Dentures Intro

If you are looking for a way to improve your smile or replace missing teeth, your dentist may have discussed dentures with you.

There are a number of different procedures and types of dentures that you’ll want to consider, so here are a few options you can explore.

First, you’ll need to have a thorough examination done on your teeth to find out whether or not you really need dentures.

If you are only looking to replace one or two teeth, implant therapy may be the best option.

A full denture is constructed to replace all the teeth in a particular arch – either upper or lower.

The process requires a series of appointments over a period of weeks or months, normally.

After the teeth have been extracted, there is a healing period before an impression can be taken of the jaw to use as the model for the denture.

The option may be presented to have an “immediate denture” placed directly after the surgery to remove the remaining teeth.

The benefit of this is that the patient has working, esthetically pleasing teeth during the healing period.

This temporary denture also acts as a protective covering over the surgical site, which speeds healing.

Other types of dentures include crowns and bridges.  These are also used to replace single or multiple sequential teeth, like implants.

Also, dentures are classified as either fixed or removable.

So, a full denture is removable, while an implant or bridge is fixed, or permanent.

There are also multiple materials that may be used to fabricate dentures, including porcelain, acrylic and metals like silver and gold.

Keep in mind that even if you decide to get full dentures, you will still need to practice good hygiene habits so that your gums will be healthy.

Dentures should be removed and cleaned every night. Wearing them 24/7 can lead to some serious oral conditions.

Don’t forget to brush your gums as well as your tongue and palate with a soft-bristled brush after removing and before inserting your dentures.

After you’ve been fitted for the right type of dentures, you’ll need to care for your new teeth using solutions from brands like Efferdent to keep your dentures clean and free of bacteria when you’re not wearing them.

You can also get prescription-strength solutions from your dentist to keep your dentures in great condition.

Paying special attention to your diet will also help to keep your smile intact.

Be sure to come up with a plan to quit smoking if you haven’t already, and stay away from drinks that contain a lot of colorings so that you won’t stain your dentures.

Obviously, the best thing is to avoid the need for dentures in the first place.

But if the situation arises that dentures are indeed in your future, fortunately you have many options to choose from.

For more information, visit the American Dental Association website at www.ada.org or browse through our other articles and resources.

Las Vegas Valley residents, we invite you to download our Free Dental Guide.  It’s written by a 23-year dental industry insider who tells you what to look for in a dental practice as well as what questions to ask of any prospective Las Vegas Valley dentist.

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