Partial & Full Dentures
When a person is missing their teeth, he or she may experience a wide range of functional and aesthetic problems. They may have trouble eating and speaking and may even lose confidence in themselves. That’s why, at Tualatin Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer you partial and full dentures so that you never have to be without teeth again. WHAT ARE DENTURES?
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that are made to replace your missing teeth and restore oral functions and aesthetics. Dentures can either be partial or full dentures.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are designed to provide false teeth to the entire upper and lower arch. These dentures are made of a flesh-colored plastic base that attaches to your gum. They can also be held in place via implants surgically placed in your jawbone. However, the latter treatment is much more expensive than regular full dentures.
- Immediate Full Dentures: Immediate full dentures are inserted into your mouth immediately after all your teeth have been extracted. These dentures prevent excessive bleeding and swelling of the gums. Though these dentures offer you the advantage of never being without teeth, they are not meant for permanent use. Once your gums heal, they become loose and need to be relined.
- Partial Dentures: Unlike complete dentures, partial dentures can be worn when you only have a few missing teeth that need to be replaced. These dentures are held in the mouth with the help of clasps and a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. In some cases, crowns are placed on your natural teeth and the partial dentures are attached to them.
SHOULD YOU USE DENTURE ADHESIVE?
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER GETTING DENTURES
New dentures may feel very uncomfortable over the first few weeks. It will also take some practice for you to comfortably insert and remove your dentures, and you may experience some soreness in your gums.
- In the first few days, your mouth may feel bulky, and your gums and cheek will struggle to accommodate the dentures. You may also experience dry mouth or excessive saliva, and struggle to move your tongue. However, you will get accustomed to it in a few months.
- Eating with dentures may also require some practice. We recommend starting with soft food and using both sides of the mouth to chew. Very hard or sticky foods should be avoided.
- Speaking may also be hard in the first few weeks but it will become easy with time.
- Your dentures may become dislodged if you laugh or yawn widely. If this continues for a long period of time, the device may need to be relined.
HOW LONG DO DENTURES LAST?
As you age, the structure of your mouth changes and your dentures may become loose. This can irritate your gum and make chewing and speaking difficult. If that happens, you need to get your dentures relined.
If you take care of your dentures, they can last you for at least five years. To prolong the life of your dentures, regularly visit us to get them rebased or relined.
If your denture falls or cracks, minor fractures can be repaired in the lab in just one or two days. Do not try to repair your dentures yourself as it can be complicated and can further damage the device. If you notice any issues with your denture, call us at (503) 878-7474 to arrange a repair.