For a long time, dentures have been associated with older patients with edentulism, that is, the complete or almost full lack of teeth. However, there are several types of dentures in Delray Beach, each adapted to the patient’s conditions, level of tooth loss, and desires.
For patients who have battled with tooth loss for several years, these denture options can be life-changing, allowing them to restore their ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Here’s what you should know about these options.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are detachable dental devices used to replace lost teeth. Dentures have become a fundamental treatment in dentistry as they allow patients to eat, talk, and smile confidently, considerably enhancing their quality of life.
Unlike other restorative techniques like crowns and bridges, dentures are intended to address the needs of patients with multiple missing teeth. They can replace teeth in the upper or lower jaw or both. Dentures are crafted from materials like acrylic, resin, nylon, metal, and porcelain.
Moreover, dentures can be removable or attached. Your denture can last anywhere from seven to 10 years with proper care.
Types of Dentures: Partial and Full Dentures
There are two main types of dentures: full dentures and partial dentures. Each type serves a specific purpose based on the patient’s health requirements and the extent of tooth loss.
Understanding Full Dentures
Full or complete dentures are a solution for patients who have lost all-natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They are probably what comes to mind when you think about traditional dentures. They consist of artificial teeth and a gum-colored base.
Full dentures rest atop your gums and rely on your palate, so they must fit tightly over the gums. They’re custom-designed and provide support for the facial structure. In addition to size, full dentures are personalized to match the shape and color of the patient’s natural appearance.
Some patients need denture adhesive to keep them in place. At night, they need to be taken out and cleaned to give the gums a rest.
Full dentures offer several benefits, such as:
- Restoring the patient’s ability to chew food properly and speak clearly, improving their overall quality of life considerably.
- Providing support to the lips and cheeks enhances facial appearance and reduces the sunken look that often accompanies tooth loss.
- Boosting the patient’s confidence during social situations.
How to Care for Your Full Dentures
Full dentures are an effective and long-lasting solution to tooth loss, but they have certain maintenance requirements to make your expensive appliances last. Some of these include:
- Cleaning Every Day: Clean your full dentures daily using a soft brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to prevent plaque buildup and staining. Avoid using hot water, as it may shape and warp your dentures.
- Soaking: To keep dentures from drying out and to preserve their shape, they should be soaked in water or a denture cleaning solution when not in use.
- Frequent Exams: To guarantee appropriate fit and function, routine dental examinations are crucial. As the gums change, adjustments may be necessary over time.
Understanding Partial Dentures
Partial dentures might be an option if you miss several teeth in one or both jaws. Like full dentures, partial dentures are supported by your gums and underlying bone. However, they also feature unique clasps that hook around your remaining natural teeth to add stability.
When some natural teeth are still present, partial dentures are used. They are made to blend in perfectly with natural teeth and fill in the spaces left by missing teeth. Some of the benefits partial dentures have to offer include:
- Fill in the gaps left by tooth loss, preventing the remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
- Restoring the patient’s ability to chew and speak properly.
- Improving overall appearance and confidence.
- Adaptable solution for missing teeth since they can be adjusted to fit changes in the mouth.
How to Care for Your Partial Dentures
Partial dentures come with certain care requirements, just as full dentures do. These include:
- Daily Cleaning: Like full dentures, partial dentures should be cleaned daily with a gentle brush and the proper cleaner to preserve hygiene and avoid discoloration.
- Steer Clear of Harsh Chemicals: Bleach and abrasive cleaners should be avoided as they can harm the denture material.
- Proper Storage: To keep partial dentures from drying out, submerge them in water or a solution when not in use.
What to Look for When Getting Dentures
Deciding to get dentures is a big step toward improving your oral health and smile. However, picking the right dentist’s office and denture manufacturer is essential to guarantee that you receive top-notch care and products.
Look for a dentist’s office that has made and fitted dentures before. A skilled team is more likely to offer a solution that meets your needs and is comfortable and efficient. To get an idea of the caliber of work done in the office and the outcomes you might anticipate, try to view their before-and-after pictures.
Additionally, seek out a dentist’s office that uses contemporary technology, such as 3D printing and digital impressions, as these can enhance the comfort and fit of your dentures.
Using cutting-edge methods to create dentures, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), is also advantageous because it allows for a more accurate fit and design.
Last but not least, pay attention to your communications with the dental office and the steps of the process. Besides providing comprehensive examinations to evaluate your oral health, your dental office should make you feel confident and comfortable throughout your smile journey.
Experience the Level of Quality of Our Dentures in Delray Beach
Full and partial dentures play a vital role in restoring function and confidence for individuals with missing teeth. They can improve quality of life by restoring the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence—if they’re maintained properly.
Proper denture care includes daily cleaning, soaking, and routine dental checkups to ensure your dentures are in top condition. If your dentures are due for a checkup, or you would like to learn if dentures are an option, reach out to Friedman Dental Care!