Caring for Your Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. At Dental Solution, they are custom-made to fit the individual's mouth. They can be either full dentures, replacing all teeth in the upper or lower arch, or partial dentures, replacing only some missing teeth while preserving the remaining natural teeth. If you have lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll also experience difficulty eating and speaking. You’ll be able to eat and speak more comfortably and easily again. 

Types of Dentures

Full Dentures 

Full dentures are used when all-natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing or need to be removed. They consist of a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over the gums and a set of artificial teeth attached to the base. The upper denture covers the roof of the mouth, while the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate the tongue. 

Partial Dentures 

Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain in the mouth. They consist of a metal or acrylic framework that supports artificial teeth designed to match the color and shape of the existing teeth. Partial dentures are attached to the remaining natural teeth using metal clasps or precision attachments, providing stability and restoring chewing function. 

The Advantages of Dentures 

Restored Appearance 

Dentures help restore a natural-looking smile, filling in gaps caused by missing teeth. They can improve facial aesthetics by supporting the lips and cheeks, preventing a sunken or sagging appearance. 

Improved Chewing and Speech 

Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew and speak properly. Dentures restore the ability to bite and chew food effectively, allowing for better digestion. They also aid in clear speech, especially for sounds that require proper tooth-to-tooth contact. 

Enhanced Self-Confidence 

By replacing missing teeth, dentures can help individuals regain their self-confidence and feel more comfortable in social situations. Restoring a complete smile can positively impact one's self-esteem and overall quality of life. 

Caring for Your Dentures 

• When handling your dentures, be gentle to avoid dropping them. Place a towel or basin of water in the sink while handling them to prevent breakage if they accidentally slip. 
• Remove and clean your dentures daily to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or denture brush and a mild denture cleaner or non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid using regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive and damage the denture surface. 
• Dentures need to stay moist to maintain their shape. Soak them in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water overnight. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the duration and type of solution recommended for your dentures.

Dentures require regular care and maintenance for optimal performance and longevity. Visit Dental Solution at 2470 E. 11 St, Odessa, TX 79761, or call (432) 333-4500 to learn more about the benefits of dentures.