Replace Missing Teeth With Full & Partial Dentures in Eden Prairie, MN
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Dentures
There are many wonderful options today to replace missing teeth. Not everyone though is a candidate for implants and bridges. Sometimes the situation dictates a full or partial set of dentures. Dentures are dental prosthetics that replace missing teeth. Let’s look at some of the reasons why dentures become the best option, the different types of the appliance, how they’re made, and the benefits and care of the dentures when completed.
Another type of cosmetic dental option if you don't need complete replacement is porcelain veneers. Inquire with our dentist today regarding either today.
Reasons for Needing Dentures
You are a candidate for dentures if you are experiencing one of the following situations. First, if you are missing the majority of your natural teeth. On top of this, you may not be able to have implants because of receding gums and a loss of bone tissue to support the implants. If you are experiencing severe decay and your only option is to extract a large number of teeth this also puts you into the denture treatment category. As mentioned before, implants are not an option because you have lost bone integrity to pursue implants as an option. Also mentioned before but is a factor on its own is the condition of your gums. Aging may be causing them to recede or you have gum disease. Of course, you may be young and have had a serious accident that resulted in a large number of teeth being extracted. You wouldn’t be the first to encounter this event. You may have dentures prior to implants or a version of a dental bridge of sorts.
Different Types of Dentures
Dentures are totally removable from your mouth. This option when it comes to tooth replacement offers customization to say the least. Generally speaking, there are two main types of this appliance, the partial set and the full set. Partial sets help fill gaps where only some teeth are missing. Often times a clasp will be used to hook the partial set to a healthy tooth. These dentures can be fabricated to match your natural teeth. A full set of dentures is when all of your teeth are missing. The prosthesis is held in place with suction. With either a full set or a partial set it allows you to bite, chew and eat normally. Your smile will not be compromised. It will be totally normal. By having these teeth replaced it also keeps the facial muscles from sagging over time.
How Dentures are Made & FIt
The dentures of today have come a long way from George Washington when his were made from lead, human teeth, cow teeth and elephant ivory. The material used today to fabricate a full set or partial set of dentures is a variety of resin and porcelain. Porcelain has the most natural look since it has a finish like the enamel of natural teeth. The colors can be matched perfectly as well to your regular teeth. Porcelain teeth also feel very similar to your natural teeth. They can also last quite some time. A huge disadvantage for a set of porcelain dentures is that the can and will break easily. So, since they are removed often, and you drop them on the bathroom floor, you might be out of luck. Recently an acrylic resin has been introduced as the new go-to material. The acrylic material is lighter in weight and adheres to the denture base more securely. Now, the base itself. The full or partial plate is made from a rigid acrylic resin and a flexible nylon polymer. Our dds at Smile Eden Prairie will first make an impression of your gums. The impression is used to then make a mold. A wax model is made from the mold and the porcelain or acrylic teeth are placed into the wax to try it out for size and fit in your mouth. Once both parties agree the final plate is made. The base can be tinted to match your gums. Just like that you have new teeth.
Benefits of Dentures
Since the dentures are a removable appliance there is no surgery involved. A set of dentures will restore your smile and everything that comes with that smile; your self-confidence and your self-esteem. Of course the essential functions of biting, chewing, eating and talking all come with having a mouth full of teeth again. Once you get your new appliance you may have to practice talking out loud. You will also want to gently bite down and swallow until you totally get used to the new appliance in your mouth. The dental industry as a whole says that your set, partial or full should last you between five and eight years. There will be some normal wear and tear and it will also be advisable to revisit your fit since your gums may have shrank.
Now, just because your teeth are now a removable appliance does not mean that the balance of your oral hygiene takes a step backward. When you take your dentures out you need to first rinse them and then use a soft bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser to gently brush all the surfaces of the dentures. You do not want to scratch them. At the same time you need to brush your mouth thoroughly. This includes your gums, cheeks, the roof of your mouth and your tongue. Bacteria carrying plaque can adhere to all of these surfaces as well, not just your teeth. Your appliance should be stored in water so they won’t warp and change shape. You should remove your set every night. This actually gives your gums and bone a chance to relax. The staff at Smile Eden Prairie will also advise you that you should continue to schedule exams twice a year. Whether it be a full set or a partial set, there are still a number of other moving parts that need to be examined to maintain the best oral hygiene that you possibly can. Enjoy your new set of dentures. Enjoy your smile, your laughter, and your level of self-confidence.