Dentures
Eat All of Your Favorite Foods Again
For centuries, dentists confidently relied on some form of dentures to rebuild smiles for their patients with missing teeth. That confidence is even more assured nowadays thanks to advances in dental materials and technology. Today, these teeth replacements look more natural and feel more comfortable that ever before. Medina dentist Dr. Allan J. Milewski and his team have used dentures to replace missing teeth for many people in our community. We’ll be glad to work with you to design dentures that restore both form and function to your smile. Just give us a call to get started!
What Are Dentures?
A denture is a prosthetic device designed to rebuild a patient’s smile after tooth loss. Typically, it consists of a pink acrylic base and as many artificial teeth as someone needs to complete their smile. Each denture is custom-made to resemble your original pearly whites, creating a seamless appearance. Depending on your unique oral health, we may suggest one of the three main types of dentures:
Partial Dentures
When you’re missing a few teeth here and then, a partial denture can restore your complete smile. Partials consist of false teeth that are attached to a metal framework. Brackets secure the partial to healthy adjacent teeth. If your missing teeth are not in a row, then the partial will be made to fit in between remaining teeth. A partial is removable, so you can simply take it out to clean your mouth as well as your prosthesis.
Full Dentures
A full denture brings back an entire row of lost teeth. The base sits directly on top of your gums, staying firmly in place thanks to a natural suction force. For additional security, you can use a bit of denture adhesive. Like partials, full dentures are usually removable for easy cleaning.
Implant Dentures
For replacement teeth that last longer and are even sturdier, we can anchor your full or partial denture onto dental implants. Because these posts are surgically inserted into the jawbone, they provide unmatched strength, stability, and function. Implant dentures are typically fixed in the mouth and can only be removed by a dental professional.
Benefits of Dentures
Traditional full and partial dentures offer the following benefits:
- They’re among the most cost-effective ways to replace missing teeth.
- They allow you to eat all of your favorite foods again and enjoy a varied, nutritious diet.
- A well-fitting denture can often look just like your natural teeth.
- Most patients are able to receive their denture within a matter of weeks.
Implant dentures are even more beneficial, as they can last significantly longer and renew even more of your biting/chewing force.
Living with New Dentures
After you receive your dentures, your mouth may be tender for the first few weeks. To help your mouth adjust, wear your dentures as often as possible, only removing them at bedtime. Start out by eating soft, easy-to-chew foods and gradually work your way up to heartier meals. To get used to speaking with them, practice reading aloud. Before you know it, your dentures will feel much like your regular teeth.
In terms of maintenance, you should clean your dentures as often as you would normally clean your teeth. Do not use a regular toothbrush or toothpaste because they can be abrasive. Instead, use products specifically designed for dentures. Overnight, let your dentures soak in room-temperature water or a denture cleaning solution.