Tooth loss is something we never want to think about, particularly as we age. Unfortunately, dental health problems left untreated can cause a host of problems that will only inconvenience you further. Dentures provide a long-lasting solution for tooth loss.
If you’re just starting your research on dentures, then continue reading on for some basic information on types of dentures that are available to you, as well as denture care for maintaining a healthy, happy smile.
Heroes Dentistry aims to provide a comprehensive list of services to residents of the Rio Grande Valley. We provide general dentistry services, cosmetic services, and orthodontic services close to home. If you’re considering dentures, we can help you restore your smile and teeth function. You no longer have to worry about embarrassing gaps in your mouth, speech impediments, and difficulty chewing and dietary restrictions. Request an appointment today at one of our offices in Laredo, Mission, San Juan, McAllen, Pharr, and Edinburg.
Types of Dentures
Tooth loss will vary in people of all ages. Whether you’ve lost only some of your teeth or all of them, there are options to help you restore your youthful smile.
Dentures are an ideal alternative for regaining a beautiful smile and tooth functionality that will last you a lifetime. There are three types of dentures you can opt for and your dentist will be able to discuss these options with you in detail.
Conventional dentures are a full set of removable dentures that are made to be placed in your mouth once all the remaining teeth are removed. Because your gum tissue needs to be fully healed before conventional dentures can be used, this process can take several months.
Immediate dentures are removable pieces that can be inserted the same day any remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements to make a mold of your jaw during your first visit. Overtime as your gums heal, these dentures may need to be readjusted.
Overdentures serve to preserve the integrity of remaining teeth. Your remaining teeth serve as support for the denture once your dentist has prepared them for the piece.
Complete Dentures
Wear and tear can take a toll on our teeth as we age. Total tooth loss can result from gum disease due to poor oral hygiene, chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer, or significant trauma to the teeth and gums. When total tooth loss occurs, complete dentures are the best option to restore teeth functionality and bring back that healthy smile.
Complete dentures are the best option when total tooth loss occurs. #heroes #dental #dentures #seniors #rgv – click to tweet
Partial Dentures
Not everyone will need a completely new set of teeth. That’s when partial dentures come in. Partial dentures are false teeth designed for people who have lost no more than half of their teeth, either through age-related tooth loss or as a result of an accident. Not only do partial dentures help to recover the function of your regular teeth, they’ll also provide you with a complete, healthy-looking smile. In fact, effectively dealing with tooth loss is essential, as not taking advantage of partial dentures early enough can mean the rest of your teeth decaying faster. Whether you’ve lost some of your teeth from age-related reasons or you have suffered an accident resulting in a few missing teeth, partial dentures could be the best choice to get your smile back.
Removing and Caring For Your Dentures
Always handle your dentures carefully. To ensure your dentures remain clean and free from stains, follow these easy denture care tips:
Remove and rinse your dentures after every meal. You don’t want food bits to stay lodged in your dentures. Simply run the dentures under water until all obvious food particles are removed, and then set them on a towel on flat surface if you won’t be wearing them for a while. Be careful not to drop them. Dentures are quite the investment and they can break easily. Consider washing your dentures over a washcloth or a bowl of water just in case you drop them. You can even place the dentures in a bowl or cup of water, just in case.
Brush your dentures daily. You brush your teeth daily and your dentures will need the same kind of love. Use a soft brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser to brush and soak your dentures. Focus on removing food, plaque, and other deposits that may collect throughout the day. Denture cleansers are not mouthwashes, so never ever use one in your mouth! If you use a denture adhesive and notice that it’s a little more stubborn to remove than other debris, simply clean along the grooves that fit against your gums with a soft brush. Be gentle!
Soak your dentures overnight. In order for most dentures to retain their shape, they need to remain moist. Once you’ve removed them and cleaned them thoroughly, leave them in water or a denture-safe solution overnight. Each set of dentures is different, so refer to your dentist or the manufacturer for the best instructions on cleaning and soaking your dentures. When you’re ready to put them back into your mouth, give your dentures a rinse first. Denture solutions may contain harmful chemicals that can cause vomiting, chemical burns, or pain if swallowed.
Schedule your regular checkups at Heroes Dental.
Your dentures will need to be examined and professionally cleaned once in awhile. Poorly fitted dentures can cause irritation and mouth sores, leading to an infection. You can avoid this by keeping up with your regularly scheduled dental visits. Our dentists can help your coordinate checkups to maintain the integrity of your dentures. We’ll help ensure your dentures continue to fit your mouth properly to avoid slips and discomfort while you wear them.
Whether you’re considering dentures or are enjoying their benefits already, Heroes Dentistry is here for all your dental needs.