Dentures 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Them

Missing teeth are a buster to your confidence because most people who have gaps between find it hard to smile. But more than that, missing teeth can negatively affect your dental health.

Did you know having gaps in between your teeth can cause them to weaken? Lost teeth leave the alveolar bone exposed, and failure to replace them will cause it to deteriorate.

Furthermore, the surrounding teeth will shift to fill the spaces available, which weakens the dental structure. Replacing your missing teeth is crucial if you want to preserve your dental health. Fortunately, we have different solutions that you can use to replace your teeth, such as dentures.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are artificial teeth and gums customized to fit you. These removable teeth fixtures are used to replace all or some of your missing teeth.

Although dentures have been associated with seniors, they are beneficial to anyone looking for an affordable and convenient solution.

What Are the Denture Options Available?

We offer two types of dentures in Pasadena, TX; the partial and complete dentures.

• Partial dentures

A partial denture is ideal when you have a few (less than half) of your natural teeth missing. The partial dentures’ primary goal is to keep the other remaining teeth from shifting to the available spaces.

Partial dentures consist of the artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored base. These fixtures are, at times, held in place by a metal framework. However, you need to have healthy natural teeth to support the dentures.

• Complete dentures

Complete dentures are used when you have more than half of all your teeth missing. These dentures are further broken down into two—immediate and conventional dentures.

• Immediate dentures. These are made in advance, and the dentist positions them immediately as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The one benefit of using these dentures is that you will not go without teeth as your gums heal. However, the bones and gums will shrink during the healing period causing the dentures to weaken. That is why the immediate dentures are mostly used as temporary measures while the conventional ones are being made.
• Conventional dentures. These dentures are made after the gums have completely healed, which is usually between 8 and 12 weeks after the teeth are removed.

At times the dentist may recommend overdentures if you find the traditional dentures are uncomfortable, and you have a few healthy teeth remaining. These dentures are fitted over the roots of the teeth. Your natural teeth are prepared to offer support for the denture. Our cosmetic dentist in Pasadena, TX, will advise on whether overdentures are ideal or not.

What Does the Process of Getting the Dentures Involve?

The process of making the dentures may take a few weeks and multiple dental appointments. Our dentist in Pasadena, TX, will first examine your teeth and determine which type of appliance is best for you. Then he will do the following:

• The dentist will measure how much space is in between the jaw.
• A mold of your jaws is made with either wax or plastic patterns. You will try the model for the proper fit, and the dentist will also examine the color, shape, and size of the teeth before the final cast is made.
• The dentures are made, and a fitting appointment set to check it.

What Can You Expect with New Dentures?

New dentures feel a bit odd in the first few days, and you need time to get used to them. Your speech may be affected, and eating may be difficult. Also, saliva production increases, and there may be minor soreness and irritation. These problems clear out once you get used to the dentures.

How Do You Care for Dentures?

The dentures are to be worn for 24 hours a day in the first few days to get the gums used to them. After that, you can remove them when sleeping. When you are not wearing the dentures, store them in a denture solution to keep them moist. Also, clean them daily with a soft-bristled brush.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Dental Land for more information on dentures and how they can benefit you.