Missing teeth or poor denture fit or design can significantly restrict proper chewing ability. Dentures can provide patients who have lost their teeth with both functional and aesthetic benefits, also improving their lip and cheek support. Properly-fitted dentures can also allow the wearer to enjoy a wide variety of foods and chew with confidence again.
Dentures are removable, prosthetic teeth worn by those who have partially or completely lost their natural teeth through injury or illness. They are commonly referred to as “false teeth”. There are many different types of dentures, each one designed to address the specific needs of a patient.
Dentures may be used to replace teeth on the upper arch (maxillary arch) or lower arch (mandibular arch). They can be either complete (replacing all teeth in an arch) or partial (replacing only some missing teeth in an arch). Complete dentures use only the gums and the underlying jaw bone to support them while partial dentures use support from the remaining teeth through the aid of metal clasps or wires.
Dr. Newman will assess the overall health of your teeth and gums to determine whether you’re a good candidate for dentures. Based on years of experience, she will make a recommendation that will produce the outcome you’re looking for. A combination of implants and removable dentures are often the best option for secure denture support. You and Dr. Newman will discuss whether this option would be beneficial to your particular needs.
Dentures are custom fit to a patient’s mouth and require multiple appointments to create the proper design and fit. There may be additional appointments needed for minor adjustments while getting used to the dentures. Ill-fitting or poorly designed dentures can cause greater dental problems, such as resorption of the jaw bone or different lesions of the gum tissue along with significant discomfort.
Although dentures are removable, it is still very important that they are maintained properly. Proper cleaning of your dentures is required on a daily basis, allowing them to soak in a special denture cleaning solution as well as professional cleanings done in the office. During a routine visit for a patient with dentures, we check the health of the supporting tissues and inspect the fit. Routine visits should be done every 6 months to a year as dentures may require adjustments, repairs, and relines to compensate for normal shrinkage of the gums and bone over time.
