Dentures

The defining feature of dentures is that, whether you have partial or full dentures they can be removed from your mouth. If you were in need of having all our teeth pulled then you would be fitted with a full set of dentures. With some modern advances in dentistry there are some improved options now for those requiring a full set of dentures.

In the past your only choice was the conventional approach to dentures, which meant that after all your teeth were pulled you would need to wait, without any teeth, for your dentures to be made while your gums to completely healed. You can still choose this option and delay having your dentures fitted until after you are completely healed from the extractions but that does mean a few months without any teeth at all.

You can also choose something called immediate dentures. In this process your dentist will have measures your current teeth and created a set of dentures, ready to be put in place right after all your teeth are removed. This is a great benefit for those who do not wish to go for months without any teeth at all. This is a great option as long as you are willing to come back into the office once your jawbone and gums have healed for denture adjustments. Most likely once healing has taken place the dentures will require adjustment in order to fit into your mouth properly.

You may have only a few natural teeth that you have lost or that need to be removed. If this is the case then you are a likely candidate for partial dentures. Partial dentures work much the same as a dental bridge and will likely take time before they feel natural in your mouth.

Dentures of any type will require an adjustment period. When you initially have the dentures placed over your natural gums you may feel like there is not enough room for your tongue, making it harder to speak and chew. It will take some practice but once your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures it will feel more natural. Although dentures may never be described as super comfortable they are a big improvement over missing teeth.

Proper care of your dentures is important to making sure they work as well as possible for you over your lifetime. Your dentist should make any adjustments to your dentures since they are delicate in nature. You can care for your dentures by keeping them clean and brushing them in order to removed any leftover food lodged in the teeth. While your dentures may never fit exactly perfect you should consult with your dentist if your dentures fall out easily or are painful for you to wear.