subject: Experience The Accurate Fit Of Dentures For An Improved Appearance [print this page] As dentistry continues to advance today, dentures have significantly improved in appearance, comfort and functionality. When you are missing some or all of your teeth your dentist in Rochester Hills may recommend dentures, which are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Whether you require complete or partial dentures, you can help protect your overall appearance because without the support from dentures your facial muscles sag, making you appear older than you are. With the help of dentures, you will be able to eat and speak-things that people may often take for granted until they experience tooth loss.
Complete Dentures
When receiving complete dentures, they can be either conventional or immediate. A conventional denture is created after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal. It is typically ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
Different than conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums do shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. This creates a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures and generally should be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.
Partial Dentures
A removable partial denture or bridge typically consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. When one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw, partial dentures are appropriate. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, in addition to preventing other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns, which allows for a more natural-looking appearance.
Caring for Your Dentures
When it comes to wearing your dentures, it is very important to practice healthy dental hygiene. If irritation results from improper dental hygiene, there is an increased risk of developing a more serious medical condition, including periodontal disease, leukoplakia and fungal infections. Your gums, tongue and palate should be brushed with a soft bristle brush every evening when the dentures are removed, and each day before you insert the dentures to stimulate the gums and remove plaque accumulation.
When you remove your dentures at night, brush them carefully to remove any loose debris and plaque. Next, be sure to soak them in a cleansing solution as recommended by your dentist. Additionally, place a towel beneath the denture or clean them over a sink filled with water to avoid breaking them from a drop or fall. If you gain or lose weight greater than 10 pounds, you will also need to have your dentures remade in order to provide an accurate fit-your Rochester dentist is available to do just that.
If you are missing a few teeth, or all of them, talk to your dentist in Rochester for more information on how to best restore your smile. With a proper consultation, your dentist will be able to determine if dentures are the best solution for replacing your missing teeth.
