Are you thinking about getting partial dentures to replace your missing teeth, or do you already know someone who has them? You may have some questions about complete and partial dentures in Grande Prairie. Our team at Northern Dental Centre has put together this article to provide you with all the information you need to know about dentures and how these dental appliances can help improve your oral health.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are dental appliances that are made out of false teeth and gums to replace lost or extracted teeth. You can get full or partial dentures near you to replace the missing teeth on either your top or bottom jaw. Regardless of the type of denture you get, the dental appliance is custom-made to fit your mouth and mimic the appearance of your natural teeth.
What Are Dentures Made From?
In the past, false teeth attached to dentures were made of either plastic or porcelain. However, today, the teeth used in dentures are made from a hard resin material. The material used for making dentures is not as durable as your natural teeth, so you need to ensure that you handle your dentures with care. Typically, dentures require replacements once every five years.
Why Consider Getting Dentures?
Dentures are an excellent way to enhance the appearance of your smile and restore your speaking and chewing functionality. They also help reinforce the structure of your mouth by supporting your lips and cheeks.
What Types of Dentures Are Available?
If you have just a few teeth missing, your dentist in Grande Prairie may suggest that you get partial dentures. Partial dentures are comfortable, and patients tend to get accustomed to them very quickly and easily. In addition, the base of partial dentures is made from nylon, making it less likely to break if dropped.
You can also get complete dentures to replace all of your teeth. These can be customized by your dentist near you for either your bottom or top gum line. These dentures are held in place either via suction or oral adhesives. They are easily removed and similar to partial dentures.
If you would like to have a fixed dental appliance without worrying about removing them for storing and cleaning, you can get implant-supported dentures that are anchored in your mouth using dental implants. Implant-supported dentures require that you undergo implant placement surgery.
Looking After Your Dentures
Regardless of the type of dentures you choose to get, you must clean them every day. This is because even though your dentures are made from artificial teeth, they are still prone to a buildup of bacteria, tartar, and plaque that can harm your natural teeth and gums.
You can remove your dentures and run clean water over them to dislodge any food particles trapped in the gum line and between teeth. You can also use a denture toothbrush and mild soap to clean them.
When your dentures are out, make sure to clean your gums and any remaining natural teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. It is important that you clean all the surfaces of your gums and teeth twice a day and visit Northern Dental Centre at least once every six months for professional dental cleanings and exams.
If you are interested in dentures and want to learn more about how they can benefit you and your smile, please contact our team of dedicated dental professionals at Northern Dental Centre. We are happy to provide our patients with denture options. Please contact us to book a consultation today!