When extractions have become necessary, dentures are a viable approach to restoring your smile. Since their introduction, there have been multiple advances in denture technology. Here at Dentistry Done Right, we our patients with a range of options when dentures become an option.
Did you know…
that more than 60 percent of American adults are missing one or more teeth? Approximately 10 percent are missing all of their teeth – requiring a prosthetic solution that will restore function and aesthetics to their smiles. Many of those dental patients choose partial or full dentures to replace missing teeth. In fact, it is estimated that 35 million Americans currently wear partial or full dentures – a number that is only expected to rise as baby boomers begin to reach retirement.
Exploring Denture Options At Dentistry Done Right
Each denture option is used to address a particular dental need. Some varieties we can provide on the day of your appointment, and others will require manufacture by a third-party dental lab. It isn’t necessary to be missing an entire dental arch to benefit from dentures. There are partial dentures for those looking to complete a smile after dental extraction. If you’re missing every tooth, we can provide complete dentures that will restore your smile. This can be done even if you’re only missing a single arch.
- Conventional Dentures – When dentures are called for, sometimes it’s necessary to extract a few teeth to place them. This is usually the case when the remaining teeth are unhealthy and need removal. In other cases, patients will opt to remove the last few teeth they have in an arch in favor of a complete arch denture. Conventional dentures are placed once the patient has healed from this procedure. This ensures that they will fit the patient properly, as shrinkage of the jawbone will occur during this healing period.
- Immediate Dentures – Modern dentistry makes it possible to send the patient home with dentures immediately after the final extraction. However, it will be necessary to return to the clinic for multiple adjustments during this period.
In both cases, it will periodically be necessary to return to Dentistry Done Right to have your dentures adjusted. This is due to the ongoing shrinkage occurring within the jawbone. This shrinkage occurs in response to the absence of teeth in the jawbone.
While removing teeth in preparation for receiving complete dentures is possible, this is rarely a useful measure. For most of our patients, it will be best to invest in partial dentures that preserve their remaining healthy teeth. This serves two purposes. First, it’s always best to keep teeth that are still healthy and functional. The second is that the remaining teeth can serve to anchor partial dentures.
This anchorage ensures that the partial dentures remain in place while speaking and eating. Partial dentures reduce the chance of an embarrassing moment where your dentures slip out of place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for dentures?
You may be a candidate for dentures if you are missing one or more teeth and are in need of an affordable prosthetic solution. Most denture wearers find that partial and full dentures can restore much of their original tooth function – not to mention create a beautiful, natural-looking smile. To find out if dentures are right for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist.
What should I expect when being fit for dentures?
If you have any decayed or damaged teeth that need to be removed, they will be extracted before your dentist takes a mold of your remaining gum structure, as well as the roof of your mouth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab for denture fabrication. When the completed dentures are completed, you will return to your dentist for a final fitting.
Will I need to follow any special instructions to care for my new dentures?
Yes. Dentures are removable prosthetics that will need to be cleaned and brushed daily. You should also brush your gums daily to prevent infections caused by bacteria. Your dentures should be kept in water when they aren’t in use to prevent them from warping. Keep in mind that it may take some time to adjust to dentures as you learn how to use the muscles in your cheeks and tongue to keep them in place. But over time, you should begin to feel more comfortable with your new prosthetics.
Contact Our Team For More About Dentures
If you’ve been struggling with an incomplete smile and are looking for a way to restore your smile, contact Dentistry Done Right today. We’ll schedule you a consultation with Dr. Rhee, during which you’ll receive a complete dental exam. Together you’ll develop a treatment plan that can manage your concerns, which may include receiving dentures. Our smile is integral to our lives, playing a role in how we speak, eat, and even connect with friends and family. Call Dentistry Done Right in Corona, CA, today to start smiling with pride again!