooth replacement options. Call us at (734) 662-1113 to set up a consultation. |
