Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your life. So when your dentist mentions dentures to you, you probably have a lot of questions. Will they fall out? Will they look natural? What’s involved in getting them? These questions are totally normal. What’s important to know is that dentures have evolved. They are more comfortable, secure, and easier to wear than at any time in the history of dentistry. Two main types exist that you should know about: full and partial dentures. Let’s explore how each one works.
What you need to know:
- Full dentures act as replacements for an entire arch of missing teeth
- Partial dentures replace several missing teeth
- The process usually takes several appointments
- Good care keeps your dentures functioning well
- Dentures are customized to your smile
At Evolve Dental Care in Allentown, PA, our goal is to restore both function and confidence to patients by replacing their missing teeth.
Full and Partial Dentures Defined
Full dentures are dental appliances that replace all of your teeth on an arch. If you are missing all of your upper or lower teeth (or both), your dentist will create a custom denture to replace them. Dentures are a removable set of artificial teeth that rest on your gums. Depending on the type of denture, it stays in your mouth with suction, adhesive, clasps, or attachments.
At Evolve Dental Care, Dr. Amir and Dr. Sanaz customize full dentures to fit the contours of your jaw perfectly, creating a comfortable and secure seal. Here is a real result from a patient who transformed her smile with full dentures. This patient came to us with missing upper and lower teeth. We created custom complete upper and lower dentures, restoring her chewing function:
Partial dentures look and function a bit differently. They are used to fill in gaps where you’re missing only a few teeth in different areas of your mouth. The partial dentures fit around your existing healthy teeth to complete your smile. They involve the use of clips and the support of your natural teeth to stay secured in your mouth. Partial dentures are good for keeping your remaining teeth from moving into the empty spaces left by missing teeth. This is a positive for your lifelong oral health.
The Denture Process at Evolve Dental Care
Here’s what will happen when you get dentures at our practice:
Initial Consultation: Dr. Amir or Dr. Sanaz will examine your mouth thoroughly and discuss your goals with you. They’ll determine what kind of dentures you need and answer any questions you may have about the process.
Treatment Planning: Your dentist will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If you have damaged teeth that need extraction, for example, they’ll schedule that procedure first and allow time for your mouth to heal.
Impressions: The dental team will take detailed impressions of your mouth. These capture the exact shape of your gums and jaws to ensure a good fit.
Denture Creation: A dental laboratory will use your impressions to create your permanent dentures.
Delivery and Adjustment: The lab will send your custom dentures to your dentist, at which point your dentist will make final adjustments to ensure they fit you well. They’ll teach you how to use and take care of your new dentures.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Modern dentures are made of high-quality materials. They are made to be durable and look natural. The part of the denture that resembles your gums is typically made of acrylic resin, a type of plastic that’s easy to customize and closely matches your gum color. Some partial dentures are made with metal parts used to secure them to your existing teeth, which are usually made from alloys.
The artificial teeth themselves come in a couple of different options. Porcelain teeth are strong and translucent. They closely match real teeth. The other option is acrylic resin teeth. They cost less and are easier to work on if they need repair. You can talk to your dentist at Evolve Dental Care about which option is right for you. They’ll help you choose the best material combination based on your needs, budget, and preferences.
Do Dentures Require Much Upkeep?
Dentures do require daily care, but involve simple upkeep. You’ll remove your dentures every night and soak them in a denture solution. This keeps them clean and free from bacteria. You’ll also clean your dentures daily using a special denture brush and denture cleaner.
You’ll brush and floss the rest of your teeth (or your gums and tongue) like normal, a couple of times a day. Good oral hygiene prevents gum disease and keeps your mouth healthy. Bring your dentures to every dental appointment so that your dentist can check them for proper fit, cracks, or other issues.
Restore Your Smile at Evolve Dental Care
Dentures work remarkably well to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. The team at Evolve Dental Care customizes every aspect of your dentures to ensure they fit comfortably, function properly, and look natural. We take pride in creating dentures that enhance your smile.
If you’re ready to explore your tooth replacement options, give us a call at (610) 797-8245 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a complete, healthy smile.
