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Dentures

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With proper maintenance and care, dentures can be an excellent long-term solution to tooth loss.

If you're thinking about getting dentures, you might be asking yourself some questions: "How will they fit? Will they look natural? Will anyone else know I'm wearing fake teeth?" It's natural to be worried about how dentures will affect your life -- replacing natural teeth with dentures is a big change and shouldn't be taken lightly.

Although no one welcomes a partial or full set of replacement teeth, dentures serve several important functions. They help you chew, eat and speak normally and without pain. They also keep any existing teeth you have from drifting out of position, which prevents a range of dental problems. Most importantly, dentures restore your smile and give you the confidence to show off your pearly whites without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious about missing teeth.

Dentures 101

Regain Your Confidence
  • Missing teeth can affect your life
  • Restore your smile with dentures
  • Eat and speak freely again!
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There are two types of dentures available -- complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing; partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain.

Complete Dentures -- These are either "conventional" or "immediate." Conventional dentures are made after any remaining teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually two to three months later.

Immediate dentures are ready for wear the same day any remaining teeth are removed. The upside is that you don't have to spend the healing period toothless. The downside is that immediate dentures require more adjustments during the healing process, since your gums and bones shrink during this period.

Partial Dentures -- There are two types of partial dentures, removable and fixed. A removable partial denture (or dental bridge) consists of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. Removable partial dentures are connected by a metal framework that helps keep them in place. 

Fixed partial dentures (or fixed bridges) replace one or more missing teeth by placing dental crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching replacement teeth to them. This bridge is then cemented into place.

Common Concerns

It's normal to have questions about how dentures will affect your life. Talk to your dentures dentist before undergoing any treatment so you'll understand what's ahead. Ask your dentures dentist a few basic questions:

What will dentures feel like? Dentures may feel odd or even uncomfortable for the first few weeks. You may also experience some minor irritation and soreness. These things usually get better as your mouth adjusts to your dentures.

Will dentures affect the way I talk? Some words may be difficult to pronounce, so practice saying those words out loud for awhile. If your teeth click when you speak, contact your dentures dentist.

Will people know I'm wearing dentures? Dentures are designed to closely resemble your natural teeth. You will be able to speak, chew and look just like someone with a set of natural teeth.

How long will my dentures last? Your dentures dentist will tell you how to take care of your dentures. The better you care for them, the longer they'll last. Every few years, your dentures dentist may recommend a denture reline to adjust the fit. If your dentures become too loose over the years -- which can happen as your mouth's structure naturally changes -- your dentist will probably suggest a new set of dentures to ensure a snug fit.

If you think dentures might be right for you, talk to your dentist. The first step is an evaluation of your teeth and gums. Other options such as dental implants work for some. If not, your dentures dentist can explain exactly what you need. If you don't have a dentist, let us help! Call a friendly operator anytime at 1-866-970-9853.


Click here to watch a video on dentures

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