Dentures are a natural-looking tooth replacement option that can be removed when needed. They consist of prosthetic teeth attached to an acrylic base, which fits snugly over your gums. The denture is designed to look natural and match with your other teeth. Our dentist offers complete and partial removable dentures at the Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. Full dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures fill the gaps left by a few missing teeth.
Not caring for your dentures properly can result in sore gums, mouth sores, infections, and permanent bone damage. Although modern tooth replacement options have come a long way in improving comfort, it is still essential to follow the care instructions provided by your dentist to achieve the best results possible. You must visit the dentist for routine checkups to ensure your dentures are still well.
Over time, the shape of your mouth will change, which can affect the fit of your dentures. Your dentist will be able to adjust the denture to fit better. If a denture is no longer secure, it will need replacing immediately to avoid further complications.
The Dentures Procedure
The first thing your dentist will do is take impressions of your mouth. This will be used as a model for your denture. The dentist will take measurements of your jaw and mouth and note missing teeth. Then the dentist will make a model of your existing teeth. This model can be used to make custom-fitted dentures. Once your dentures are made, they will be sent to a lab for final processing. In some cases, this process can take several weeks.
Once they are ready, you will return to the office to have your dentures fitted. The doctor will slowly put the dentures in your mouth. They will check that your bite is correct and that the dentures are comfortable. When everything checks out, you can go home with your new dentures.
Typically, you will need to wear your dentures all the time at first. Besides adjusting to the feel of the dentures, your body will also need time to heal and adjust to your dentures.
The Benefits of Dentures
If you have had missing teeth for a while, you may notice that your face seems a little sunken or that you have bags under your eyes. This is because of bone loss when your jawbone no longer supports your teeth. These issues will go away once you get your dentures. Dentures can improve a person’s appearance, restore their eating and speaking ability, and prevent further tooth loss.
Dentures help restore function if you have missing teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. To learn more about dentures, visit the Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of the Woodlands at 1733 Woodstead Ct Suite 204, Woodlands, TX 77380, or call (281) 367-5256.