Missing teeth need to be fixed before they start affecting your face shape, bite, speech, and more. One solution for missing teeth is dentures, which are removable appliances that can help restore your smile and mouth function. With dentures, speaking and smiling will no longer cause embarrassment, and eating will no longer be challenging. Dentures are fitted to your mouth, so they resemble your natural teeth and look authentic.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures can be made of porcelain, ceramic, and acrylic resin. Porcelain is the sturdiest material, but acrylic resin is the most widely used for dentures. It is lighter and also more affordable than porcelain dentures. For the framework, dentures may have metal clips or gum attachments.
How Are They Made?
Dentures are custom-made. Impressions are made of your mouth, which will be used to create plaster models. The jaw will also be measured. The dentures are then made in a laboratory. Once ready, the dentures will be fitted into your mouth. Your dentist will make adjustments to improve the feel and look of the dentures if needed.
Different Types of Dentures
There are different types of dentures. The most common ones are complete, partial, and implant-supported dentures. Complete dentures are for patients with no remaining natural teeth. Partial dentures are for those who have few remaining natural teeth. Partial dentures are either fixed or removable. Implant-supported dentures are for patients with some degree of bone loss. The dentures will be anchored by dental implants. With the support of dental implants, dentures (usually on the lower jaw) can be shaped into a horseshoe and create more space for the tongue. Dentures may be placed immediately or after the mouth and jaw tissues have healed.
How Do They Feel?
Everyone is different, but dentures usually take a few weeks for patients to get used to them. You may notice an increase in saliva flow and soreness in the cheeks and tongue as your mouth becomes accustomed to keeping them in. However, once you get used to them, dentures will feel like a natural part of your mouth. You won’t even give them a second thought after a couple of months.
How Long Do They Last?
Dentures require proper care. Rinsing and brushing them with a soft-bristle brush daily and after every meal helps prolong their lifespan. They are removable, and when not in use, they should be placed in water or a denture cleaning solution to keep them from warping. Dentures can last up to seven years with proper care.
Dentures in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
At Hagerman Dental Care, we love to create full and partial dentures for our patients to restore their confidence and self-esteem. Our dentures are customized and optimized for patient comfort.
If you have any questions about dentures or would like to know if they are right for you, call Hagerman dental clinic at (651) 646-2392 or use our online request form to make an appointment with Dr. Steve Hagerman.