Whether you have dentures, know someone who does, or are considering them, there is a good chance you have questions. What’s important to know is that if you are missing teeth, dentures are a viable option for restoring your smile’s look, feel and function. The quality of dentures is constantly improving, too, allowing for better fit, increased comfort, and a more natural look than ever before.
What are dentures?
Dentures are a removable, restorative solution for those missing one or more teeth. There are two types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in a full dental arch and partial dentures replace multiple missing teeth when you still have some remaining natural teeth. Dr. Barnett and the team at Pell City Dental will work with you to determine the best plan of action if you are considering dentures.
What is the process like?
The process for dentures is unique to each patient. However, the process usually begins with teeth being extracted. Which teeth and how many will depend on whether you are receiving a complete or partial set of dentures. Pell City Dental is one of the only dental practices offering IV sedation for the extraction process, which will help keep you calm and comfortable. Your mouth will need some time to heal so your gum is able to return to its permanent shape after the swelling has subsided. Once that has happened, an impression of your mouth will be taken to guide the making of the dentures. Dr. Barnett will work with you to select the tooth shape and color (shade of white) you want for your new dentures.
At Pell City Dental, patients approve all dentures before they are processed – one of the only practices to do this – which saves you time and money. After you approve your dentures, they will be created. Once created, you will have your initial fitting and Dr. Barnett will make all necessary adjustments to ensure maximum comfort. You may need additional appointments later to fine-tune any areas of soreness.
How do I care for my new dentures?
The first step to taking care of your dentures is to make sure they are taken out of the mouth every night and placed in a cold glass of water. You can add a mild cleaning solution to the water if you would like, but it is not necessary. Your dentures need to be brushed as if they were your real teeth, and this should be done before you put them back in your mouth. Make sure you clean your dentures over a bowl or towel, as they are fragile and can break or chipped if dropped. Regular visits to Pell City Dental will still be required to ensure optimum oral health.
How long will my dentures last?
As time goes on, the shape of your mouth changes causing your dentures to become loose and you may have difficulties chewing. It is important to attend regular check-ups so your dentist can notice the need for replacement sooner than later and before any irritation occurs. How long your dentures last also greatly depends on the quality of your dentures. Pell City Dental offers multiple denture options such as Geneva 2000™, premium, deluxe, temporary and ultra-section dentures.
Dentures can be a great option for patients looking to restore and complete their smile. Pell City Dental will work with you to create a customized treatment plan to enhance your mouth and keep it healthy for years to come.
Do you have more questions about dentures and if they are right for you? Call Pell City Dental today at 205-473-0044!
