If you have missing teeth, you know that the effects are far reaching. In addition to the cosmetic concerns people often have about missing teeth, there are also health problems associated with tooth loss. Missing teeth can interfere with your ability to chew and speak, and they leave your gums vulnerable to injury and infection. Already having missing teeth also increases your risk of losing more teeth. For all of these reasons, it’s important to talk to your dentist about your tooth restoration options. Denture and partial dentures are both popular choices that will help you feel better about your smile while protecting you from some of the complications of having missing teeth. Choosing a tooth restoration treatment is a big decision for patients, and they often have questions about dentures and partial dentures as they weigh out their options. Here are the answers to some of the questions that dentists hear most often about these treatments.
Dentures and partial dentures both consist of artificial gums and attached false teeth. The difference is that dentures replace all of your teeth, while partial dentures are used if you have one or more teeth remaining. Dentures are fitted to your gums and sometimes secured with denture adhesive, and partial dentures are usually clipped on to the remaining teeth in your mouth. The appearance of dentures and partial dentures is virtually the same, except for a difference in size. The care of both of these tooth restoration options is also the same for most patients.
Partial dentures and bridges are similar, but different. Bridges only contain the teeth and are usually supported by the remaining natural teeth on both sides. Partial dentures include the artificial gum portion as well and are supported by the clips. There are many different factors to consider when choosing between partial dentures and bridges. In most cases, your dentist will recommend a bridge when the missing teeth are located in a row on one side of the mouth. If you have more than a few missing teeth, your dentist is likely to recommend a bridge. It’s important to note that bridges put pressure on the surrounding teeth, which can increase the risk of damage to those teeth and future tooth loss. If this is a concern for you, your dentist is likely to recommend a partial denture even if you only have a few missing teeth, in order to preserve your natural teeth.
The process of adjusting to dentures and partial dentures takes time. It’s important to approach it with realistic expectations, so that you don’t get frustrated. Your dentist will walk you through exactly what to expect when you start wearing your dentures and partial dentures and give you advice for getting through the adjustment period.
As you get used to your dentures or partial dentures, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The most important thing is to continue to wear them even if they feel uncomfortable. There is generally a period of mild discomfort as you get used to your dentures, and if you take them out during this time, you will only prolong the necessary adjustment that has to happen. It is also important to practice eating and speaking with your dentures. Over time, this will get easier and become more natural.
Be sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations for cleaning your dentures and partial dentures and for taking them out at night. Removing your dentures at night gives your gums some time to rest, which is an important part of wearing dentures and partial dentures comfortably. All in all, it takes most people about 30 days to get used to wearing their dentures or partials.
Your dentist will walk you through the procedure for cleaning your dentures. Soaking them overnight in a denture cleaner is helpful, but they will also need to be brushed. When you brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a brush that is designed for denture cleaning. Don’t use regular toothpaste, unless your dentist tells you to, as it could be too abrasive. Between brushing, you can rinse them after meals. One of the most important things you can do when cleaning your dentures or partial dentures is making sure you stand over a sink filled with water or a soft towel when you clean them. This will prevent them from breaking if you drop them.
Dentures are no reason to stop going to the dentist. Your dentist will still need to evaluate your oral health on a regular basis. If you have partial dentures, you still have natural teeth that need professional cleaning, and even if you don’t have any natural teeth left, your dentist will still need to monitor you for gum disease, bone loss, and other oral health problems. It is also necessary for your dentist to check the fit of your dentures and make adjustments as needed as your mouth changes.
Don’t let tooth loss ruin your confidence and your health. Visit Pearl Zadeh, DDS to find out if dentures or partial dentures could be right for you. Dr. Zadeh will work with your to ensure you dentures or partials fit comfortably and to assist you as you adjust to having them. For an appointment with our dentist in Woodland Hills, call (818) 716-6722.
Please note, we are not a contracted dental provider. Our relationship is with you, not your dental insurance company. We advise you to be aware of your plan and its reimbursement schedule. We will do everything we can to provide you the maximum reimbursement possible. However, you are electing to get out of network services.
If you do not have insurance or if you have HMO but want to go outside of your network, you can pay in full via cash/credit or through financing via Credit Care.
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