Tag: dentures

Partial Dentures

What Are Removable Partial Dentures?

Removable partial dentures are similar to a full set of dentures in many ways, but as the name implies, they are only a partial set of artificial teeth. Not everyone who needs dentures needs to have a full set, and partial dentures allow the patient to keep some or most of their healthy teeth. Below, we explain why someone may need partial removable dentures, and how to care for your set.

The Need For Partial Dentures

There are three main reasons why a person may need a partial set of removable dentures. Those three reasons are:

  • Natural tooth decay caused by factors like old age, poor oral hygiene, or wear and tear on the teeth.
  • Trauma to the teeth.
  • Oral cancer.

Regardless of your reason for needing partial dentures, the process begins by the doctor examining your teeth and removing any teeth that are going to be replaced. A mold is then created, and using this mold a set of dentures will be created. They’ll look a lot like a normal set of dentures you might see, with teeth and pink gums, but they may only have teeth in certain areas or on one side of the mold depending on what is being replaced.

The molds are designed so that they can attach to teeth that remain in the mouth so that they don’t move around when talking or eating. Some molds have clasps to attach to the teeth, while others use precision attachments for an even better fit. Your dentist can talk to you about your options and explain any cost differences between molds.

In the beginning, wearing a partial mold may feel a bit weird, but you’ll get used to it. Most patients will gladly trade the new sensation in order to regain a healthy looking smile or to hide the effects or trauma or cancer. Inserting and removing the implant will get easier as you get more practice, and make sure you are following your dentist’s instructions for how long you should wear them. If something is very uncomfortable or painful, bring this to the attention of your dentist so the mold can be adjusted. Do not try to alter your mold on your own.

Caring For Your Partial Dentures

You should be able to find a denture cleaner at the grocery store or pharmacy, but you can also ask your dentist for recommendations. Odds are they’ll recommend a specific brand or one with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Carefully clean your dentures over a soft surface or water-filled sink in case you drop the dentures, as this will help to prevent damage.

Don’t just assume that toothpaste is a good dentures cleaner, as they can sometimes be too harsh. Again, ask your dentist or follow the instructions on your cleaning kit. Some types of hand soaps may be delicate enough to clean your dentures, but most household cleaners are too abrasive, so again, use caution when picking out a denture cleaner. Only use soft-bristled brushes, and rinse the set off when cleaning is complete.

Finally, dentures can actually shift or change shape if they are not kept moist, so don’t just set them on the counter when sleeping or when they are not in use. Keep them in a soaking solution or water, whatever is recommended by your dentist.

Minnesota Dental Clinic

Partial dentures can help to restore your smile after cancer or trauma to the mouth damages teeth, but you need to make sure you are properly caring for your set. For more information on how to care for your set, or if you are interested in being evaluated for partial dentures, reach out to Dr. Brooks’ office today.

Types of Dentures

How to Care For Different Types Of Dentures

Dentures are removable sets of artificial teeth that can help replace missing teeth or help a person get their smile back. Dentures are more common as we get older after conditions like gum disease and tooth decay wear away our teeth. Aside from helping replace damaged teeth, dentures also benefit your oral health and can improve your speech. Below, we take a closer look at different types dentures, and how to care for your new teeth.

Types of Dentures

Here’s a little bit more about the different types of dentures available to you:

  • Conventional – As the name implies, this is the typical type of dentures that people have. It is a fully removable denture that is created and placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and your mouth has healed. This process can take a couple of months.
  • Immediate – An immediate denture is one that is installed on the same day that the remaining teeth have been removed. A preliminary appointment is required in order for your dentist to make a model of your teeth, and although you get your dentures the same day, you may have to have them adjusted after your jaw has healed.
  • Overdenture – An overdenture is a piece that is placed over any remaining teeth. The remaining teeth offer extra stability for the denture, but they have to be examined by a dentist to ensure they are healthy enough to remain in your mouth.

Caring For Your Dentures

Once your dentures have been fitted, it’s going to take a while to get used to them. Your mouth muscles will eventually get better at keeping them in place, and you may notice an increase in saliva flow for a little bit. To ensure everything is going as expected, you’ll have a couple follow up appointments with your dentist to check for proper fit and potential issues like pain and soreness.

If you have dentures, you have to practice good oral hygiene with your dentures but also with your gums. When your dentures are removed, make sure you brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth every morning before you insert your dentures, and again after you remove them for the night.

Once your set is removed, rinse them under water and brush them to remove any food or debris. Once they are clean, you’ll want to leave them submerged under water to prevent them from warping. If you use adhesives, follow the instructions on the package and look for products with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

Dentures

A Primer on Dentures

Dentures have been around for centuries but many patients still don’t know much about them. This article is all about dentures. We’ll explain what they are, why they’re used, and some tips to keep in mind when considering dentures.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are essentially fake teeth that are fitted to patients who have lost some or all of their teeth. There are a few different kinds of dentures:

  • Partial Dentures, which only cover a few missing teeth
  • Complete Dentures, which fill the entire mouth

Your dental professional will fit your dentures to your specific needs. Sometimes they can be attached to implants for stability, though that’s not always necessary.

Who Should Consider Dentures?

Anyone who is missing teeth may be a good candidate for dentures. It’s true that there are several alternatives to replacing lost teeth. The biggest benefit of dentures is that they are simple and affordable.

Once you’ve decided to proceed with dentures, the most important thing is to make sure your dentures fit right. Wearing dentures that don’t fit properly can cause a whole host of issues, from not being able to chew well, or negatively impacting the muscles surrounding your mouth. We work with each patient to make sure their dentures fit perfectly.

Bloomington Dental Office

If you are in need of dentures, reach out to Smiles for Life today for help. Finding the right dentist can be difficult. You want your dentist to have the right experience, skill, and personality. At Smiles for Life, we provide unparalleled dental care to each and every patients we treat. Dr. Tim Brooks has been practicing in Bloomington for many years and has built a strong reputation as an excellent dentist. Contact us today at one of our Minnesota dental offices to set up your appointment with Dr. Brooks and the care team at Smiles for Life.