The benefits of having teeth—allowing you to eat what you like; speak, smile, and laugh with confidence—can really be missed when they’re gone. Dentures have replaced lost teeth for centuries, but the materials and techniques for making them have improved dramatically. Today there are better options available than ever before to make dentures a satisfying solution for missing teeth. At Stadium Dental Center‘s Jefferson City office, we enjoy working with people who want to have well-made custom dentures.
What types of dentures are there?
Anyone who has lost or may lose all or most of their teeth can receive complete dentures to replace all of their teeth. If there are some sturdy natural teeth left, then a partial denture can serve to fill in the space left by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from gradually tipping or drifting. This type of denture has replacement teeth in a pink or gum-colored polymer base held in the mouth by a flexible polymer or rigid metal framework.
Conventional complete dentures are placed in the mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and the tissue has fully healed for several months. Immediate dentures are placed in the mouth the same day that the remaining teeth are removed so you won’t be left without teeth during the healing period, but your dentures will need to be relined or possibly remade after healing alters the shape of the supporting bone in the first year or so.
Overdentures use a small number of remaining teeth (or dental implants) to improve denture retention and stability in the mouth. When conditions allow, we may be able to retain and use certain natural teeth. Saving these teeth can help preserve your jawbone and provide better support for the denture.
How do I get dentures?
The process of having dentures made takes about three to five weeks over three to four appointments. After the initial examination, we make impressions and measurements of your jaw to determine the dentures’ form and design. The dentures’ color, shape, and fit are evaluated during try-in visits before the final products are made. After you receive the final dentures, we will make adjustments to refine the fit for comfortable function.
What should I expect from my new dentures?
Using a new set of dentures is a bit like learning to ride a bike for the first time—just about anyone can succeed, but it takes time and practice. Living with new dentures takes some adjustment as your lip, cheek and tongue muscles learn to keep them in place. Speaking with them will become natural as you adapt to them, and saliva flow may temporarily increase. Some minor irritation and soreness is expected at first. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems will be resolved with our help and your patience!
How long should I wear my dentures?
We ask immediate denture patients to wear them all the time, including during sleep, for the first 24 hours to highlight areas that need adjustment. Under normal circumstances, we advise that you remove your dentures every night to allow the tissues to rebound.
How do I care for my dentures?
Dentures should be thoroughly brushed daily inside and out to remove food and plaque and to prevent staining. After rinsing the denture, brush it everywhere using a nylon-bristle brush and nonabrasive denture cleaner (not toothpaste).
When you’re not wearing your dentures, protect them in a safe container and soak them in water to keep them from losing their shape. If you use a denture adhesive, follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
To keep the supporting tissues healthy, brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush to promote circulation and reduce odor-causing bacteria and fungi. In addition to maintaining good home care, you should continue to see us for follow-up visits and regular checkups. We’ll help you get the best service in Jefferson City from your new dentures!
