Dentures

If you have lost teeth through injury or decay, dentures are a great way to bring back your smile.

Dentures are easy to wear and remove, but they may take some getting used to. At first they may feel heavy or loose, and you might feel you don’t have enough room in your mouth for your tongue, leading to discomfort when eating or talking. But this discomfort is temporary, and once you get comfortable with your dentures you will be able to eat and speak normally.

Dentures can be partial or full, depending on the circumstances. If all the natural teeth are damaged or age-worn and need to be removed, a full set of dentures is required. If only some teeth are missing or need removal, partial dentures may be used. Partial dentures are similar to bridges, but they differ in that they are not permanent.

Full dentures come in two different types: Immediate full dentures and conventional full dentures.

For immediate full dentures, the dentures are prepared before tooth extraction and are placed immediately after the teeth are removed from the mouth. Regular followup visits are required after immediate full dentures because the shape of the jawbone changes as it heals, requiring tightening of the dentures.

The second type of full dentures is conventional full dentures. For conventional full dentures, all the teeth are removed and the dentures are prepared after the tissues have healed.

Just like your natural teeth, dentures need to be properly cared for. You should brush them to get rid of any food particles or plaque before you remove them.

When you remove your dentures, place them in a denture cleaning solution or in water at room temperature. Hot water is not good for dentures as it will warp them. Handle your dentures with care and avoid dropping them, as they may crack or break.

Any adjustments to your dentures must be made by your dentist. Trying to adjust them yourself can damage them.

We’re happy to answer your questions about dentures and help you decide if they’re right for you. Call us at(206) 623-3371 to book an appointment with one of our denture experts.