There are many reasons some of our patients come to us with missing teeth — from accidents to uncontrolled gum disease to tooth decay. They each need a treatment that will create a replacement for their missing teeth and restore their oral health and appearance. Dentures have been one solution to this problem for over 4,000 years!
Types of Denture Solutions
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. Today’s dentures are far more natural-looking, durable, and comfortable than in the past. Depending on your individual circumstances, there are different denture solutions available.
If you’re missing all or most of your teeth, a full (or complete) denture may be the best option. Since other replacement options depend on intact bone structure or healthy adjacent teeth for support, in some cases it may be the only option available for you.
A partial denture is suitable when there are fewer missing teeth, but the gap caused by missing teeth is larger than other replacement options can handle effectively. Partials are held in place by being “clipped on” to remaining adjacent teeth.
If there is enough bone structure remaining, a third denture option is possible — the implant-supported denture. This option is more permanent than traditional dentures and can be done successfully with as few as four implants in an arch. The advantage of this type of denture is the feeling of stability it provides.
Adjusting to Dentures
Adjusting to a new denture can take a little time. You may feel as if your denture is loose as you learn how to keep them in place. It is possible that you may develop soreness where the denture rubs, which we can relieve with follow-up visits for adjustments or refitting. You will be able to eat most of the things you previously enjoyed; however, especially hard or sticky foods may need to be avoided to prevent damage to the dentures.
Caring for Dentures
Even though dentures are artificial teeth, that doesn’t mean you should stop seeing us for regular checkups. We need to be sure they continue to fit properly, make any changes before health problems arise, and monitor the health of your cheeks, tongue, and gums. Other care steps to take include:
- Use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive cleanser. There are toothpaste and mouthwashes specifically created for denture wearers. Removing the dentures to brush them will probably take some getting used to, but soon it will become routine.
- Gently brush the cheeks, gum, and tongue to remove bacteria that cause mouth odors.
- It is possible to wear dentures overnight, but we recommend that you allow your gums to rest while you sleep by removing the denture to let it soak in a cleansing solution.
We will be happy to assist you in deciding if dentures are the right solution for you. At Dental Solutions of Mississippi, our goal is to ensure your dental needs are met with the utmost in comfort and satisfaction. We proudly serve the Canton, Mississippi, area, so call today for a consultation or appointment!