Dentures replace missing teeth and oral tissues, including the gums, jawbone, and surrounding teeth. Unlike dental bridges or dental implants, a removable denture is designed to fit over the natural gum tissues. There is also the option of having complete dentures replace all teeth in the mouth, though patients often select partial dentures that replace only a few teeth at once, especially if they have a significant number of healthy teeth remaining. Working to restore the appearance and function of your teeth, our dentist will design your treatment plan to fit your specific needs. At Cedar Creek Dental: Office of Dr. Phil Han, our dentist may recommend dentures if you are missing two or more teeth in a row, have several teeth missing from different parts of your mouth, or are looking to restore your smile after tooth loss.
Types of Dentures
- Complete dentures replace an entire set of teeth on the upper or lower arch.
- Partial dentures fill in the spaces left by a few missing teeth in a row.
- Implant-supported dentures are attached to dental implants for a more permanent solution.
How Are Dentures Made?
A denture is custom-made based on a mold of your mouth and teeth. The first visit usually consists of taking molds or impressions that would guide the prosthesis's creation. The dentures will be fitted on your second appointment to ensure a proper fit. Occasionally, adjustments may be needed for the right fit. However, most dentures are designed to fit comfortably without requiring any modifications. Your dentures should last for five to ten years when properly cared for. Regular checkups will allow the dentist to monitor your dental health and adjust as needed.
How to Care For Your Dentures
Taking care of dentures is very important. Your dentures will last long and fit better with proper care. You should do certain things while refraining from doing other things to take care of your dentures. Follow these simple tips to ensure your dentures are in good shape for years.
The first thing to remember is that you should clean your dentures properly. While you can brush them as you would a normal tooth, you should also soak them in water or a particular cleaning solution when not in use. This helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria on your dentures that could cause a foul smell or lead to other oral health issues. It will help if you rinse out your mouth after every time you eat to remove food particles from your dentures before they have a chance to become stuck. Regularly cleaning your dentures will help keep them looking like new and prevent stains from forming.
If you need a restoration procedure for your smile, contact Cedar Creek Dental: Office of Dr. Phil Han at 11786 SW Barnes Rd #360, Portland, OR 97225, or call (503) 646-1811.
