Dentures and Partials
Missing several teeth or all of your teeth can affect the way you eat, speak and feel about your smile. Dentures and partial dentures provide removable options for replacing missing teeth and restoring both function and appearance.
At Michigan City Family Dentistry, we understand that choosing to replace missing teeth is an important decision. Whether you have recently lost teeth, have been living with missing teeth for some time or are preparing to have teeth removed, we can help you understand the options available to you.
Full dentures are designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, while partial dentures can replace several missing teeth when healthy natural teeth remain. The right option depends on your individual needs, the condition of your remaining teeth and gums, and other factors we will evaluate during your appointment.
Our goal is to create a restoration that fits comfortably, functions well and gives you confidence in your smile.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are designed to replace all of the teeth in the upper arch, lower arch or both. For someone who has lost most or all of their natural teeth, dentures can restore the appearance of a complete smile while also helping with everyday functions such as eating and speaking.
At Michigan City Family Dentistry, dentures are made specifically for your mouth. During the process, we consider more than simply replacing the teeth that are missing. The size, shape, position and shade of the replacement teeth, the appearance of the gums, your bite and the overall proportions of your smile all play a role in creating dentures that look natural and function comfortably.
If you still have teeth that need to be removed before receiving dentures, we will explain how that affects the treatment process and what you can expect as your mouth heals. Every patient's circumstances are different, so the timing and steps involved will depend on the condition of your teeth and gums.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
Even well-fitting dentures can feel unfamiliar when you first begin wearing them. Your lips, cheeks and tongue need time to adjust, and speaking and eating may feel different for a while. Starting with softer foods, taking smaller bites and chewing slowly can make the transition easier.
You may also notice increased saliva or minor areas of irritation during the adjustment period. If you develop a persistent sore spot or an area that feels uncomfortable, call our office. A small adjustment to the denture may make a significant difference in how it feels. Do not try to reshape or adjust a denture yourself.
As you become accustomed to your dentures, eating and speaking typically become more natural. We are here to answer questions and address concerns as you adjust.
The Fit of Dentures Can Change Over Time
Your mouth continues to change even after your natural teeth are gone. The gums and bone that support a denture can gradually change shape, which may cause a denture that once fit comfortably to become loose or unstable.
A change in fit does not necessarily mean you need an entirely new denture. Depending on the condition of the denture and the changes in your mouth, an adjustment or other treatment may be appropriate. We can examine your dentures and help determine what is needed.
Regular dental visits are still important when you wear full dentures. In addition to checking their fit and condition, we can examine your gums and the other soft tissues in your mouth and address areas of irritation or other concerns.
Partial Dentures
If you still have healthy natural teeth, a partial denture may provide a removable way to replace the teeth that are missing. Unlike a full denture, a partial is designed to fit around your remaining teeth and fill the open spaces in your smile.
Replacing missing teeth can make it easier to chew and may help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into open sp
aces. A partial denture can also restore areas of your smile that are visible when you speak or laugh.
Several factors can influence whether a partial denture is appropriate, including the health and position of your remaining teeth and the number of teeth that need to be replaced. We will examine your mouth and discuss your options before recommending treatment.
How to Care for Dentures and Partial Dentures
Proper daily care helps keep your dentures clean and protects the health of your mouth.
- Rinse after eating.
- Remove and rinse your dentures to help clear away loose food and debris.
- Clean them every day.
- Use a soft denture brush and a cleaner intended for dentures. Regular toothpaste can be too abrasive for some denture materials.
- Clean your mouth too.
- Brush your gums, tongue and any remaining natural teeth every day.
- Handle dentures carefully.
- Dentures can break if dropped, so clean them over a folded towel or a sink partially filled with water.
- Follow our instructions for overnight care.
- Depending on the type of denture, you may be instructed to remove and soak it while you sleep.
- Keep regular dental appointments.
- We can check the fit and condition of your dentures as well as the health of your gums and remaining teeth.
If a denture becomes uncomfortable, loose, cracked or damaged, call us rather than attempting to reshape or repair it at home.
When Should Dentures Be Checked?
Dentures do not necessarily fit the same way forever. Changes in your gums and jaw can gradually affect their fit, even when the denture itself has not been damaged.
Contact our office if you notice:
- New sore spots or irritation
- A denture that feels loose or moves when you eat or speak
- Difficulty chewing foods you previously ate comfortably
- Cracks, chips or other damage
- Changes in your bite
- Problems with clasps or other parts of a partial denture
Do not use household glue or attempt to reshape a denture yourself. We can examine it and determine whether an adjustment, repair or replacement should be considered.
Ready to Discuss Your Tooth Replacement Options?
If you are missing several teeth, need to replace an existing denture or would like to find out whether dentures or partial dentures are right for you, we are happy to talk with you about your options.
Call Michigan City Family Dentistry at (219) 871-7171 to schedule an appointment.
