Phoenix Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures and Partial Dentures Phoenix, AZ

You have probably heard about partial and full dentures as treatments for tooth loss. If you are now facing this problem and want to do something about your smile, these are great solutions. Living with missing teeth can make things difficult for eating, but it can also affect your self-esteem. Dentures and partial dentures are practical solutions to restore mouth function and help patients enjoy smiling once again.

Dentures and partial dentures are available at Modern Smiles Family Dentistry in Phoenix and the surrounding area. Our staff can evaluate your condition and determine which option is the right fit for you. Whether you are missing a few teeth, several teeth, or all your teeth, dentures may provide the relief you have been anticipating. Because our professionals have the necessary knowledge and training, you can feel at ease knowing we can set you on the path to a beautiful smile.

Call our office today at (602) 362-7065 so you can make an appointment.

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Benefits of Getting Dentures

It is normal for people to be nervous about getting dentures and partial dentures. Replacing teeth is an essential step in a person's journey to achieve the oral health they want. Dentures are natural-looking. When in place, dentures do not look awkward or clunky. Dentures have strong artificial teeth and allow patients to eat many of their favorite foods. Also, this treatment can last for ten years or more, depending on how well the patient will take care of the dentures.

According to WebMD, wearing dentures can improve a person's smile. No longer does the patient have to hide a toothless smile but can instead open up without feeling embarrassed or ashamed. Showing off one's smile can make it more comfortable to meet new people, speak in public, socialize, and get back activities they once did. Dentures will typically not cost as much as some other treatments. Some insurance plans may even cover some of the costs. If your considering dentures, talk with your insurance provider to see what parts of the cost are covered.

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Importance of Replacing Teeth

Since the teeth play a crucial role in multiple aspects of one's life, it is essential to keep up one's oral health routine. If one tooth has an infection, then there is a chance of it spreading to other teeth and the jaw. Plaque that remains on the teeth long enough can cause decay and lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, we can use dentures and partial dentures to restore a smile and boost oral health.

Along with functioning in the same way teeth do and providing the appearance of a natural smile, dentures can replace damaged teeth that cause the patient pain. While the patient can take necessary steps to prevent tooth loss, oral hygiene may not be enough once the infection reaches a more severe stage. In other cases, patients may have a gap or several gaps due to missing teeth.

Once permanent adult teeth fall out, there is no way to grow new ones. Thankfully, we can use dentures or partial dentures to replace them. Dentures will replace an entire row of teeth along the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures can replace several teeth or half of a row of teeth.

Dentures vs. Partial Dentures

As discussed in an article by the Oral Health Foundation, there are differences between full and partial dentures. Full dentures are a good option for patients who have no remaining teeth, or whose damaged teeth are beyond repair or salvaging.

Meanwhile, a partial appliance makes sense when the person still has some natural teeth remaining. At Modern Smiles Family Dentistry, we can fit patients with either one of these mouth appliances.

Permanent Dentures

There are forms of permanent dentures as well, though these may not be as common as the removable type. Permanent dentures can be more secure and durable. With permanent dentures, we anchor this apparatus to the jaw with implants. People choose these dentures to help avoid the embarrassment of the appliance slipping out while speaking or eating.

Deciding If Dentures Are Right for You

Living without teeth can be difficult, both physically and emotionally. People who are missing teeth recognize the need to replace them but may not know which option is right. Patients should speak with our staff about dentures and partial dentures, along with other possibilities.

We can help patients who are researching the pros and cons of each tooth replacement option. If there are any concerns or questions about dentures, patients can ask our staff.

How Dentures Work

The doctor should speak openly to their patients about dentures and partial dentures. Patients need to understand the benefits and possible drawbacks of this treatment. Unlike implants and bridges, dentures are removable. This apparatus consists of a gum-colored acrylic base and artificial teeth.

The teeth usually consist of metal, covered in plastic. The patient will fit the dentures over the gums. Denture adhesive products are available to help keep the appliance firmly in place in the mouth. After a few days to adjust, the patient should not experience discomfort or irritation when wearing the dentures. If pain persists, contact your dentist.

The Process of Getting Dentures

Our dentist will first meet with the patient to discuss the treatment and what to expect. Team members will take X-rays and make impressions of the patient’s mouth. These will go to a lab technician who can customize the appliance for the patient. At this first appointment, our dentist may remove any decayed or severely damaged teeth. If necessary, this may occur at a subsequent appointment.

Once the dentures are ready, the patient will return to Modern Smiles Family Dentistry for the fitting process. This appointment will also happen after the gums have healed following any tooth extractions. In making sure the dentures fit correctly, we will also make any adjustments when necessary. Once complete, the patient will be able to bite down without issue.

Follow-Up Care

All types of medical and dental procedures have potential side effects. Fortunately, getting dentures is less risky than other tooth-replacement options. It can take some time for the wearer to adjust to having dentures in the mouth. After several days, the wearer should feel comfortable. There may also be some minor pain, soreness, and irritation in the gums. Patients should contact our office right away if these problems persist.

It is still essential for patients to visit our office for regular dental appointments, even after getting dentures. Our dentist will examine the patient’s gums and will also make sure the dentures still fit well and are functioning correctly. Once the appliance starts to wear out, we can make a new one for the patient.

Main Teeth Replacement Options

There are several options that patients can choose from when it comes to teeth replacement. Some people may rely on more than one, depending on the situation.

1. Implants

This option is the most permanent, having the potential to go without a replacement. It requires several visits, time for healing, and may take a year to complete. The process involves placing an implant into the bone structure of the jaw, where it should sit permanently. The dentist then places a crown over the implant for a realistic look. Most patients can then use the tooth immediately.

2. Bridges

An often-faster option and, depending on insurance, more cost-conscious option is to get bridges. However, unlike implants, these typically need replacement every five to ten years. With exceptional care, some people extend that lifespan to about 15 years. Bridges involve cementing an artificial tooth into the available gap and securing it to the natural teeth or implants on both or either side. This procedure typically takes about two visits to complete and may include a crown.

3. Dentures

Patients may choose to get either full or partial dentures, depending on the extent of tooth loss. Most types of dentures are removable. If a person still has natural teeth, the dentist must note the color of the teeth and gums. That way, the doctor can ensure the coating of the dentures match the natural teeth, especially if the teeth are visible.

How to Care for Dentures

A set of dentures represents a significant investment and is vital for your health and comfort. Taking good care of them can help them last longer. Proper maintenance is also essential to avoid problems with oral health that may otherwise arise.

Patients who have removable dentures must be careful to avoid dropping them when they are out. Otherwise, they can become chipped or cracked. Make it a habit to handle them over a folded towel or other soft material in case they slip out of your hand.

Dentures are designed for the moist environment of the mouth. Exposing them to dry air can warp their shape. When taking out dentures for a period of time, such as overnight, store them in water or an appropriate denture cleansing solution. However, do not use hot water as that can also affect the dentures' shape.

Make sure to clean the dentures daily. Just as with natural teeth, the build-up of food debris and plaque can encourage bacterial growth and compromise your oral hygiene. You also do not want permanent food stains on your new teeth.

Rinse out dentures with water after every time you eat to remove bits of food. In addition, brush the set once a day using a soft brush specially designed for dentures. Clean all surfaces of the dentures gently, taking special care with the bend attachments.

Do not use regular toothpaste to clean dentures, as it is too abrasive. Use a special denture cleaning solution such as these tablets from Efferdent®, Polident®, and Secure®. You may also use a mild dishwashing liquid but no other types of household cleaners. However, before choosing a cleaner on your dentures, consult a dentist.

Some people like to use ultrasonic cleaners for dentures. These devices typically consist of a container with a water solution inside. When the dentures are put inside, the cleaner uses sound waves to clean them gently. The dentures still need to be brushed thoroughly on a daily basis in addition to the ultrasonic cleaner.

Common Misconceptions About Dentures

At Modern Smiles Family Dentistry, we hear a lot of myths about dentures. In some cases, people have inaccurate information about this treatment. We make sure every step of the procedure is explained in detail, and we are always willing to answer any questions our patients may have.

Myth: Dentures are only for older adults

Some people may think dentures and partial dentures are only for older patients. In actuality, many patients in their twenties and thirties wear dentures too. An independent marketing data firm called Servata found that 53% of denture wearers were at or under 44 years of age based on an online survey of 500 U.S. adults. While younger patients may be more frequent wearers of partial dentures, older patients are indeed more likely to be wearers of a complete set.

Myth: Dentures last forever

There is a misconception that once a patient has dentures, it is not necessary to schedule future appointments with the dentist. You still must go to the dentist twice a year for routine checkups. Dentures may also loosen, requiring a dentist to be readjusted. These consultations are crucial for identifying other oral issues, such as gum conditions.

Myth: Dentures feel uncomfortable

While it is true that dentures will take some time to grow accustomed to, most people feel comfortable with the appliance within a few weeks or even days. We can help resolve any concerns people have about the way the dentures fit or function.

Definition of Denture Terminology
Alveolar Bone
The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.
Clasp
A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.
Denture Base
The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
Edentulous
Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
Pontic
Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.
Rebase
Rebase is the process of refitting denture prosthesis by replacing the base material.
Reline
Reline is when a professional resurfaces the surface of the prosthesis with a new base material.
Resin/Acrylic
Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.
Stomatitis
Stomatitis is the inflammation of the tissue that is underlying a denture that does not fit properly. It can also result from other oral health factors.

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