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Enhance Your Smile with Dentures and Partial Dentures
Dentures and partial dentures are not just for older adults - many young individuals also use them. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, adult tooth loss has been decreasing since the 1960s. However, there are still many Americans who rely on dentures to improve their smiles, speech, and ability to chew comfortably.
If you are in Fort Lauderdale or Pembroke Pines and are thinking about getting dentures or partial dentures, Smiland Dental offers a variety of tooth replacement options.
Advantages of Getting Dentures
There are several tooth replacement options available aside from dentures, such as implants which have become increasingly popular. However, not all patients may find implants to be suitable for their needs. Here are some reasons why some individuals may opt for dentures over other tooth replacement choices:
- Affordability: Dentures offer a cost-effective solution for tooth loss compared to other options, with the price often dependent on insurance coverage. Traditional full and partial dentures are generally more budget-friendly, even when factoring in replacement every 5-10 years.
- Lower Risk: Some patients choose dentures to avoid the potential risks and discomfort associated with bridge failures. Dental implants involve more invasive surgery, which inherently carries higher risks, particularly with factors like age and potential bone loss.
- Quicker Process: Dentures typically have a shorter treatment timeline compared to implants. Dental implant procedures can extend over a year, including healing periods of up to six months between steps.
When deciding on a tooth replacement method, the patient's individual circumstances will determine the most suitable option. It is crucial to carefully weigh all available options before making a decision. Our team is available to offer the necessary guidance to help you determine if dentures are the right choice for you.
The process of obtaining dentures
The process typically starts with taking an impression of the mouth, which is used by the dentist to create a model using dental stone. The patient will then try on different sets of sterilized dentures to determine the best fit, color, and size of teeth. The dentist may make adjustments to the cast before sending it to a dental laboratory for completion.
In the dental laboratory, technicians will create a wax version of the gum line and make replacement teeth from resin, a material that closely resembles real teeth. Approval from both the patient and dentist is required before moving forward with the finishing touches.
Once approved, the technician will replace the wax with acrylic for a more realistic look. This process involves boiling out the wax, drilling holes in the teeth, and injecting the acrylic. The technicians will then clean and polish the appliance. The entire process may require the patient to visit the dentist's office four to five times.
Various Types of Dentures
Patients have the choice between full and partial dentures when considering dentures. Dentists have also developed hybrids with other dental treatments to provide patients with more options. Here are some denture options to consider:
- Full Dentures: Mainly used by seniors, full dentures replace a complete set of teeth and sit directly on the gums. Some patients may qualify for immediate placement after tooth extraction, while others may need to wait eight to 12 weeks post-extraction.
- Partial Dentures: Recommended for patients with some healthy natural teeth, partial dentures typically include a metal framework with a pink-colored base. This framework helps secure the false teeth to the natural teeth, preventing movement.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: This method combines dental implants with dentures. Instead of individually anchoring each tooth, several implants secure a full upper and/or lower set in place. Dentists may also use this approach for partial dentures. Once fixed, these dentures are not removable. It's important to note that not all patients are suitable candidates for implant-supported dentures.
- Overdentures or Snap-In Dentures: For patients who prefer removable dentures but want the stability of implants, overdentures are an option. These use dental implants as anchors for the dentures to sit on. Alternatively, snap-in dentures offer enhanced stability. They feature implants with locator receptors that align with attachments on the dentures, allowing for a secure snap-fit.
The decision a patient makes will depend on their individual circumstances and health. Our team is available to discuss all the options and help you find the best one for you.
Denture Care Tips and Guidelines:
Proper denture maintenance goes beyond regular oral hygiene. Leaving dentures by the bedside can lead to warping and cracking over time. It is best to soak dentures overnight, avoiding hot water to prevent warping. Denture solutions should never be used directly in the mouth and should be rinsed off thoroughly before wearing dentures. Our team can help determine if a solution is right for your routine.
To keep dentures clean, remove them after eating or drinking, rinse to remove food particles, and brush at least once a day with a soft-bristled brush. Even without natural teeth, it is important to maintain dental hygiene by brushing the teeth and gums, flossing any remaining teeth, and cleaning the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and tongue with gauze or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Users of adhesives should also take care to remove it properly.
Disproving Popular Myths and Misconceptions
There is a common misconception that dentures will last a lifetime once they are made and placed. In reality, dentures typically last for five to 10 years before needing to be replaced. Changes in color, physical damage, or a loose fit may indicate that new dentures are necessary.
Another myth is that getting full dentures means never having to visit the dentist again. Regular dental visits are still important to ensure the proper care and maintenance of dentures. Dentists can assess the condition of dentures, make necessary repairs or replacements, and adjust the fit during annual or bi-annual visits. Dentists also monitor gum health, especially for patients with smoking habits or gum-related illnesses.
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