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| DENTURES |
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What are dentures?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They are typically made
of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.
Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while
a partial denture fills in the spaces created
by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from
changing position.
Complete dentures are either "conventional" or "immediate." A
conventional denture is placed in the mouth
about a month after all the teeth are removed
to allow for proper healing, whereas an immediate
denture is placed as soon as the teeth are
removed.
A denture improves chewing ability and speech,
and provides support for facial muscles. It
will greatly enhance the appearance of your
face and smile.
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before dentures |
after dentures |
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How
does the denture process work?
We can make a full conventional set of dentures when all teeth have been lost
or all extraction sites have healed (up to eight weeks or longer.) After the
initial diagnosis is made, the denture process takes about one month and five
separate appointments.
Then,
- an impression and a wax bite are made
to determine vertical dimensions and proper
jaw position
- a temporary "try-in" is
placed to assure proper color, shape and
fit
- your
final denture is placed, following any
minor adjustments
New denture wearers need time to get accustomed
to their new "teeth" because even
the best fitting dentures will feel awkward
at first. While most patients can begin to
speak normally within a few hours, many patients
report discomfort with eating for several days
to a few weeks. |
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How
do you care for your dentures?
A denture is fragile, so it is very important to handle it with care. Remove
and brush your dentures daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically
for cleaning dentures, using either a denture cleanser or toothpaste.
Don't sterilize your dentures with boiling
water because it will cause it to become warped.
If you wear a partial denture be sure to remove
it before brushing your natural teeth. When
not in use, soak it in a cleanser solution
or in water. |
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Are there any
alternatives to dentures?
Dentures are no longer the only way to restore a mouth with few or no teeth.
Strategically placed implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges,
eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants
and bridges more closely resemble the "feel" of real teeth.
Dental
implants are becoming the alternative
of choice to dentures, but not everyone is
a candidate for implants. Schedule
an appointment if
you would like a consultation to
find out more about your options. |
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