Regain Your Smile and Confidence
If you’re missing teeth, you don’t need us to tell you how much of a burden it can be. You may be in the habit of hiding your smile behind your lips or hand. You might have trouble chewing your favorite foods. Not to mention, missing teeth come with a slew of oral health problems, like jawbone deterioration and an increased risk of further tooth loss. Luckily, at Comal Dental, Dr. David Earnest offers both full and partial dentures to help you regain your smile and confidence. Whether you’re missing just a few pearly whites or a whole mouthful, you may find that dentures are just the solution your smile needs.
Types of Dentures
Dentures are made of a set of prosthetic teeth attached to an acrylic gum-colored base, and they come in three main varieties:
Partial Dentures
Partials are used to replace missing teeth when a patient still has some natural pearly whites left. A partial essentially fits into your mouth like the missing piece of a puzzle. It typically attaches to your remaining teeth with tiny metal clasps.
Full Dentures
A full denture replaces an entire row of missing teeth. It sits directly on the gums and is held in place with a combination of natural suction and possibly a bit of denture adhesive.
Implant-Retained Dentures
A full or partial denture can also be secured onto a number of dental implants placed strategically throughout your jaw to maximize their stability and strength.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Essentially, anyone who has suffered through tooth loss to some degree would make a good candidate for dentures. For someone missing all their teeth, we can place a full denture, and you can receive a partial if you still have some part of your natural smile remaining.
In order to be a candidate for implant-retained dentures, though, you must have a sturdy enough jawbone to accommodate dental implants. This can be difficult since the jawbone may deteriorate after prolonged tooth loss. However, Dr. Earnest might be able to perform a bone graft to strengthen the jawbone before placing implants. All of this can be explained in greater detail at your dentures consultation.
Benefits of Dentures
No matter what type of dentures you get, you can look forward to the following benefits:
- Rebuild your smile and gain your confidence back
- Speak more clearly
- Chew a wider variety of healthy foods with greater ease
- Decrease your risk of gum disease
- Improve your overall oral health
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting
Living with Dentures
When you first receive your new full or partial denture, it can take some time for your mouth to grow accustomed to the way they feel. To help you get used to chewing, we recommend sticking to a soft food diet for the first few days and gradually adding heartier foods as you feel comfortable. Chew evenly with both sides of your mouth to help the dentures stay in place. Practice reading out loud so that you get more used to talking with them in place. You can expect to deal with a little soreness in your gums for the first few days, especially if you recently had teeth extracted. However, if you experience any persistent pain or irritation, give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to help!
Denture FAQs
Dentures in New Braunfels are a tried and proven solution to treat significant tooth loss, but you might have a few concerns before you are ready to commit to them. Dentures are a big investment. We want you to feel comfortable during your journey to a complete smile. Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions about dentures to help calm your nerves.
Can I sleep with my dentures?
Your denture dentist in New Braunfels will recommend wearing your dentures for a full 24 hours, but then it’s best to remove them at night. Although no one wants to be caught without their teeth, your gums need a break and time to recuperate. Your dentures restrict blood flow to the soft tissues, which can lead to irritation and quicker ridge resorption. Taking your dentures out at night allows your gums to get the nutrients they need to get ready for the next day. Not to mention, your mouth is a dark and moist environment. It’s the ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can lead to infections and odors. You can promote your oral and general health by taking your teeth out before going to bed. Clean your mouth well using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t forget to clean your dentures using nonabrasive products. Soak them in an overnight cleaning solution to remove any lingering plaque or food residue.
Do upper dentures always cover the palate?
If you’ve lost all your teeth in the upper arch, there are several types of dentures to fit your needs. While you could choose one that covers the palate, it can diminish the taste of food. As an alternative, a horseshoe-shaped denture can be used. It will look like a denture used for the lower arch, so it won’t cover the roof of your mouth. Your dentist will explain all your options during your denture consultation to make the best choice for your smile.
Can I use regular toothpaste to clean my dentures?
While your dentures will closely mimic your real teeth, you don’t want to use toothpaste to clean them. Toothpaste is abrasive, which can cause small scratches on the surfaces of your dentures. Plaque and food particles can get trapped, tarnishing your new smile. They can even develop unpleasant odors. Instead of using toothpaste, it’s better to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid. It’s best to clean your dentures after every meal. Don’t forget to soak them in a solution at night to remove anything left behind by your toothbrush.
Can you kiss with dentures?
You don’t have to feel embarrassed when puckering up for a kiss; however, it can take some time to get used to wearing your dentures. Since your dentures don’t have any nerves like your real teeth, you might bump your mouth on theirs if you aren’t careful. Although it may take a little practice, you can kiss your loved ones without worrying about hitting their teeth or yours falling out.