At Portland Dental, we understand the importance of a complete, confident smile and the ability to enjoy your favorite foods. That’s why we offer high-quality dentures designed to replace missing teeth and restore your oral functionality. Whether you’re missing a few teeth or need a full set of replacements, our experienced team can provide you with the right denture solution to meet your needs.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made, removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of your smile. They are typically made of a gum-colored acrylic base that supports artificial teeth, which are carefully crafted to match the natural shape, size, and color of your existing teeth.
Dentures come in two main types:
- Full Dentures:
- Description: Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are used when all the teeth in one or both arches (upper or lower) are missing. They consist of a full set of artificial teeth attached to an acrylic base that fits snugly over the gums.
- Advantages: Full dentures provide a complete smile makeover, restore chewing ability, and support facial muscles, preventing the sunken appearance often associated with missing teeth.
- Considerations: Full dentures require an adjustment period as you get used to wearing them, and they may need to be relined or replaced over time as your gums and bone structure change.
- Partial Dentures:
- Description: Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain in the upper or lower arch. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a metal or acrylic framework that clasps onto the remaining natural teeth for stability.
- Advantages: Partial dentures fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, and are more affordable than other tooth replacement options like dental implants.
- Considerations: Like full dentures, partial dentures may require adjustments over time to ensure a proper fit and function.
When Will I Need Dentures?
You may need dentures if you experience any of the following:
- Severe Tooth Decay: If your teeth are severely decayed and cannot be repaired with fillings, crowns, or other restorative treatments, extraction may be necessary, followed by dentures to replace the missing teeth.
- Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can lead to tooth loss. In such cases, dentures can help restore your smile and oral function.
- Injury or Trauma: If you’ve lost multiple teeth due to an injury or accident, dentures can provide a practical and effective solution.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Missing teeth can make it challenging to chew food or speak clearly. Dentures can help improve these functions and restore your quality of life.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures offer several benefits for individuals who have lost some or all of their teeth:
Restored Appearance: Dentures provide a natural-looking smile that boosts your confidence and self-esteem. The artificial teeth are designed to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your existing smile.
Improved Chewing Ability: With dentures, you can enjoy a wide variety of foods that may have been difficult or impossible to eat without teeth. This helps you maintain a balanced diet and overall health.
Speech Improvement: Missing teeth can affect your ability to speak clearly. Dentures help improve your pronunciation and allow you to communicate more effectively.
Prevention of Bone Loss: Dentures help support the facial muscles and prevent the sunken appearance that often occurs when teeth are missing. This also helps slow down the bone loss that typically follows tooth extraction.
Cost-Effective Solution: Compared to other tooth replacement options like dental implants, dentures are a more affordable choice, making them accessible to a wider range of patients.
The Denture Fitting Process
Getting dentures typically involves several appointments over a few weeks:
Initial Consultation: During your first visit to Portland Dental, our dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your treatment options, and determine whether dentures are the right solution for you. This may involve taking X-rays and impressions of your mouth.
Tooth Extraction (if necessary): If you need full dentures and still have some remaining teeth, these teeth will need to be extracted before the dentures can be fitted. Your gums will need time to heal before the dentures can be placed.
Impression Taking: After your gums have healed, we will take detailed impressions of your mouth to create a custom denture that fits comfortably and securely. The impressions will be sent to a dental lab, where your dentures will be crafted.
Trial Fitting: Once your dentures are ready, you will have a trial fitting appointment to ensure they fit correctly and comfortably. Adjustments may be made at this stage to fine-tune the fit.
Final Placement: After any necessary adjustments, your dentures will be placed, and you will receive instructions on how to care for them. Our dentist will also provide guidance on what to expect during the adjustment period.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper care and maintenance are essential to keep your dentures in good condition and ensure they last as long as possible:
Daily Cleaning: Remove your dentures daily and clean them with a soft toothbrush and denture cleaner. Avoid using harsh abrasives or toothpaste, as these can damage the denture material.
Soaking Overnight: Place your dentures in a denture-soaking solution or water overnight to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out and losing their shape.
Regular Dental Check-Ups: Even if you wear full dentures, it’s important to visit Portland Dental regularly for check-ups. We can assess the fit of your dentures, check your oral health, and make any necessary adjustments.
Handling with Care: Be careful when handling your dentures to avoid dropping them, as they can break if they fall on a hard surface.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With proper care, dentures can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. However, they may need to be relined or replaced over time due to natural changes in your gums and bone structure.
There is an adjustment period when you first get dentures, during which you may experience some difficulty eating and speaking. However, with time and practice, most patients adapt and regain normal function.
It is generally recommended to remove your dentures at night to give your gums a chance to rest and to allow for proper cleaning of your dentures and mouth.
If your dentures become loose or uncomfortable, contact Portland Dental for an adjustment. Do not attempt to adjust them yourself, as this can cause damage.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dentures. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and out-of-pocket costs.