Dentures & Partials
Dentures and “Partials”…Traditional Solutions
Comfort dental provides comfortable, custom fitted dentures to replace lost or missing teeth so our patients can enjoy eating and smiling with confidence. Dentures are made of either acrylic (hard plastic) or metal.
A complete or full denture replaces all of the natural teeth. Removable partial dentures, called “partials” are replacement teeth that are supported by a metal framework with pink or gum-colored plastic bases. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more attractive than metal clasps and are nearly invisible. Follow this link to see more info about dentures, partials and precision attachments.
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Will dentures make me feel different?
Replacing lost or missing teeth is very good for your health and good for your appearance. A full denture replaces your natural teeth and can provide support to your cheeks and lips. Dentures can be made to closely match your natural teeth so that your appearance hardly changes. Modern dentures can even improve the look of your smile and improve the appearance of your face. There is an adjustment period during which your gums, cheeks, face, and smile need to get used to your new dentures. Your speech may be affected for a few weeks, but practicing reading aloud and speaking will normalize the problem within 3 weeks. Comfort Dental takes the time to coach you throughout this accommodation process. We are here to help you smile!
How often will my dentures need to be replaced?
Over time, all dentures need to be relined, or re-made, due to normal wear or a change in the shape of your mouth. Bone and gum ridges can shrink, causing your jaws to meet differently. Loose dentures can cause sores, infections, and discomfort. A loose or ill-fitting denture can also make eating and talking more difficult. It is important to replace worn or poorly fitting dentures before they cause problems. We may also recommend that you stabilize your dentures with implants, which helps to minimize the shrinkage of your jaw bones and provides the support, balance, and retention necessary to enjoy chewing and talking properly.
If I wear dentures, do I need to take special care of my mouth?
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush at least every night before bedtime and every morning. This removes plaque and helps the blood circulation in your mouth. If you wear partial dentures, it is even more important that you brush and floss your teeth every day. This will help stop tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to losing more of your teeth. Normal 6 month cleanings are required for partial denture wearers and a minimum of yearly examinations are necessary for full denture wearers. Oral cancer kills more people than breast cancer each year. A yearly examination from Comfort Dental is inexpensive and can save your life.
How long should I wear my dentures?
If you are getting dentures for the first time we advise wearing them for 2 hours and removing them for 2 hours intermittently for the first 2 weeks. Generally, we recommend that you do not wear your dentures while sleeping, unless we have diagnosed you with sleep apnea problems.
What’s the best way to take care of my dentures?
Brush, soak, brush. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel, in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking to remove any food debris. Using a denture cleaner (Efferdent) will help remove stubborn stains and keep your dentures feeling fresh. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. We advise using toothpaste and a medium toothbrush. Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which touches your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative. If you notice a build up of stains please bring your dentures in to Comfort Dental for a professional cleaning.
Can denture repairs be made in one day?
Yes. Advances in modern dentistry make it possible for Comfort Dental to reline or repair dentures quickly, often right in the dental office. More extensive repairs can be done in one day or overnight.
Will my dentures look fake?
No. Comfort Dental makes sure your dentures look natural. Today’s dentures are made just for you, in the correct color and size, and allow you to look and feel better effortlessly. We have the experience and knowledge to create for you the warm, natural smile you seek. Dentures help you lose that sunken look in your lower face, and can eliminate wrinkles around your mouth. You’ll look younger and smile more often!
Can I eat normally with dentures?
In many cases, denture wearers discover they can once again eat the foods they love. While not all denture wearers can eat everything they would like, many have few restrictions in their diets. Properly fitted dentures will encourage you to eat a balanced diet, improving your overall health. For patients who choose to have implant stabilized dentures, the sky is the limit!
Should I use denture adhesives?
Dentures that are made to fit precisely usually do not require regular use of an adhesive to ensure comfort, unless your jaws have suffered considerable shrinkage. Adhesives (Fixodent) provide extra security and peace of mind, especially for important occasions. And many people assert that adhesives increase the performance of even the best-fitting dentures. However, if your dentures begin to feel loose or cause pronounced discomfort, see us immediately. And always remember to clean the adhesive, before bedtime, as bacteria and infection can be caused by unremoved adhesive.
Can my medications affect dentures?
Yes, certain drugs can affect denture fit and comfort. High blood pressure medications, for example, can reduce the supply of saliva in your mouth, making it difficult to swallow or to chew.
Never try to make your own denture repairs.
Don’t even think about it! Attempting to repair your own dentures usually leads to more costly repairs. Don’t do it! Dentures don’t last forever. Modern dentures are more durable than ever before, but you can still break a tooth or the denture base by simply dropping them a few inches. Also, artificial teeth can lose their natural appearance and chewing ability due to simple wear and tear.
Today’s dentures are light years beyond the best dentures available as recently as 15 years ago. To learn if modern dentures will help you the most, call Comfort Dental at (248) 646-2273 and ask us about our denture program.