You have probably heard about partial and full dentures as treatments for tooth loss. If you are now facing this problem and want to do something about your smile, these are great solutions. Living with missing teeth can make things difficult for eating, but it can also affect your self-esteem. Dentures and partial dentures are practical solutions to restore mouth function and help patients enjoy smiling once again.
Dentures and partial dentures are available at Smiles by Dr. Canada in Houston and the surrounding area. Our staff can evaluate your condition and determine which option is the right fit for you. Whether you are missing a few teeth, several teeth, or all your teeth, dentures may provide the relief you have been anticipating. Because our professionals have the necessary knowledge and training, you can feel at ease knowing we can set you on the path to a beautiful smile.
Call our office today at (281) 826-5180 so you can make an appointment.
While there are other options available, there are several reasons that so many people turn to dentures:
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As discussed in an article by the Oral Health Foundation, there are key differences between full and partial dentures. Partial dentures are ideal for patients who have lost multiple teeth but still have healthy natural teeth remaining. This option may also be a wise one for a patient who has several decaying teeth that need to be extracted to prevent the spread of infection and other dental problems. This procedure may also be the right option for patients who are concerned about the cost. Although prices can vary depending on insurance, partial dentures can be an affordable tooth replacement option. Patients worried about pain from a dental procedure may feel eased, knowing that the process is often less invasive than other replacement options.
Our team will first discuss the benefits and challenges of wearing both dentures and partial dentures. When the patient is ready to begin the procedure for dentures, X-rays and impressions of the person's mouth will need to be made. There will also be a review of the patient's health history, including current medications and recent surgeries. The impressions will go to a lab where a technician makes the full dentures.
The patient will get the apparatus at the following appointment. During this appointment, the doctor will remove any remaining teeth that need to come out, though this can also be done at a prior date. The dental professional will test the dentures to make sure everything fits properly, and the patient feels comfortable with the dentures in the mouth. The dentist may need to make additional adjustments. Be aware, some kinds of dentures can be ready for fitting right after removing teeth, while others require a patient's gums to be completely healed.
Everyone should be able to enjoy a comfortable use of their mouth and a bright smile. Going through life without teeth may cause unnecessary hardships. Missing teeth can complicate regular activities such as eating, speaking, and even socializing. Fortunately, dentures can solve this concern. If a patient has lost all teeth, or if a dental professional has pulled them all, the person should consider full dentures. At Smiles by Dr. Canada, we can customize the right set of dentures to fit in the person's mouth and provide a natural-looking solution.
The process of getting partial dentures is similar, though the apparatus itself has some differences. Partial dentures are connected by a metal framework to secure them in the person's mouth. The dentist will use a fixed bridge to connect the partial dentures to any remaining natural teeth. This type of denture is also removable.
The patient will make two or three appointments to complete this process. Our team will make sure everything fits well and that the patient can have full mouth function with it. Patients should be prepared to wait a few weeks for the dentures. It takes time for the lab technician to make the appliance based on the molds our dental team makes.
One of the most popular reasons why people choose dentures and partial dentures are their resemblance to natural teeth. Dentures consist of a gum-colored base, which is often coated with acrylic or plastic. Other materials may be used in modern denture bases, as discussed in an article originally published in the Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. Artificial teeth attach to the base. The teeth are typically composed of porcelain or a resin, such as acrylic. While there are permanent dentures, most are removable, which can help the patient maintain and clean them efficiently.
There are several options that patients can choose from when it comes to teeth replacement. Some people may rely on more than one, depending on the situation.
This option is the most permanent, having the potential to go without a replacement. It requires several visits, time for healing, and may take a year to complete. The process involves placing an implant into the bone structure of the jaw, where it should sit permanently. The dentist then places a crown over the implant for a realistic look. Most patients can then use the tooth immediately.
An often-faster option and, depending on insurance, more cost-conscious option is to get bridges. However, unlike implants, these typically need replacement every five to ten years. With exceptional care, some people extend that lifespan to about 15 years. Bridges involve cementing an artificial tooth into the available gap and securing it to the natural teeth or implants on both or either side. This procedure typically takes about two visits to complete and may include a crown.
Patients may choose to get either full or partial dentures, depending on the extent of tooth loss. Most types of dentures are removable. If a person still has natural teeth, the dentist must note the color of the teeth and gums. That way, the doctor can ensure the coating of the dentures match the natural teeth, especially if the teeth are visible.
Dentures can work effectively for up to 10 years. This time frame will depend mainly on the person’s commitment and diligence to maintaining the appliance. Just as patients should brush and floss natural teeth, people must do the same with dentures. These habits will help prevent and remove stains from artificial teeth, helping to preserve the color.
Each night, patients should remove the dentures and soak the appliance in a solution that we recommend to help clean the dentures. After every meal, the wearer should take out the dentures and rinse them off. When doing this, the person must be careful not to drop the appliance. It may be helpful to place a towel on the counter or in the sink.
Dentures should allow the person to eat most foods without any issues. However, the patient should be careful about chewing hard items such as candy, nuts, and ice. Sticky foods can also pull the dentures out of the person’s mouth. If the person notices any damage to the base or artificial teeth, they should contact our office right away.
People should not try to fix the dentures without professional assistance. An article on the American Dental Association website offers more information on the subject of maintaining dentures and what to do if the break. In all cases of the dentures sustaining damage, it is crucial to call us for repairs.
There are many misconceptions about dentures that can stand in the way of people getting the care they need. Learning the facts about some common myths can help patients better understand their options. Talk to our team to get further information and specific advice for your situation.
Q. Are there different types of dentures?
Q. Are there dentures to replace a few of my teeth?
Q. What are the benefits of dentures?
Q. How do I take care of my dentures?
Q. What do I do if I damage my dentures?
Q. What do I need to know about making adjustments to my dentures?
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