Dentures are a common type of dental prosthetic used to replace missing teeth. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth in the mouth have been lost or removed due to decay, damage, or gum disease. Partial dentures, also known as overdentures, are used when there are still some natural teeth that remain in the mouth. Both types of dentures are composed of fake teeth supported by an acrylic framework designed to mimic the appearance of gum tissue. Although dentures in the past have been bulky and uncomfortable, modern dentures are highly aesthetic and designed to fit more securely. 

Did You Know?

Complete dentures rely mostly on suction for stabilization and may not always require the use of denture adhesive, while partial dentures generally use clasps behind the teeth to hold themselves in place. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Am I a candidate for dentures?

You may be a candidate for dentures if you have multiple missing teeth or teeth that are severely damaged, decayed, or loose and are in need of extraction. Depending on the number of missing teeth and remaining natural teeth, your dentist may recommend either complete or partial dentures. Dentures are also ideal for patients who do not wish to or are unable to endure more invasive tooth replacement methods, such as dental implants. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for dentures, schedule a consultation with your Hemet dentist today. 

What can I expect when being fitted for dentures at my Hemet dental office?

Before being fit for dentures, your Hemet dentist will perform an oral exam to determine if there are any loose, damaged, or decayed teeth in need of extraction. In the case of an extraction, the extraction site will need to heal before dentures can be placed. 

Once you are ready to have dentures placed, your dentist will take a dental impression and/or oral scan of your mouth to obtain the necessary information used to fabricate a custom denture. This information will be sent to a dental laboratory where your denture will be fabricated. The permanent restoration will then be checked for fit and minor adjustments will be made as needed. 

What can I expect after my dentures have been placed?

After your dentures have been placed, you can expect the first few weeks to be an adjustment period. Since dentures are artificial teeth, there are some differences that you will need to get used to. For starters, they may feel loose at first until you learn how to keep them in place with your tongue and cheek muscles. They will also likely cause some gum irritation at first until your gums have toughened up. You will also need to learn how to speak and eat properly with your dentures, which can be rather frustrating at times. To make things easier, it is recommended to start out eating soft foods and gradually work up to more challenging foods. To help with speaking, it is also recommended to try reading out loud for a few minutes daily until you are accustomed to the feel of the dentures. 

How do I care for my dentures?

denture in a glass of water

To care for your dentures, you will need to keep them clean and protect them from damage. Cleaning your dentures consists of thoroughly brushing them at least once a day and washing them after meals. It is also important to gently brush your gums before placing your dentures in the morning. To protect them from damage, you will need to store them in water or denture solution at night when they are not in your mouth. This is because their shape can warp if they dry out. Additionally hot water can also warp their shape, so it is important to avoid hot water when washing your dentures. Finally, you may want to clean your dentures over a towel in case you drop them because dentures can break if dropped. 

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