Dentures
What are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial tooth replacements that look and function like natural teeth. Not only are they made to replace missing teeth, but they can help you maintain your facial profile, and help you continue to eat and speak properly.
It is important to your overall oral health that you replace missing teeth. If a gap is left, your remaining teeth can shift out of place, causing issues with misalignment. Additionally, teeth create the stimulation the jawbone needs to regenerate. If teeth are missing, the jawbone will not get the stimulation it needs and will start to deteriorate.
There are different types of dentures depending on how many teeth you need replaced. Dentures can replace one tooth, several missing teeth, or a whole jaw of missing teeth.
Types of Dentures
From replacing one missing tooth, to a whole jaw of teeth, your dentist can help you decide on the right type of dentures for you.
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Full Dentures
Full dentures, also referred to as false teeth or complete dentures, are used if you are missing a whole jaw of teeth.
These can be fit for your upper or lower gums and are usually held in place by suction or with an oral adhesive.
One benefit of full dentures is that they can be removed for thorough cleanings. It is recommended that you remove them while you sleep.
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Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures look and feel like natural teeth.
Since the implant is surgically installed, these dentures are designed to be long-lasting, and taking care of them is much like caring for your natural teeth. The implant makes these dentures very stable and secure, so you can confidently maintain your ability to bite and chew.
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Partial Dentures
If you are missing just a few teeth, your dentist may opt to use partial dentures to fill the gap.
These teeth are held in place by clasps that grab onto your remaining natural teeth or tooth replacement.
They can be removed for cleaning and sleeping.
The Denture Process
If your dentist has decided that dentures are right for you, they will turn you over to our denturist John de la Cruz, who will begin the process by taking impressions of your smile, from which your dentures will be custom created to fit your bite perfectly. While you wait for your dentures to be made, you may be given temporaries so you aren't left without.
Once your dentures have been created, you will come back to the clinic to receive them. Our denturist will ensure that your new dentures fit properly, and provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for them. If your dentures are removable, he will also show you how to remove and store them safely.