Full or Partial Dentures in Springfield, MO
Sometimes, teeth cannot be saved and may have to be extracted due to age, injury, or infection. Dentures, also called false teeth, are custom-made replacements of missing natural teeth. They improve the appearance and aesthetics of your smile along with restoring the some functions of the teeth. Dentures are made of acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. They are mainly of two types - full and partial.
Full Denture
Also known as complete dentures, full dentures replace the entire set of teeth. They are fully customized and restore some biting, chewing, and grinding properties of the teeth. When teeth are removed, the facial muscles sag and make you look older. The full denture provides a fuller and more youthful look. They help to enable proper speaking and are very durable.
Partial Denture
They are of two types:
Fixed partial dentures: Also known as bridges, they use the existing teeth or dental implants as anchors, providing support to the partial denture. Unlike removable dentures, they are fixed in place and are permanent replacements for natural teeth. These dentures are more secure and provide a better bite.
Removable partial dentures: As the name suggests, these dentures are removable and replace only a selected set of teeth. They often contain clasps and rests to help hold them in place.
How Are Dentures Placed?
After teeth are lost or extracted, the bone and gum need time to heal and reach a stable shape. Impressions of the teeth are taken, and the measurements are sent to dental laboratories. We will then have the dentures fabricated based on the models of the patient’s mouth. After the false teeth are prepared, we will check the fit and do a bite test. Required adjustments are made, and the dentures are placed in the patient’s mouth in a final appointment. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to make minor adjustments to fit and bite.
Taking Care of the Dentures
- During the initial days after installing the denture, consume only soft food and liquids to prevent discomfort.
- Rinse your dentures before brushing to remove food and bacteria from them. Brush your dentures every day to protect them from staining and plaque. They can be soaked in a denture-cleansing solution throughout the night and brushed in the morning before wearing them.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your dentures without using toothpaste. This reduces irritation and bad breath in the mouth.
- When not in use, keep the dentures in a water-based solution to keep them from drying and cracking.
Please reach out to iTooth Family Dentistry in Springfield, MO, to have a consultation with our dentists, Dr. Robbins or Dr. Fincel. Call Dentist in Springfield MO at (417) 883-8515 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.
