Full and Partial Dentures
Do you hide your smile because of missing teeth? What about being embarrased of how you look in public? We are here to help! Dr. Richardson and Dr. Townsley, our dentists in Foley, AL can help restore your smile with full or partial dentures.
Dentures
What are dentures and what are the benefits?
Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are removable. They help to restore oral health and function so you can eat and speak normally.
Outside of the obvious function of chewing, dentures can also provide support to facial muscles, which helps preserve the normal look of a patient’s facial features. This can prevent sunken spots and sagging facial muscles.
What are the different types of dentures?
Although all dentures are removable and artificial, there are many different types. Our dentist at Townsley Family Dentistry can speak with patients about which type is best for each situation.
Traditional Dentures
Traditional or complete dentures are used for cases in which all the teeth are lost due to injury or decay. They are made of porcelain or acrylic and are secured by suction along with dental adhesives.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are for patients who have only some teeth missing. They are removable but are secured through metal clips rather than adhesives.
Immediately after a patient’s teeth have been extracted, he or she can be provided with immediate or temporary dentures so that they can still chew and speak clearly while waiting for a more permanent solution.
Snap-On Dentures
Snap-on dentures are crowns that can be removed. They stay secure by snapping onto a surgically placed implant in the jawbone.
Overdentures
Overdentures are another option for patients who have lost many, but not all of their teeth. This type of denture covers any remaining teeth or implants as well as areas with no teeth remaining.
How do you take care of dentures?
Dentures are very beneficial for patients who are missing teeth because our teeth perform many functions even outside of simply chewing our food. However, regular care and maintenance of dentures is key to their proper function and avoiding embarrassing mishaps.
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Dentures should always be removed and cleaned after eating. At least once daily, brush dentures with a soft brush using an ADA-approved denture cleaner.
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It is also important to clean your mouth after removing dentures. Use a soft toothbrush or gauze to clean your tongue, gums, and the roof of your mouth.
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Dentures must remain moist to keep their shape and last a long time, so soaking them overnight is very important. Water or a special denture-soaking solution can be used for this.
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If you use denture cleaners and soaking solutions, be sure to rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. The chemicals in these solutions are not intended for the mouth but for the material in your dentures. It is important to avoid abrasive cleaners and products with bleach in them.
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Lastly, be sure to prioritize regular visits with the dentist. This can ensure a consistent, quality fit and get the occasional professional cleaning of your dentures that you need.