Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures and partial dentures are most commonly associated with seniors, but many young people wear them too. According to the CDC, adult tooth loss has been on the decline for roughly 70 years. Even so, many Americans rely on dentures to improve not just their smiles but also their speech and ability to chew food comfortably. Dentures and partial dentures fill any tooth loss gaps with false teeth.

Dentures and partial dentures are available at Texan Dental, P.A. in Houston and the surrounding area. We offer a range of tooth replacement options.

If you are ready to learn more about the available options, reach out to us by phone at Texan Dental, P.A Phone Number (713) 218-0500.

Reasons to Get Dentures

While there are other options available, there are several reasons that so many people turn to dentures:

• Denture may be an affordable solution to tooth loss. Other tooth replacement options tend to cost more, contingent upon the insurance provider. Traditional full dentures and partial dentures are typically more cost-efficient than alternatives. This is true even when factoring in the cost of replacing the dentures every 5-10 years.
• Lower risk associated with denture procedure. The patient prefers to avoid the potentially painful failure risk associated with bridges. Dental implants also require more invasive surgery, by nature making them riskier. Age and potential bone loss can increase risk.
• Denture can be received relatively quickly. Dentures typically take less time to receive than implants. Dental implants may take a year or more to complete. Healing periods between steps may last for up to six months.

Full Dentures

When to Get Partial Dentures

As discussed in an article by the Oral Health Foundation, there are key differences between full and partial dentures. Partial dentures are ideal for patients who have lost multiple teeth but still have healthy natural teeth remaining. This option may also be a wise one for a patient who has several decaying teeth that need to be extracted to prevent the spread of infection and other dental problems. This procedure may also be the right option for patients who are concerned about the cost. Although prices can vary depending on insurance, partial dentures can be an affordable tooth replacement option. Patients worried about pain from a dental procedure may feel eased, knowing that the process is often less invasive than other replacement options.

Getting Full Dentures

Our team will first discuss the benefits and challenges of wearing both dentures and partial dentures. When the patient is ready to begin the procedure for dentures, X-rays and impressions of the person’s mouth will need to be made. There will also be a review of the patient’s health history, including current medications and recent surgeries. The impressions will go to a lab where a technician makes the full dentures.

The patient will get the apparatus at the following appointment. During this appointment, the doctor will remove any remaining teeth that need to come out, though this can also be done at a prior date. The dental professional will test the dentures to make sure everything fits properly, and the patient feels comfortable with the dentures in the mouth. The dentist may need to make additional adjustments. Be aware, some kinds of dentures can be ready for fitting right after removing teeth, while others require a patient’s gums to be completely healed.

Partial Dentures

When to Get Complete Dentures

Everyone should be able to enjoy a comfortable use of their mouth and a bright smile. Going through life without teeth may cause unnecessary hardships. Missing teeth can complicate regular activities such as eating, speaking, and even socializing. Fortunately, dentures can solve this concern. If a patient has lost all teeth, or if a dental professional has pulled them all, the person should consider full dentures. At Texan Dental, P.A., we can customize the right set of dentures to fit in the person’s mouth and provide a natural-looking solution.

Getting Partial Dentures

The process of getting partial dentures is similar, though the apparatus itself has some differences. Partial dentures are connected by a metal framework to secure them in the person’s mouth. The dentist will use a fixed bridge to connect the partial dentures to any remaining natural teeth. This type of denture is also removable.

The patient will make two or three appointments to complete this process. Our team will make sure everything fits well and that the patient can have full mouth function with it. Patients should be prepared to wait a few weeks for the dentures. It takes time for the lab technician to make the appliance based on the molds our dental team makes.

What Material Dentures Are Made Of

One of the most popular reasons why people choose dentures and partial dentures are their resemblance to natural teeth. Dentures consist of a gum-colored base, which is often coated with acrylic or plastic. Other materials may be used in modern denture bases, as discussed in an article originally published in the Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. Artificial teeth attach to the base. The teeth are typically composed of porcelain or a resin, such as acrylic. While there are permanent dentures, most are removable, which can help the patient maintain and clean them efficiently.

How to Care for Dentures

Dentures do require ongoing maintenance outside of the typical oral hygiene routine. Many people believe they can set dentures down by the side of the bed. However, this can lead to warping and cracking over time.

Instead, patients should soak dentures overnight. Avoid hot water, as this may also cause warping. Patients who use denture solutions should rinse thoroughly before replacing as denture solutions should not be ingested. Our team can recommend if solution is right for your regimen. Remember never to use these directly in the mouth, either.

It is also important to note that dentures require cleaning, just like regular teeth do. Whenever possible, remove dentures after eating or drinking and rinse them to get rid of food particles. Patients should also brush dentures at least once per day. Dentists recommend a soft-bristled brush as a more abrasive brush may cause damage over time.

Even if no teeth remain, continued dental hygiene is essential. Brush the teeth and gums and floss any remaining teeth. Patients may also use gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and even the tongue. Finally, people who use adhesives should take care to remove this.

Common Misunderstandings About Dentures

There are many benefits and advantages to getting dentures. However, some prospective patients shy away from seeking this treatment because of myths and other false information. Some people do not know enough about dentures and how this treatment can benefit their oral health and the appearance of their face.

People often believe that dentures are the last resort when all other options have failed. The fact is that dentures are not nearly as invasive as other treatment options. Wearing dentures can preserve mouth function as well as any other option.

Another misconception is that it is easy to spot a pair of dentures in a person’s mouth. Dentures are natural-looking in the base with artificial teeth. We can help ensure that dentures or partial dentures blend in with the surrounding teeth. Also, while dentures can fall out at inopportune times, our dentist can suggest adhesive products to hold the appliance in place.