Dentures

Modesto, Manteca, Ceres, Turlock, Salida, Ripon, California Dentist

 

Dentures are an excellent option to replace missing teeth. Unlike dental implants and dental bridges, which are permanently attached to your bone, dentures are attached to a supporting structure, making them removable. Therefore, you can take them out at night to clean them. Dentures provide you with a more cost effective option to replace your missing teeth.

 

Types of Dentures

 

Our Modesto dentist at Sierra Dental Care offers two types of dentures to our patients: full and partial dentures. Full dentures are an ideal option if you need to replace all of the teeth in your upper or lower arch. Partial dentures are a better option for patients who still have some of their natural teeth.

 

You have two options when getting full dentures: conventional dentures and immediate dentures. Conventional dentures are installed once the bones and gums have healed following the removal of your natural teeth. This healing period generally takes between 8 and 12 weeks. However, since the shape of your mouth and gums has had time to stabilize, conventional dentures generally fit properly right away.

 

Immediate dentures are placed right after your teeth are removed. The main advantage of immediate dentures is that you will not have to go without teeth during the healing period. However, your bones and gums will shrink as the healing process progresses. As a result, your dentures will need to be adjusted on a regular basis as the shape of your mouth evolves. Immediate dentures are generally a temporary fix to be used until conventional dentures can be constructed.

 

Removable partial dentures are comprised of replacement teeth attached to a plastic base that is held in place by a metal framework. Partial dentures fill the space left by your missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting. It is a natural-looking option to replace your missing teeth.

 

Caring for your Dentures

 

In order to ensure that your dentures last a long time, you will need to be very diligent in the way you care for them. Dentures are very delicate and can easily break. Therefore, always handle them carefully, standing over a folded towel or a basin of water to ensure they do not drop and break.

 

You will need to brush your dentures daily to remove food particles and plaque that may build up. For best results, use a brush specially designed for cleaning dentures or a toothbrush with soft bristles.

 

To clean your dentures, rinse away any loose food particles. Moisten the brush and apply denture cleanser. Our Modesto cosmetic dentists can recommend an effective denture cleanser for you to use. In general, it is best to use one containing the ADA Seal of Acceptance. After applying the denture cleanser, brush every surface gently to avoid damage.

 

It is important to make sure your dentures do not dry out. If this occurs, they may lose their shape. To avoid this issue, place your dentures in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water whenever they are not being used. Do not use hot water, since it may cause your dentures to warp.

 

Eating and Speaking with Dentures

 

Eating and speaking with dentures will take a bit of practice. It is best to start out by eating only soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew your food slowly using both sides of your mouth simultaneously so that your dentures do not tip. As you get used to this routine, you can gradually resume your regular diet.

 

You may initially have difficulty pronouncing certain words. This will improve over time with practice. It is helpful to read out loud and repeat troublesome words as they arise. If you find that your dentures are clicking while you talk, you may want to speak more slowly to help correct the issue.

 

For more information, please see Questions about Dentures.

 

Please contact our Modesto dentists today to schedule a dentures appointment at Sierra Dental Care, serving Modesto, Manteca, Ceres, Turlock, Salida, and Ripon, California.