Dentures
Losing your teeth makes it hard to eat and talk. Your face may sag, which makes you look older than you are. Dentures can help. They replace your natural teeth. You’ll be able to chew foods again. And, they give you back your smile.
What are dentures?
Dentures have two parts: the frame (called a “plate”) and the teeth (which are attached to it). The plate can be made of resin, plastic or metal. It is shaped to fit your gums. The teeth can be made of different types of resin or porcelain.
Fit for your mouth
Your dentures are made specifically for your needs. You may need dentures to replace just your upper teeth, or just your lower teeth. Or, you may need both top and bottom. If you’re only missing a section of teeth, you may be able to get a partial denture to fill in the gap. Some teeth may need to be pulled or prepared before you can get dentures. If you have a few healthy teeth, you may be able to keep them. Dentures can be made to fit around those teeth.
Talk to your dentist to see if dentures are the right way to restore your smile.
Removable Partials
If you’ve lost a tooth, or even a few teeth next to each other, a removable partial denture can fill in the gap. It’s a prosthetic device that’s made to fit comfortably in your mouth. And you can take it out at night and for cleaning.
Types
There are a few types of removable partial dentures. With one common type, the replacement teeth are held by a plastic base. It’s molded to the shape of your gum. With another type, the replacement teeth are supported by a metal framework that clasps to your other teeth. Or, your prosthetic may be designed to snap into a custom housing with “precision attachments.” With this style, your dentist will have to modify the teeth next to the gap. They may need to be fitted with special crowns or other devices.
Care
Your dentist will teach you how to take care of your denture. You will also need to keep the teeth around it clean and healthy so they stay strong and provide good support. So follow your dentist’s instructions for brushing and flossing. With proper care, your denture can last for many years.
Talk to your dentist to see if a removable partial denture is the right way to restore your smile.