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When multiple teeth are missing for whatever reason, a patient's bite (or occlusion) is affected. The simple task of eating and chewing becomes difficult or impossible due to the lack of teeth. Dentures can provide natural and healthy looking set of teeth. Dentures can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance. As well, a properly fitting set of dentures greatly enhances your smile and sense of self-esteem.
We now have Cosmetic Dentures available for the person who prefers the ultimate in the upscale "Hollywood Smile" once only available with crowns and veneers.
Complete and Partial Dentures
Dentures come in all shapes and sizes including complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are indicated when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures replace certain missing teeth. The dentist begins by removing any teeth that are not restorable. An impression (mold) is then taken of the gums space and remaining teeth, which is sent to the laboratory. The laboratory will then use this impression as well as other directions by the dentist to fabricate customized partial or complete dentures.
What to Expect from Your Dentures
In the beginning, your dentures may feel uncomfortable because the gums and tissues are not accustomed to contact with the denture. Sore spots on the gums and tissues as well as swelling may develop due to the slight ill-fit of the denture. The dentist will adjust the denture accordingly to relieve the sore spots and ensure a better fit. Eating and chewing may also be a challenge. The way the teeth touch each other, the bite (or occlusion) must be adjusted and balanced to provide proper function of the denture. Eating soft food may also be necessary for the first few days so as to adjust to the denture. Practicing speaking aloud helps to overcome any speech impediments that may occur from the new dentures. Typically, lower dentures take longer to get used to than upper dentures.
Care of the Dentures
Proper care and cleaning will increase the life of the dentures. Dentures should be cleaned daily with a normal or specially made denture toothpaste and/or by soaking them in denture cleaning solutions. In order to prevent the dentures from warping, the dentures should be left in water overnight when not worn. Over a period of time the fit of the dentures may change owing to the wear and tear of daily use. In the event that there is tissue/bone shrinkage, worn down teeth, or breakage, dentures may become loose and will need to be relined or remade.
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