Dentures
Agoura Hills, CA
 When you think of dentures, you may get an image of Grandma’s clunky, removable teeth sitting in a vat of cleaning fluid next to her bed. Fortunately, denture technology has evolved significantly over the years. If you think dentures might be right for you, but are hesitant to take them on, look no further. The experts at Artistic Smiles are here to help you learn more.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices worn in place of your missing teeth. They can be used whether you are missing all of the teeth in your arch - called a full denture - or if you are only missing a few teeth - a partial denture. Made of acrylic or porcelain, dentures can be made to custom fit your mouth and can restore the appearance and overall function of your mouth.
Full Dentures
Full or complete dentures replace a full arch of teeth, so you need to be missing or have removed all of your upper or lower teeth in order to wear them. Made of a plastic base colored to blend in, they fit over the gums of your lower or upper jaw. The upper denture extends over the roof of your mouth (hard palate) while the lower denture is smaller, cut out like a U to make space for your tongue. Held in place by a seal formed to your gums, they can be further stabilized through the use of an adhesive. Full dentures come in two flavors: immediate, or conventional.
Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures are made to fit your mouth after your teeth have been removed and your gums have begun to heal. Because they are fitted after the healing process has begun, they fit better. They are usually ready 8-12 weeks after your teeth have been removed. In the interim, you are without teeth, which can be a serious annoyance.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are made prior to tooth removal and can be placed immediately. This means you do not have to be without teeth while you heal. However, your gums and jaw tend to shrink as you heal, so immediate dentures may not fit as well as conventional ones.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when you retain some natural teeth in your arch. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, preventing your remaining natural teeth from changing position. Resting on a metal framework that attaches the appliance to your natural teeth, they are a removable alternative to bridges or dental implants.
Getting Used to Dentures
It may take a little while to get used to your dentures. They may feel bulky and uncomfortable, and you may have difficulty chewing and speaking at first. This should go away after a few months. If it does not, or if you experience any irritation, talk to us about refitting your dentures.
Missing teeth can lead to a variety of problems, including difficulty chewing and speaking. Dentures can help restore both the oral functionality and the appearance that was lost. They are inexpensive, widely available, easy to replace, removable, and do not require painful oral surgery. If you are interested in learning more about dentures, call the office at (818) 930-5647 to speak with the experts at Artistic Smiles today! |
