Complete Guide to Full & Partial Dentures
Missing teeth can cause many problems, including difficulty chewing and speaking, as well as a lack of confidence when it comes to your smile. If you’re searching for an affordable and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth, dentures may be an ideal solution.
Dr. Del Kovacevic and his team provide two types of removable dentures, full and partial, to restore your smile and confidence. Learn more about our personalized denture solutions and our commitment to helping patients in Bovard, South Greensburg, and Luxor, PA, achieve their dream smiles.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They’re typically made from a combination of acrylic resin and metal and are custom-made to fit each individual’s mouth. Dentures can replace just a few missing teeth, or an entire arch of teeth, depending on the patient’s needs. They’re designed to look and function like natural teeth and can improve a person’s ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Types of Dentures
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a great solution if you’re missing one or a few teeth. They blend in with your natural teeth and fill in the gaps in your smile. Partial dentures are a fast and affordable solution for tooth loss and provide excellent results.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are ideal for patients who have lost an entire arch of teeth. These dentures offer a natural-looking and fully functional smile. Full dentures allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients who want a more stable restoration, we offer implant-supported dentures. These dentures are anchored to your jaw with dental implants, making them more secure than traditional dentures. Implant-supported dentures stimulate healthy jawbone growth, which benefits your long-term oral health. They also never need to be removed, making them easy to care for and keep clean.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures can benefit individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. Here are some of the benefits of dentures:
- Improved Appearance: Dentures can improve the appearance of a person’s smile, as they can replace missing teeth and fill in gaps.
- Better Speech: Missing teeth can cause speech difficulties, but dentures can improve speech by replacing missing teeth.
- Increased Self-Confidence: By improving appearance and speech, dentures can help boost self-confidence.
- Improved Eating: With missing teeth, it can be difficult to eat certain foods. Dentures can help people eat a wider variety of foods, which can improve their nutrition.
- Protect Remaining Teeth: Dentures can help protect the remaining natural teeth by distributing the forces of chewing and preventing them from shifting.
- Easy Maintenance: Dentures can be easily cleaned with a toothbrush and denture cleaner, making them a low-maintenance option for tooth replacement.
Overall, dentures can significantly improve a person’s quality of life by restoring their ability to eat, speak, and smile.
Maintaining Your Dentures
Proper maintenance of dentures is essential for ensuring longevity and oral health. Here are some tips for maintaining dentures:
- Clean Dentures Daily: Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your dentures daily. Gently brush all surfaces, including the inside and outside of the dentures.
- Rinse After Eating: After eating, remove your dentures and rinse them with water. This will help remove any food particles or debris accumulated on the dentures.
- Soak Dentures Overnight: Soaking your dentures overnight can help remove any bacteria and odors accumulated during the day. Use a denture cleaner or a mild denture-soaking solution.
- Handle Dentures With Care: Dentures can be fragile, so handle them with care when you’re cleaning them or putting them in and taking them out. Use a soft towel or basin of water to cushion the dentures.
- Keep Dentures Moist: When you’re not wearing your dentures, keep them moist by soaking them in water or a denture-soaking solution. This will help prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.
- Visit the Dentist Regularly: Regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining oral health. Dr. Kovacevic can check the fit and condition of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of dentures is right for me?
The type of dentures that are right for you will depend on several factors, including the condition of your teeth and gums, the amount of bone in your jaw, and your preferences. Your dentist can help you determine which type of dentures best meets your needs. Some common types of dentures include full, partial, implant-supported, and immediate dentures.
Can dental implants improve my experience with dentures?
Yes, dental implants can improve the experience of wearing dentures. Implant-supported dentures provide a more stable and secure fit than traditional dentures, which can slip and move around in the mouth. With implant-supported dentures, the denture attaches to small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. This creates a more natural and comfortable fit for the denture wearer.
What happens if my dentures are damaged?
If your dentures are damaged, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, the denture may be able to be repaired, while in other cases, a replacement may be necessary. Attempting to fix the denture yourself can lead to further damage and may make it more difficult or impossible to repair.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of dentures?
Many dental insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of dentures. However, the amount of coverage will depend on the treatment plan and type of dentures. Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses.