Dentures are a common restoration used to replace missing teeth. There are both partial and full dentures. Partial dentures are used to replace one or more missing teeth when there are still natural teeth present, while complete or full dentures are used when there are no remaining natural teeth. They are fabricated with an acrylic base that resembles gum tissue, as well as fake teeth made from composite or porcelain. Dentures sit on top of the gums and use suction to remain in place while eating and speaking.
Did You Know?
As many as 60% of Americans are missing one or more teeth and 10% of Americans are missing all their teeth. To replace these missing teeth, as many as 35 million Americans currently wear partial or full dentures, with that number expected to rise.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for dentures?
You may be a candidate for dentures if you have one or more missing teeth in need of replacement. They are an affordable dental prosthetic that can be used to restore the look and function of your smile by replacing missing teeth. To determine if dentures are the best tooth replacement option for you, schedule a consultation with your Bradenton dentist today.
What can I expect when being fit for dentures?
Before you can be fit for dentures, any decayed or damaged teeth must be restored or removed. In some cases, this can mean that a tooth extraction is needed before dentures can be placed. Once any necessary extractions have been completed and your gums have healed, then your dentist will take a dental impression or oral scan of your mouth. This scan will be sent to a dental laboratory that will fabricate your dentures. Oftentimes, a wax mold will be used to ensure the fit of the denture before the final restoration is completed.
What can I expect after having dentures placed?
After having dentures placed, there will be a period of adjustment. At first, you may experience some minor gum irritation until your gums have adapted to the dentures. It may also be difficult to eat or speak properly at first. For this reason, it is recommended to start off on a soft foods diet and gradually increase to more challenging foods. Additionally, it is also recommended to practice reading aloud every day for 10 minutes to learn how to speak properly with dentures. Over time, you will learn how to use your muscles to hold your dentures in place while eating and speaking.
How do I care for my dentures?
The first step to caring for your dentures is to keep them clean by brushing them and your gums daily. Your dentures will also need to be removed every night and stored in water or denture solution. Removing the dentures gives your gums a break and storing them in water allows them to maintain their shape.
Explore Your Denture Options
If you’re considering dentures, contact 3D Dentistry at 941-253-2300 for a consultation with Dr. Bustos. Our team is committed to providing personalized, comfortable solutions for all your dental needs.