What are dentures?
Dentures are oral prosthetics that replace your natural teeth and surrounding tissues. They’re removable, so you can take them out of your mouth and put them back in.
Dentures take some getting used to, but they’re an excellent substitute for your natural teeth. With regular checkups and good oral hygiene, they can restore your chewing and biting abilities while reducing the risk of potentially serious oral health problems.
What are the types of dentures?
Dr. Yoon and the team offer several types of dentures, including:
Complete dentures
Complete dentures replace an entire row of teeth. They feature a pink acrylic base that fits over your gums. The base of the upper plate covers the roof of your mouth, while the lower plate is horseshoe-shaped allowing room for your tongue. To prevent your dentures from moving around, you apply an adhesive.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures replace only a few of your teeth. They include a metal framework that connects to small metal clasps. These small metal clasps hold the dentures in place, preventing the need for an adhesive.
Fixed dentures
If you don’t want to remove your dentures and soak them overnight, consider fixed dentures. Fixed dentures attach to dental implants. Implants are titanium posts that Dr. Yoon inserts into your jaw during an outpatient procedure. Afterward, the implants integrate with your natural bone, providing a base for fixed dentures.
What is the process for getting dentures?
Before recommending dentures, Dr. Yoon conducts an oral exam and takes a series of 3D oral X-rays. He uses that information to determine the type of dentures that will benefit you most.
Complete or partial dentures
If you choose to get complete or partial dentures, Dr. Yoon takes impressions of your mouth and sends them to a dental laboratory. The laboratory uses your impressions to design a custom set of dentures that fit your mouth perfectly.
Fixed dentures
If you opt for fixed dentures, you undergo a dental implant placement procedure.
Following placement, you wait several months while your mouth heals. Once the implants integrate with your natural bone, you return to Fresh Dental Care and Dr. Yoon takes impressions of your mouth.
He sends your impressions to a dental laboratory that designs and manufactures your custom dentures. When they’re finished, you visit Dr. Yoon for a third time. He attaches your dentures to the implants and provides care instructions.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures are tough and long-lasting, but they’re susceptible to wear and tear. At some point, they’ll need to be readjusted, relined, or rebased.
To keep your dentures in optimal condition, Dr. Yoon and the team recommend:
- Handling them gently
- Soaking them overnight in an approved solution
- Brushing your dentures daily
- Avoiding bad habits like nail-biting or opening packaging with your teeth
If you notice your dentures starting to feel loose, contact Dr. Yoon right away.
To explore the benefits of dentures, make an appointment at Fresh Dental Care by calling the office today or scheduling online.
