A patient dealing with significant tooth loss has many options to help restore their smile. For those who are not good candidates for extensive dental work, dentures can be an excellent alternative. The prosthetic teeth are designed to fit the unique shape and size of a patient's mouth and are secured with an adhesive for daytime wear. They are removed at night for cleaning and to give the soft tissues of the mouth a chance to rest and recuperate.
There are many advertisements for snap-on veneers and tooth coverings that may look like dentures. People can purchase these online or over the phone. However, a person must make an appointment with a dental professional to receive a true set of well-fitting, custom-made dentures. Seeing a dentist for a denture fitting helps ensure a higher-quality product, a better fit, and a more natural-looking appearance.
In general, there are two types of dentures: full and partial. A partial denture, sometimes called a flipper denture, is used to replace one or a few teeth in the mouth while leaving the rest of the natural teeth intact. The appliance usually fits snugly against the palate while being worn and is removed at the end of the day. Full dentures are used to replace all of the teeth on the upper and/or lower portions of the mouth.
A patient is eligible for dentures if there are one or more teeth missing. People often lose teeth because of poor oral health, periodontal disease, facial or jaw injuries, tooth extraction, or natural aging. There is a greater risk of tooth loss if an individual has medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or rheumatoid arthritis.
There are a variety of materials that can be used to make dentures. These include porcelain, nylon, resin, acrylic, or metal. The overall framework is generally crafted from metal, nylon, or acrylic. However, the specific materials used are customized to the type of denture that is being placed. A full denture is often made out of acrylic materials but with metal or acrylic gum attachments. A partial denture could rely on metal clips but have an acrylic base.
In addition to the basic framework, artificial teeth can be made from different materials. Porcelain or resin are used for false teeth and both can provide a natural appearance. Many believe that porcelain provides a greater similarity to the texture and color of natural teeth, but it also has greater durability as well. Because of the abrasive nature of the material on any adjacent teeth, porcelain is often recommended for those needing full dentures.
Most people should expect some amount of dental work before receiving any type of denture appliance. Many times, tooth loss is a result of gum disease or decay, so these problems must be addressed first. In addition, any tooth that is being replaced but still remains in the mouth must be extracted. In most situations, the dentist will wait until the soft tissues are healed before moving on to the next step.
Once the mouth is fully treated and ready for dentures, a dentist will take impressions or digital scans. These will be used to create appliances that fit the patient's mouth with precision. It usually takes a few weeks for dentures to be finished and delivered to the office; most people will receive a temporary set to wear in the meantime.
Patients can expect to schedule a few follow-up appointments after receiving their final permanent dentures. This will allow the dentist to check the fit and make sure the tissues of the mouth are handling the new appliances well. Minor adjustments may be made to relieve any discomfort or to help improve the fit. Once the dentures have been fitted, the dentist will present instructions on how to care for the dentures and avoid damage as well as how to adjust to the new sensation in the mouth.
To receive a true set of quality dentures, a patient must make an appointment with a dentist. These professionals can help determine which product is the right choice for the patient's needs while monitoring their oral health over time. Dentists can also make adjustments and repairs to ensure a more comfortable fit and improved durability. With the help and guidance of a professional, patients with severe tooth loss can enjoy a beautiful and functional smile again.
Request an appointment here: https://www.santamonicadental.com or call Santa Monica LiveWell Dentistry at (310) 907-7780 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
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