Dr. Matha Discusses Brenda, Denture Stabilization Patient
A Reliable Solution for Missing Teeth
If you have missing teeth, your jawbone gradually degrades and the empty spaces can cause significant changes to the structure of your mouth and jaw. Eating the foods you once enjoyed can be a struggle, it’s too embarrassing to smile, and your self-confidence has taken a hit. Tooth loss can also lead to increased sensitivity, decay, and chips in your remaining teeth because they’re taking on an added burden. If you’re missing several or all your teeth, Dr. Avi Matha provides several types of dentures like Full and Partial dentures in Woodbury, MN to help restore your dental function and appearance! As with any dental solution, there are pros and cons to wearing dentures. At your first consultation, Dr. Matha will discuss your lifestyle and goals, including the functionality of your smile to determine if dentures are the best option for you.
We Offer Four Types of Dentures
We provide four types of dentures in Woodbury, MN, each of which has specific purposes. The last one combines the benefits of dental implants with removable dentures to provide far greater security and support.
Temporary Dentures
This solution is ideal for patients undergoing cosmetic dentistry to replace a missing tooth, e.g. if a tooth was knocked out playing sports or in an accident. Temporaries ensure you have a natural looking smile while waiting for dental implants or a dental bridge to be completed. The temporary denture is secured in place with a metal wire that works like a retainer and can be taken in and out whenever you like.
Partial Dentures
Complete Dentures
When all of your teeth are missing, complete dentures are a viable tooth replacement solution. Technology has improved in recent years, making dentures more comfortable and natural looking than in the past. If you decide a complete set of dentures is the right option, your gums need to heal for 8-12 weeks after any remaining teeth are extracted. Following extraction, your bones and gums will begin to shrink. Waiting up to 12 weeks, ensures that your set of complete dentures will fit securely. Another option is to get immediate dentures. Although this solution doesn’t require a waiting period, Dr. Matha will need to make adjustments later after your gums and bone change shape.
Implant Supported Dentures
How are Dentures Made?
Pros of Dentures
Dentures have a learning curve as you adjust to wearing your new teeth, but you’ll become used to them in just a few weeks. You’ll then experience the benefits of our modern dentures, including:
- Cost-effective option
- Non-surgical solution
- Improved appearance and smile
- Better ability to bite, chew, and enjoy food
- Better support for facial muscles
- Renewed self-confidence
Understanding Denture Limitations
The biggest challenge with traditional dentures is that they may not feel like natural teeth. Although functional, you have to take care of them as a separate appliance. Other cosmetic dentistry procedures make it easy to forget you ever lost a tooth. While modern techniques have made dentures more secure and comfortable, they can fall out, click, or slip, especially when eating or speaking. If you’re a denture wearer, you need to remove and clean them every night and soak them overnight. Before placed them back in your mouth, it’s important to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste and use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill any lingering bacteria.
FAQs
After getting dentures, opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods initially, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and steamed vegetables. Avoid hard, sticky, or tough foods that could dislodge or damage your dentures. As you adjust, gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods, including lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, cutting them into small, manageable pieces. Remember to chew slowly and evenly to prevent discomfort or displacement of your dentures.
Full dentures are recommended when most or all of your natural teeth are missing or need to be removed due to extensive damage or decay. They provide comprehensive coverage and support for chewing, speaking, and facial aesthetics. On the other hand, partial dentures are suitable when you have some remaining natural teeth. They fill in gaps and prevent shifting. Your dentist at Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry will assess your oral health and recommend the most appropriate option for your specific needs between full and apartial dentures.
Partial dentures can indeed look natural when properly crafted and fitted by skilled dental professionals. Advanced materials and techniques allow for partials to blend seamlessly with existing teeth, matching color, shape, and texture. With careful attention to detail and customization, partial dentures can restore your smile with confidence, enhancing both appearance and functionality. Trusting experienced dentists ensures that your partial dentures harmonize naturally with your unique dental aesthetics.
Partial dentures typically last between 5 to 10 years with proper care. However, their lifespan can vary depending on factors like oral hygiene, lifestyle, and the quality of materials used. Regular cleaning, avoiding hard foods, and scheduling routine check-ups with your dentist can help extend the longevity of partials. Over time, changes in jawbone structure may necessitate adjustments or replacement to maintain comfort and effectiveness.
For individuals with dentures, regular dental visits remain crucial for maintaining oral health. It’s generally recommended to schedule check-ups every six months. During these appointments, dentists assess the condition of your dentures, check for any signs of wear or damage, and ensure they fit properly. Additionally, routine examinations allow for early detection of any underlying oral health issues, promoting overall well-being and longevity of your dentures.