Missing or damaged teeth (due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury) can significantly impair your ability to chew or speak, and have negative effects on your oral health. Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS, offer custom dentures to relieve our patients from the problems associated with missing teeth.
What are Dentures?
Dentures (often called false teeth) are removable replacements for missing teeth (different from permanent dental implants). There are several types of dentures, including the following.
Conventional Full Dentures
These types of dentures are placed in your mouth after teeth have been removed and your mouth and gums have fully healed. Healing can take up to several months, during which time the patient is without teeth.
Immediate Full Dentures
Unlike conventional dentures, immediate full dentures (complete dentures) are placed in the mouth to replace missing teeth immediately after the teeth are removed. Many patients prefer immediate full dentures because they do not have to go without teeth for any period of time and can wear their final dentures right away. However, immediate dentures must be adjusted over time as the bones shift and reshape as the mouth heals.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are removable solutions for patients who have some missing teeth, but also have healthy natural teeth. Removable partial dentures are composed of artificial teeth on a metal framework, like a retainer, that are placed in the mouth and attach to the remaining natural teeth.
How Do Dentures Work?
Dentures are custom made for each patient, and your dentist will first take impressions of your teeth to ensure a proper fit. Dentures include both artificial teeth and a flesh-colored acrylic base, so that they appear natural and match your remaining teeth. The base of the dentures fit over the gums; full upper dentures cover the roof of the mouth and place missing teeth in the upper jaw, while lower dentures are horseshoe-shaped to fit around the tongue and address missing teeth in the lower jaw.
Most denture wearers initially have some trouble talking or eating with their dentures, and must get used to them over time. It is not unusual to initially feel as though your dentures are too large or loose, as the muscles of the cheeks and tongue must adapt to holding them in place. While minor soreness or discomfort are typical, contact your dentist if you experience excessive discomfort when you wear dentures.
Natural changes to the shape or size of your mouth are normal, meaning that dentures must be adjusted or replaced over time. Patients should see their dentists at least annually to ensure their dentures fit and function properly. If dentures fit properly, you shouldn’t need denture adhesive.
Do I Need Dentures?
If you have missing teeth, or require extractions, dentures may be a good solution for you. Some signs that you may need dentures include severe and frequent toothaches, loose or shifting teeth, sensitive or swollen gums, and difficulty chewing. Patients should be aware that dentures require diligent care and dedication to good oral hygiene. The dentists at Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS will evaluate your oral health and determine whether dentures are the best option for you.
Caring for Dentures
Learn how to best care for Cu-Sil partial dentures in our blog here. If you have any questions about how to maintain and care for your dentures long-term, we are more than happy to help!
Schedule an Appointment
To find out if dentures are a suitable solution for you, schedule an appointment with Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS. Call our Cincinnati office at (513) 631-6600 or request an appointment online.
