Denture Options To Help You Smile Wide

Dentures and Partial Dentures From Dr Worrell at WEDental in Lynnwood

How Does WeDental Help?

Dentures are a great replacement for missing teeth. They can be removed and put back in at any time. Here at WeDental, we offer affordable dentures while using the very best material on the market. The reason that Dr. Worrell may recommend dentures is that in some situations a patient may not have enough healthy teeth left for other procedures. In a case like this, the remaining teeth are removed and a full set of dentures is provided. There are two types of full dentures:

Conventional Full Dentures

Conventional full dentures are when all of the remaining teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal. Once healed, the complete set of dentures is placed. The time it takes for the tissue to heal could take a few weeks to a few months. During this time the patient will go without teeth.

Immediate Full Dentures

Immediate full dentures are placed in the same dental visit. Prior to pulling the remaining teeth, Dr. Worrell will take measurements of the patient’s mouth. When the patient returns for the procedure and directly after the patient’s remaining teeth are removed the dentures are placed. The patient’s jawbone and mouth may shift in the healing process so Dr. Worrell would recommend a follow-up visit to check the placement of the dentures. Over time the dentures will need to be tightened as the patient’s mouth heals.

Partial Dentures

If the patient has healthy teeth remaining, partial dentures can be a better option than full dentures. These are similar to a bridge but are removable. The new teeth fit around the remaining natural teeth, helping to keep them from shifting toward the gaps, which would cause new oral health problems. Partial dentures are often made of acrylic resin, which won’t wear down the natural teeth like porcelain will, but doesn’t last as long.

Dentures Take Some Getting Used To

For the first few weeks, until your tongue and cheek muscles learn how to keep them in place and you get used to inserting and removing them, your new dentures will likely feel strange. It is also normal to feel some soreness, minor irritation, and even an excess of saliva at first, but these problems should diminish with time.

Denture Care

Taking good care of your dentures is essential for getting the most out of them. It’s also important for your oral health.

  • When handling your dentures, it’s a good idea to have a full sink of water or a folded towel ready in case they slip out of your hands.
  • Dentures should be brushed daily to remove food and plaque, but don’t use toothpaste on them. Use a brush designed for cleaning dentures.
  • Rinse dentures after every meal.
  • Use a denture cleaner to clean your dentures. Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid also works, but toothpaste and household cleaners are too abrasive.
  • Bleach will whiten the pink part of the denture, so avoid it.
  • If you use ultrasonic cleaners, make sure to still brush the denture.
  • When not wearing dentures, they should be kept moist so they don’t dry out or lose their shape. Store them in cool water or a denture-soaking solution.
  • We can recommend the best denture solution for your type of denture.

Denture Repairs and Adjustments

You may need one or more follow-up appointments for adjustments after getting your dentures. Do not attempt to make adjustments or repairs on your own. Bending any part of the clasp or metal attachments will weaken them, and DIY denture repair kits can permanently damage dentures. Please leave it to us!

It’s important for dentures to fit properly. When they don’t, they can cause irritation and sores on the cheeks and gums. Get in touch with us if your dentures break, chip, crack, or one of the teeth becomes loose.

Replacing Old Dentures

Due to normal wear and tear and the changes our faces, jaws, and gums go through over time, dentures will eventually need to be rebased, relined, or even completely remade. If they are cared for properly, complete dentures should last up to seven years before you need replacements.

Caring for Your Mouth and Gums With Dentures

Even without teeth, we still need to brush twice a day. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your gums, tongue, and palate before the dentures go in and after they come out. Doing so removes plaque and stimulates blood circulation. The teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps should receive special attention. Plaque can get trapped under the clasps and put those teeth in danger of tooth decay. Partial dentures should be removed before you brush your natural teeth.

Take good care of your gums. They need regular cleaning, rest, and massaging. A daily warm salt water rinse will help keep your gums clean, and a balanced diet is important for oral health as well. And don’t forget regular dental appointments!

For more information about partial or full dentures or to schedule a consultation please give us a call at 425-773-4909 or email us.