What are dentures and how do they work?
Dentures are a removable replacement for lost or missing teeth. They are a prosthetic set of teeth that can be removed from your mouth when you please. Dentures can come in both full and partial sets, so you can customize them to your needs. They fit against your gums and use both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth for support. Dentures give your mouth a natural look, restoring your smile to its original form.
What’s the difference between full and partial dentures?
Dentures can be made to replace a full set of teeth, or can replace only a few teeth. These two different types are full dentures (which also have two different types) and partial dentures. For full dentures, all the natural teeth will need to be removed to make room for the prosthetic. Partial dentures, on the other hand, can be used if you only need to replace a few teeth. Partial dentures are a good choice when not all the natural teeth need to be removed, but more than one tooth does. This can be due to wear, damage, or decay. When multiple teeth need to be removed, solutions like crowns and bridges may not be enough. This is where partial dentures can be a beneficial choice.
How do I care for my dentures?
Just like your natural teeth, dentures require daily cleaning and care. Dentures are not immune to plaque and tartar build up, so they need to be brushed daily. When handling your dentures, stand over your sink with a folded towel beneath you. That way, your dentures are less likely to break if your drop them. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove plaque from the surface of your dentures. In between brushings, be sure to rinse your dentures after eating. When you’re not wearing your dentures, keep them in a denture cleaning solution. Dentures that dry out can crack from lack of moisture.
If you are missing multiple teeth or believe you need a full or partial set of dentures, call our office today to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process. Our Dublin number is 614-889-7661 and our Worthington number is 614-885-2610.
