Questions And Answers About Dentures

For people who are missing multiple teeth, replacement options, such as dentures, can help restore the look and functionality of their teeth. Here are a few questions and answers about dentures to help you better understand these prosthetic dental devices:

What is a denture?

A denture is a prosthetic dental device that includes false teeth that are made of porcelain or acrylic connected to a metal or acrylic base.

Are there multiple types of dentures?

There are several types of dentures, such as overdentures, partial dentures and full dentures.

An overdenture is a denture that includes a connecting device on the underside of the appliance to attach it to remaining teeth or dental implants for stabilization. The attachment prevent the denture from slipping out of position when the dental patient eats or speaks.

Partial dentures are used to replace several missing teeth when the patient still has some remaining teeth in their palette.

When a patient has no natural teeth left in their palette, a full set of dentures is needed.

Are all dentures removable?

Yes. Even overdentures can be disconnected from their supporting teeth or dental implants for daily cleaning.

Do dentures ever have to be replaced?

Dentures usually last about 5 to 7 years. However, due to changes in the structure of your mouth, such as receding gums, dentures may have to be replaced over time so that the fit of the dentures does not suffer.

How are dentures designed?

Your dentist will likely make an impression of your mouth. This dental mold or impression is sent to a dental laboratory to be used as a guide for the construction of your dentures. Your dentist will allow you to test the dentures once they are received back from the laboratory to ensure that the fit is comfortable and that the appearance of the dentures is natural-looking.

Are there any special precautions that should be observed by denture wearers?

Even though dentures are false teeth, you still need to maintain good oral hygiene. Your gums and remaining teeth should be brushed regularly to remove plaque that can irritate sensitive gum tissues and cause decay to form on existing teeth.

In addition, you should clean your dentures at least daily. And whenever the dentures are not being worn, they should be placed in a container of water or commercial denture solution.

If you are considering dentures, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area.


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