Full dentures (also known as "false teeth" and "complete dentures") are a very common form of long-term teeth replacement and are used by all ages as an alternative to extensive and expensive implants. Partial dentures (also known as "removable partial dentures" or "partials") can also be used in place of bridges in cases where the surrounding teeth are too weak to be used as anchors or where there are a relatively large number of teeth missing. Partial dentures are set in place and held there by brackets that fit onto the teeth surrounding them.
Like bridges, both full and partial dentures require precise fitting; over the gums to ensure they rest comfortably in place, and between the gums to ensure top and bottom teeth meet at the exact right place. In the latter case, having your teeth meet at the right place not only means that chewing is both comfortable and natural feeling, but that damage to the temporomandibular joint (joint connecting the jaw or "mandible" to the skull) and to the connecting muscles is avoided. Dr. Clark uses a number of specially developed instruments to gauge the exact point at which the teeth should make contact and from that determine the size of denture best suited to you. Once impressions and measurements have been taken, the dentures are fabricated in a dental lab and then sent back to the dental office. After they have been checked for fit you are all ready to enjoy your new teeth.
Dr. Clark and his associates will work with you to help you keep your dentures looking great, and a key part in this is following these four practises:
First, brush your dentures regularly. You may have thought that once your teeth were gone you had seen the last of brushing - not so. Just like with natural teeth, bacterial can build up in your dentures and if left unchecked, can cause gum disease. By brushing multiple times a day, you can assure your mouth remains healthy.
Second, remove your dentures before you sleep. Give your gums and surrounding teeth a good cleaning, either with a soft tooth brush or with a cloth, carefully removing all plaque from the area.
Third, let your dentures sit in a cleaning solution or warm water while not in your mouth, especially overnight. This will loosen any plaque that has built on your dentures and make it easier to remove during brushing. Be sure to brush them before reinserting. If you have metal attachments on your dentures, soak them only in warm water as solutions may corrode the metal.
Fourth, check in with your dentist regularly. This is only natural if you have a partial denture because you will be in to check on your other teeth. Full dentures must be checked on as well; your mouth is always changing and so it is important to make sure your dentures continue to meet your needs and that your gums and mouth remain healthy.
Make an appointment to see how we can help you fit, create, and maintain your full or partial dentures.