Dentures
Dentistry is all about smiles, and having a confident, healthy, beautiful smile is worthwhile even for patients who wear dentures. Our practice provides personalized denture services that meet the needs and comfort levels of our patients. All of our patients are unique and we create one-of-a-kind dentures that feel good and look natural.
What are dentures?
Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. There are two types of dentures: full and partial.
- Full dentures are given to patients when all the natural teeth have been removed. Conventional full dentures are placed after the gum tissue has healed, which can take several months. Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after the teeth have been removed and may require frequent adjustments during the first couple of months of use.
- Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges.
How do I know if dentures are the right choice for me?
Dentures are not for everyone. If you’re interested in learning more about dentures and want to know whether they are the right choice for you, please schedule an appointment. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and can determine the best course of treatment for your ongoing dental health.
Caring for your dentures
Just like natural teeth, entures require daily maintenance to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside your mouth. Keep your dentures clean and your smile healthy by doing the following:
- When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop them, they are less likely to break.
- Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up, so it’s essential that you brush them every day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. Between brushings, it’s wise to rinse your dentures after each meal.
- Use a gentle cleanser to clean your dentures. Many toothpastes, household cleaners, and mouthwashes can be too hard on your dentures, so it is recommended that you use a mild hand or dish soap to get them clean. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for your dentures, or ask Dr. Ligon or Dr. Phillips about which products may be best for you.
- When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape, or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require particular soaking solutions, so be sure to ask us which solution is best for you.
- Even if you have a full set of dentures, it’s smart to keep your gums and tongue clean. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue every day.
If by chance your dentures break, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Broken dentures that don’t fit properly can cause irritation to your gums and mouth.
Also, remember to continue scheduling regular dental checkups every six months to make sure your smile stays healthy for many years to come.
