Dentures are a functional, removable solution for missing teeth.
Aside from the obvious cosmetic benefits that dentures offer for missing teeth, they can also help alleviate speech impediments, help prevent further unnecessary wear of existing teeth, and prevent the shifting of adjacent teeth. Dentures also serve a functional roll by providing your with mouth the support it needs to avoid sunken cheeks and lips caused by missing teeth.
Partial vs. full dentures – what’s the difference?
Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They can also be used as an alternative to the dental bridge when the neighbouring teeth aren’t sufficiently strong enough support a bridge. Partial dentures are typically designed with false teeth attached to a metal framework with an acrylic base that snaps into place. The base is colour-matched to blend in with your gums.
Full or “complete” dentures are a dental prosthesis designed to replace complete sets of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. Full dentures have an acrylic base that fits over your gums, staying in place with suction. The acrylic material used in the construction of the base is colour-matched to resemble the appearance of your gums. While upper dentures cover the roof of your mouth (your palate), lower dentures are designed with a shape to accommodate your tongue.
Immediate vs. conventional dentures
There are two types of full dentures: immediate and conventional dentures. Conventional dentures are placed in the mouth after your teeth have been removed and the gums have had time to heal. Like the name suggests, immediate dentures are placed in the mouth immediately after teeth removal. While immediate dentures provide the benefit of never having to be without teeth, they require more frequent adjustments after being inserted because the supporting bone structure can change shape during the healing process following teeth removal.
Caring for your dentures
Use a special brush designed for dentures or a soft-bristle toothbrush. Gently brush all surfaces of your dentures twice a day and try to avoid the use of abrasive toothpastes. Once your dentures are clean, you may place them in a glass of water or denture solution overnight to help them stay moist and maintain their shape.
If you have questions about dentures, our team would be happy to hear from you! Give us a call to book a consultation for full or partial dentures - (306) 374-7272.
Wildwood Dental Clinic
105 - 1526 8th Street East,
Saskatoon, SK
S7H 0T3