FAQs about Partial and Complete Dentures

Unlike dental implants, surgery is not needed in applying dentures. Depending on your dental condition and financial situation, dentures may or may not be suitable for you. To help you decide which dental replacement is best, review the following scenarios:

Substituting upper incisor teeth or bottom teeth – Unlike molars, the upper front or bottom teeth do not take the same amount of pressure. However, since they are much more visible than molars, their appearance is often a priority. Tooth-colored partial dentures are good alternatives for missing incisor teeth.

Replacing molars – Since molar teeth are responsible for chewing food, they are often exposed to constant pressure. Thus, a flexible denture may not be the best option but a dental bridge instead.

Replacing one or two back molars – Changing a wisdom tooth will not affect the way you eat nor smile. However, if they are impacted, an implant support denture is recommended. Another alternative option is using a partial denture.

Changing one or two teeth – An implant bridge can be used to replace one or two teeth. On the other hand, a flexible denture or a snap-on denture can also be used to replace missing teeth. Flexible dentures have a long lifespan and are comfortable to wear. They also do not cause any injury as they are safely attached to the gum. Regardless, it is important to know the location of the missing teeth before deciding which dental replacement to use.

Changing several teeth – An implant-supported denture or a flexible partial denture is recommended if a lot of teeth need replacement.

Replacing most of the teeth – In case most or all of the teeth are required to be changed, a complete denture (either flexible or implant-supported) is advised.

It will depend on how many missing teeth you have and your dental condition. A partial denture is recommended if you have one or two missing teeth while an implant-supported denture is a good option if these missing teeth are molars. Implant-supported dentures are durable thus, they can withstand constant pressure caused by regular chewing of food. Moreover, they do not cause any discomfort nor difficulty in eating. However, dental implants need sufficient bone density to be able to fuse successfully into the jawbone. A complete integration usually takes 3 to 6 months. Consult with your dentist to know more about partial dentures.

Since traditional dentures are created using acrylic material, they must be moisturized when not worn. Keeping them in a glass filled with water or a soaking solution will prevent them from drying or distorting. Failure to do so will turn the denture to become warped and you won’t be able to wear them properly anymore.

Partial dentures use metal clasps for them to be attached. They are also anchored by the adjacent teeth. Flexible partial dentures, on the other hand, do not use clasps or snaps. Rather, they are secured via translucent and thin plastic materials. To attach complete dentures, they use the suction between the gum and the denture’s interior. A dental adhesive can be temporarily used once a denture loosens. However, a new denture must be made.

Bad bites such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites can be fixed by dentures as long as the case of the bite is mild. In some cases, however, using dentures can also form bite issues over time. Talk to your dentist so he/she can give you the appropriate treatment for your bite problem.

Accidents or diseases can cause missing teeth which can lead to bone loss, infection, low self-esteem, and other oral health problems. Tooth extraction can also lead to the aforementioned results. Thus, it is recommended to have them replaced with dental restorations. The type of dental replacement will depend on the number of teeth missing. For example, a dental bridge can be used to substitute one or two missing teeth while a denture is applied if there’s a huge number of teeth missing. Consult with your dentist to know which type of dental restoration is best suited for you.

You may feel a bit of discomfort for the first few days upon wearing your new dentures. However, the soreness will eventually dwindle as the gums recover and you become used to wearing them. A loosed or distorted denture, however, can cause pain as it doesn’t fit well in your mouth. These can still be solved by relining the denture. A dried-up denture due to lack of moisture can also be painful.

Generally, partial dentures are made of a resin material called acrylic. They make use of tooth-colored replacement teeth and a gum-colored base. They are attached in the mouth via metal clasps or acrylic clasps with the support of the nearby teeth. Acrylic partial dentures, however, tend to dry more quickly if there’s a lack of saliva or if they’re not kept in water. Thanks to modern dentistry, a new flexible material called nylon was introduced. Among the available types, this material is the most similar to the natural look and texture of the gum. Nylon partial dentures are attached by using transparent and thin clasps which hold the nearby teeth firmly.

A thorough examination and digital x-rays will be conducted by your dentist at Rolling Hills Dental to determine your dental condition and if dentures are best suited for you. Once done, an appropriate color and size for your denture will be selected. Dental impressions will be taken and then forwarded to the lab. A temporary prosthesis will be tried on your mouth for a more precise fit and needed adjustments will be made. Once the final denture has been developed from the lab, your dentist will try it on your mouth during your next visit to know if they fit appropriately. A few small readjustments can be made if necessary.

Since dentures are artificial teeth, they do not function as well as your natural ones. Knowing what foods you must avoid preventing damage to your dentures is important. Such foods like nuts, seeds, popcorn, hard foods (undercooked steaks and dried fruits), and sticky candies are some of the foods you must avoid since they can cause your denture to loosen or crack. You must also be careful with other foods and beverages like caffeine, liquor, carrots, apples, and other raw fruits or vegetables. If you still want to eat these kinds of foods, it is advised to cut them into smaller pieces so you can chew them more easily. Soft foods are generally the appropriate foods to eat if you are wearing dentures.

Due to missing teeth, your jawbone shrinks over time which is the cause of bone resorption. As your gum becomes smaller, the dentures also become loose and will not be able to fit properly resulting in pain. This can be solved by relining the dentures.

Most patients that use dentures are senior citizens. Negligence of proper dental hygiene is common since most people around this age suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Also, gum disease, tooth loss, weak bones, and osteoporosis are typical in seniors. Full dentures are good teeth restorations for senior citizens because unlike dental implants, they do not need sufficient bone density to be attached.

Dentures can be damaged if you don’t take good care of them. Thus, knowing what to do to make sure that they last long are important. Here are some tips:

• Gently clean your dentures after every meal to remove food particles that got stuck.
• Also, clean your mouth once you remove your dentures to prevent infection.
• Store them in water or a soaking solution if you’re not wearing them so that they’re continuously moisturized. This prevents them from drying or warping.
• Rinse your dentures with clean water before putting them back on especially if they’ve just been stored in a soaking solution.
• Handle them with care to avoid damage or cracks.

Most insurance providers cover dentures. However, the amount of coverage still differs from each insurance plan. Talk to your insurance agent about your dental insurance plan to know more information about how much it can help pay your denture procedure expenses. We can also confirm if we’re able to accept your plan and the extent of its insurance.

Our friendly and skilled dentists and staff in Rolling Hills Dental are devoted to providing you only the best and most comfortable denture procedure experience. You no longer have to worry nor be conscious about having missing teeth. Make an appointment with us now to know more information about our dental office, the denture service we provide, and its cost.

Check out our denture care center for more information or make an appointment with our dental office in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA so we can find the best solution for your case.