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Dental Dentures
Here at Lexington Dental, we are proud to offer affordable, natural-looking dentures. They offer numerous benefits for dental patients, restoring functionality for chewing and speaking, as well as enhancing facial aesthetics. We customize dentures to fit comfortably and naturally, ensuring optimal function and appearance. Whether partial or complete, dentures are crafted to restore your smile's beauty and your confidence. If you want to restore your smile, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable dental team!
Dental Dentures
Learn About Dental Dentures
Dentures are custom-made, removable replacements for missing teeth. If you’ve lost some or even all of your natural teeth, it is important to replace them not only to restore your smile but also for the benefit of your health. Dentures can help you eat and speak more comfortably, and are made to closely resemble your natural smile or even improve it!
When one sees the word “denture,” more likely than not what comes to mind is a full set of upper and lower artificial teeth in gum-colored base. But dentures actually come in many different types and forms, and can replace anywhere between one missing tooth and all the teeth on an arch. There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. We also offer implant-supported dentures.
Dental Dentures
What are the Difference Types of Dentures?
If you’ve lost any of your natural teeth, it’s important to replace them not only to restore your smile, but also for your oral health and quality of life. Dentures are an affordable option for replacing missing teeth and come in three main categories: full (complete), partial and implant supported. Let’s take a look at these different types of dentures!
Full Dentures, also known as complete dentures, are recommended for patients who are missing all of their natural teeth and do not have enough bone structure to support implants. Full dentures can be either conventional or immediate. Conventional dentures are made and placed after the remaining teeth are removed and all tissues have healed, which may take several months. Immediate dentures are made in advance and are placed immediately after teeth are removed. However because tissue and bone shrink over time and especially while healing, immediate dentures typically require more extensive refitting and adjustments while the jaw heals, and sometimes have to be remade entirely.
Partial Dentures are a good option for patients who have one or more remaining healthy teeth. These appliances consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base, which is fastened to nearby natural teeth to keep them fixed in place. They are not permanently attached however, and can easily be removed for cleaning and while sleeping, just like full dentures.
Implant Supported Dentures are attached to dental implants which are anchored in the jawbone, unlike regular dentures which rest on the gums. These are a good option for patients who do not have remaining teeth but do have enough healthy bone structure to support implants. This type of denture has special attachments that snap onto attachments on the implants. Implant supported dentures are usually more stable and comfortable than traditional dentures, with a high rate of patient satisfaction.
Dental Dentures
The Dental Denture Procedure
Dental denture procedures involve several important steps to ensure a comfortable fit and natural appearance. Patients usually require at least two to five visits for the complete denture process, with partial dentures often requiring fewer visits. These visits include fittings and adjustments to ensure proper alignment and comfort.
Initially, impressions and measurements of the patient's mouth are taken to create a precise mold. This mold serves as the foundation for crafting custom dentures that fit securely and comfortably.
Once the dentures are fabricated, they undergo a series of adjustments during subsequent appointments. These adjustments are crucial for achieving proper bite alignment and ensuring optimal comfort for the patient.
At Lexington Dental, our experienced team guides patients through each step, addressing any concerns and ensuring satisfaction with the final results. Regular follow-up appointments are recommended to monitor the fit of the dentures and make any necessary adjustments.
Dental Dentures
Adjusting To Your Dentures
Like getting braces or a new retainer, new dentures will feel like a foreign object at first. It is normal to experience some discomfort as you get used to them, but it’s helpful to keep in mind that it won’t last forever. Patience is key!
1. Eating and speaking
Eating and speaking with new dentures will take a little practice, but it will eventually become much easier. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, and gradually incorporate harder food items. Don’t skip out on nutritious food! Singing is a great method of speech training, and singing along to your favorite tunes is an excellent and enjoyable way to adjust to speaking with your dentures fluidly.
2. Feel a bit loose?
It is not unusual for dentures to feel a bit loose or bulky while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place, but it will feel more comfortable in time. It’s also a good idea to talk to your dentist about recommended dental creams or adhesives, and experiment with what kind works best for you!
3. Minor irritation
Patients also often experience temporarily increased saliva flow as well as minor irritation and soreness. These issues will all go away as your mouth gradually gets used to the dentures. If irritation or discomfort persists, we recommend visiting the dentist for adjustments for a more comfortable and stable fit. Do not attempt to adjust dentures yourself, as this can result in irreparable damage. And be sure to clean and care for your dentures and mouth daily!
4. Cleaning Your Dentures
Regardless of the type, all dentures must be cleaned daily and removed nightly. Rinse and brush your dentures daily to remove food, plaque and bacteria, which can cause harm to existing teeth and gums. When not in use, submerge your dentures in a lukewarm denture soaking solution or plain water to prevent them from drying out and warping. Always remove your dentures while sleeping to avoid damaging them, and also to give your gums some time to relax!
Here at Lexington Dental, we restore smiles with dentures. Our team may recommend traditional or fixed dentures depending on your condition. No matter your care needs, we strive to offer quality dentures at affordable prices.
