Dentures in Stuart

When you lose even a single tooth, it is important to replace it since it will cause the rest of your teeth to shift into the empty space. This will cause esthetic problems, as well as lead to tooth decay since crowded teeth are harder to clean. For patients missing several teeth, but not all of their teeth, a removable partial denture may be an affordable option. A partial denture is held in place by a bridge supported by the remaining teeth. Unlike implant-supported crowns, implant-supported bridges, and fixed dental bridges, removable partial dentures should not be worn 24 hours a day and should be removed at night.

There are many different types of and designs for removable partial dentures. Typically, a removable partial denture is made of a metal framework with an esthetic plastic material (acrylic resin) forming both gums and denture teeth. They are designed to offer a patient proper dental function, allowing them to eat while the denture is in. The use of dental implants may increase the stability of your removable partial denture (implant-retained dentures).

Your new dentures should fit securely, but denture adhesive may be helpful as you get used to wearing them. A denture that does not fit well can cause irritation, mouth sores and infection. While denture adhesive may help a loose-fitting denture for a short time, using adhesive all the time is not recommended. If your denture is loose, have it checked by a prosthodontist. Dental implants should be considered if you feel like you can’t go without denture adhesive.

The typical lifespan of dentures is 5 to 10 years, though it varies by patient. Eventually, dentures may wear down or no longer fit properly and will need replacement. The prostheses may need repaired, relined, or rebased. Repairs to fix breaks, cracks, or chips to the denture base or teeth can often be made easily. Relining is when new material is added to the underside of the denture base to fit to your gums. Rebasing is when a new base is made while still using the existing teeth. Relines and rebases should result in a more accurate fit.

The mouth changes naturally with age. Jaws line up differently as bones and gum ridges recede and shrink. At some point your dentures will be worn or no longer fit well and will have to be remade. It is important to replace worn or ill-fitting dentures before they cause problems. Your prosthodontist will let you know when it is time to replace your dentures.

The use of dental implants my increase the stability of your complete denture.

It is important to keep in mind that dentures are not meant to be worn 24 hours a day, your prosthodontist will recommend taking them out at night. The tissues that are covered with denture material all the time can become irritated or even infected (often a painful fungal infection called candidiasis). Like natural teeth, you must take good care of dentures.

Clean them daily to prevent buildup of food and plaque. When brushing them avoid the use of toothpaste because most toothpastes contain abrasive particles. Liquid hand soap is a good alternative. Keep dentures in water or soaking solution when not in use to prevent drying out. Rinse them very well after using any denture cleanser because it may contain chemicals that should not go in the mouth.

If you have a removable partial denture, take extra care of your remaining natural teeth, especially the teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. Brush twice a day and floss once a day. In addition, make regular visits to your registered dental hygienist for professional cleanings or periodontal maintenance.