Got missing teeth and looking for an affordable replacement? Our highly skilled Buford Dentist has been providing quality affordable Dentures with customized fit for many years? Dentures make it easier to chew, eat and speak normally. They also keep any existing teeth you have from drifting out of position, which prevents a range of dental problems. Facial muscles can sag when you lose all your teeth which makes you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and restore your smile giving you the confidence to show off your pearly whites without feeling self-conscious about missing teeth. With proper care, your dentures can last for years.
Types of Dentures
Complete Dentures – are used when all the teeth are missing and can be either “conventional” or “immediate.”
- Conventional Dentures – Made after the remaining teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal. They are ready for placement in the mouth about 2 to 3 months after the teeth have been removed.
- Immediate Dentures – Are made in advance and are ready to wear as soon as the teeth are removed so that you do not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, the disadvantage is you’ll need more adjustments or realignment since bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Usually these are considered as a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.
Partial Dentures – are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw and can be either removable or fixed.
- A removable partial dentures or dental bridge consists of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. Removable partials are linked by a metal framework that helps keep them in place.
- A fixed partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth by placing a dental crown on each tooth surrounding the space and attaching replacement teeth to the crowns. This bridge is then cemented into place.
How To Care For Your Dentures
Even if you wear full dentures, you still have to practice good dental hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.
Like your teeth, your dentures should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque. Brushing also can help keep the teeth from staining:
- Rinse your dentures before brushing to remove any loose food or debris.
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser to gently brush all the surfaces of the dentures so they don’t get scratched.
- When brushing, clean your mouth thoroughly—including your gums, cheeks, roof of your mouth and tongue to remove any plaque. This can help reduce the risk of oral irritation and bad breath.
- When you’re not wearing your dentures, put them in a safe place covered in water to keep them from warping.
- Occasionally, denture wearers may use adhesives. Adhesives come in many forms: creams, powders, pads/wafers, strips or liquids. If you use one of these products, read the instructions, and use them exactly as directed. Your dentist can recommend appropriate cleansers and adhesives; look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Products with the ADA Seal have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
Dentures FAQs
Will new dentures feel uncomfortable? Dentures may feel awkward or loose for the first few weeks until your mouth learns to keep them in place. You may encounter some minor irritation, soreness and increase in saliva flow when you first start wearing dentures. But these things usually get better as your mouth gets used to the dentures. Follow-up appointments at our Buford Dental Office are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to call us and consult with our Buford Dentist.
Will they affect how I speak? You may find difficult to pronounce some words, so practice saying those words out loud for awhile. If your dentures click while you’re speaking, contact our Dental Office.
Are There Alternatives to Dentures? Dental implant is a better alternative, and it closely resemble the feel of real teeth. However the cost is usually greater, and not everyone is a candidate for implants. Schedule a FREE consultation with our Buford Dentist to discuss if Dental Implant is right for you.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Dentures? Most dental insurance providers cover some or all of the cost of dentures. As a courtesy to you, we will contact your insurance company to get the specifics of your coverage and give you a written estimate showing what your insurance will pay and your out of pocket cost if any.
Will I Look Different Wearing Dentures? Dentures are designed to resemble your natural teeth. You will be able to speak, chew and look just like someone with natural teeth. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile and fill out your facial appearance.