Dentures: A Complete Guide to Replacing Missing Teeth
Traditional dentures are designed to replace missing teeth and support the cheeks and lips. They are made from lifelike materials for a realistic appearance. They are removable and can be used for eating or speaking.
Tooth loss can result in a sunken facial appearance, difficulty chewing or speaking, and gum pain or tenderness. Dentures are the fastest and least invasive way to replace lost teeth.
Snap-in dentures
If you are looking for an effective alternative to traditional dentures, snap-in dentures may be the solution for you. These immediate dentures Louisville KY are made to firmly attach to dental implants that are placed in the jawbone. This allows you to eat your favorite foods and smile confidently with no worries about slipping. Snap-in dentures also cost less up-front than conventional full-mouth dental implants and are a great choice for patients who want to improve their quality of life.
If you decide to get snap-in dentures, your dentist will place implants into the jawbone and then anchor a removable implant-supported denture onto the implants. To preserve your snap-in dentures, you should brush the roof of the mouth, tongue, and gums each morning before wearing them. In addition, you should schedule periodic re-fittings.
Full dentures
Full dentures are removable replacements for all of the upper or lower teeth. They help restore the ability to speak and chew, which improves your quality of life. You can also use them to enhance your smile and boost your confidence. However, it is important to visit a dentist every six months to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy.
Dentures are made using detailed impressions of your mouth, so they can fit comfortably and look natural. The first few days may be uncomfortable, but this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to them. It is also important to brush your dentures daily and rinse them after meals. Keeping your dentures Louisville KY clean can help prevent bacteria from building up, which could damage your remaining teeth.
Partial dentures
If you have a few missing teeth, a partial denture is an excellent tooth replacement option. It will not only improve your smile, but it can also make chewing and speaking easier.
A precision partial denture with a metal framework fits more precisely and offers better chewing efficiency than a flexible Valplast or acrylic partial. This type of partial is a great choice for patients who can’t tolerate the flexibility of a flexible partial or an acrylic resin.
Like natural teeth, removable partials should be brushed and flossed regularly to prevent plaque build-up and to avoid mouth sores. Patients should also see their dentist in Louisville Kentucky or prosthodontist for regular checkups. These visits will help to ensure that the dentures are properly fitting, look and feel great, and are healthy.
Conventional dentures
Traditional dentures replace some (partial) or all of the patient’s teeth and rely on suction and soft tissue support to stay in place. They are fabricated and placed after the remaining teeth have been removed, so the gum tissues can heal.
The process of designing and creating conventional dentures Louisville KY takes multiple appointments over a few weeks. Precise impressions and measurements are taken to create a custom fit. Several “try-in” appointments are also made to ensure shape, color, and function.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, soreness, and difficulty speaking and eating when first wearing new dentures. However, these problems should diminish as the mouth and muscles adjust. Proper cleaning, oral hygiene, and regular follow-ups are important to the longevity of your conventional dentures.
Removable dentures
Modern removable dentures look better, fit better and function better than ever. They may feel loose or slip while speaking or chewing at first, but this will fade as your mouth gets used to them.
Removable complete dentures are usually made of acrylic resin that mimics the look of natural teeth and gum tissues. They’re available as conventional dentures or “immediate” dentures, which are placed immediately after your remaining natural teeth are extracted. This prevents you from having to go weeks without any teeth while a permanent set of dentures is being fabricated.
Removable partial dentures are a good option for patients who have lost some but not all of their lower or upper teeth. They’re held in place with clasps that wrap around healthy abutment teeth to provide support and stability. They’re also designed to distribute biting forces evenly and avoid trauma to existing natural teeth.