At URBN Dental, we understand the impact of missing teeth on your confidence, oral health, and overall well-being. Dentures are a popular solution for individuals with missing teeth, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement. If you’re considering dentures, it’s essential to understand what they are made of and how they can improve your smile. In this article, we will explore the materials used in dentures, answer frequently asked questions about partial dentures, discuss the process of getting dentures, and provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures are typically composed of a combination of materials, including acrylic resin, metal, and porcelain. The base of the denture, which resembles gum tissue, is made from acrylic resin. This material is durable and can be tinted to match the color of your natural gums. The artificial teeth are commonly made from either acrylic resin or porcelain, depending on the specific requirements of each patient. Porcelain teeth are more natural-looking and stain-resistant, while acrylic resin teeth are lighter and less likely to cause wear on the opposing teeth.
Types of Dentures
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when a patient has some remaining natural teeth. They consist of a metal framework that supports the artificial teeth, which are attached to pink or gum-colored acrylic resin. Partial dentures not only replace missing teeth but also prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting, improving both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are used when all the natural teeth are missing. They come in two types: conventional and immediate dentures. Conventional dentures are made after the remaining teeth are removed and the gum tissue has healed. Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be worn immediately after tooth extraction, providing a temporary solution while the gums heal.
The Process of Getting Dentures
- Initial Consultation: During the initial consultation, our dentists will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals and concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan. This may involve taking X-rays, impressions, and photographs of your mouth to guide the denture fabrication process.
- Tooth Extraction: If any remaining teeth need to be extracted, our skilled dentists will perform the procedure under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
- Impressions and Measurements: Impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth will be taken to create accurate molds for your dentures. Precise measurements of your jaw will also be recorded to ensure a proper fit.
- Temporary Dentures (Immediate Dentures): If immediate dentures are part of your treatment plan, they will be placed immediately after tooth extraction, allowing you to maintain a natural-looking smile while your gums heal.
- Denture Fabrication: The impressions and measurements will be sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians will fabricate your custom dentures using high-quality materials.
- Fitting and Adjustments: Once your dentures are ready, you will return to our office for a fitting. Our dentists will ensure that the dentures fit comfortably and make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and functionality.
- Follow-Up Appointments: It is important to schedule follow-up appointments with your dentist to address any concerns, make additional adjustments if needed, and maintain the health of your oral tissues.
Maintaining Oral Health With Dentures And Other Considerations
When considering new dentures though, it’s crucial to understand the impact they can have on your remaining teeth and overall oral health. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Preserving Remaining Teeth: If you have some remaining natural teeth, a partial denture can help preserve them. By filling the gaps created by missing teeth, partial dentures prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position. This maintains the alignment of your upper and lower teeth, ensuring proper biting and chewing functions.
- Upper Denture Considerations: An upper denture covers the roof of your mouth (palate) to enhance stability. While this can take some time to adjust to, it provides added support and helps improve the fit and stability of the denture. Properly fitting an upper denture can also help improve speech and prevent bone loss in the upper jaw. An upper denture requires considerable care.
- Temporary Dentures: An immediate or temporary denture is used immediately after tooth extraction to maintain your appearance while your gums heal. While these dentures provide functional benefits, they are not a long-term solution. Temporary dentures may require adjustments or relining as your gums heal and shrink, and they will eventually be replaced with permanent dentures.
- Lower Denture Considerations: Lower dentures pose some unique challenges due to the movement of the tongue and the lack of support from the palate. Lower partial dentures may be attached to the remaining natural teeth for added stability. Additionally, dental implants can be considered to anchor the lower denture, providing increased support and stability.
- Failing Teeth and Gum Disease: If you have failing teeth due to extensive decay or gum disease, extracting them and replacing them with dentures can improve your oral health. Removing teeth affected by gum disease helps eliminate infection and prevents further damage to surrounding tissues.
- Maintaining Oral Hygiene: Even with dentures, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your remaining natural teeth, gums, and tongue with a soft-bristle toothbrush or a denture brush. Rinse your dentures after meals and clean them daily to remove food particles and plaque. Regular dental check-ups are also important for assessing the condition of your dentures and ensuring the overall health of your mouth.
- Replacing Front and Back Teeth: Dentures are designed to replace both front and back teeth. Front teeth are essential for aesthetics, speech, and self-confidence, while back teeth (molars) play a crucial role in chewing and grinding food. Dentures restore the function of these teeth, enabling you to enjoy a well-balanced diet and maintaining your oral health.
FAQs About Dentures
- How long do dentures last? With proper care, dentures can last for many years. However, they may require relining or rebasing over time due to changes in your jawbone and gum tissue.
- How long does it take to get dentures? The process of getting dentures typically takes several weeks, including multiple appointments for impressions, measurements, and fittings. Immediate dentures can be placed on the same day as tooth extraction.
- How much do partial dentures cost? The cost of partial dentures can vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of your case, the materials used, and your location. We recommend contacting URBN Dental for a personalized consultation and cost estimate.
- Can dentures improve my appearance? Yes, dentures can significantly enhance your appearance by restoring your smile and facial contours. They are custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth, providing a natural and confident smile.
- How do I care for my dentures? Dentures should be cleaned daily with a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. It is important to handle them with care, avoid using hot water, and remove them at night to allow your gums to rest.
Visit URBN Dental for Full and Partial Dentures
Dentures are an effective and popular solution for individuals with missing teeth, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. At URBN Dental, we offer comprehensive dental services, including the fabrication and fitting of high-quality dentures. Whether you need partial or complete dentures, our skilled dentists will guide you through the process, ensuring a comfortable and confident smile. Contact us today at one of our convenient locations in Uptown Houston, Midtown Houston, Montrose, City Center, Katy, East River, or Houston Heights for a personalized consultation and start your journey towards a brighter smile.
