What Are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetics designed to replace multiple adjacent missing teeth. While most traditional dentures are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of your oral cavity, recent advancements in dental technology have made these fixtures more customizable to your oral health needs. There are many designs that rely on clasping onto your natural teeth or dental implants, ensuring that you have a beautiful smile that’s sure to last.
Read below to learn more about the type of dentures we offer at our Wexford office. Dr. Gabriel and our expert staff are dedicated to helping you find the perfect denture option that’s right for your oral health needs.
Types of Custom Dentures
Full Dentures
Traditional full dentures are used for patients who have lost all of their teeth, giving them a completely new smile. Full dentures can also be used by Dr. Gabriel for patients who are suffering with severe cases of tooth loss or are missing an entire arch. During your evaluation, Dr. Gabriel will take scans of your mouth to create a full set of dentures to complete your smile. Your fixtures will be custom-made to fit comfortably on your gums and look natural.
Partial Dentures
If you still have some natural teeth left, partial dentures can be used to fill in the missing gaps in your smile. Partial dentures are porcelain fixtures that are secured using metal clasps that are placed on your natural teeth. Before partial dentures can be implanted to complete your smile, Dr. Gabriel will have to prepare the enamel of your real teeth so that your restoration will properly sit in your mouth without shifting.
Implant-Supported Dentures
A common complaint about dentures is that they wear out over time or can cause jawbone deterioration. Implant-supported dentures solve this problem by anchoring your denture with dental implants. Unlike traditional fixtures, implant-supported dentures are secured directly to your jawbone without the need of an adhesive. This provides you with a more durable foundation for your fixture with maximum stability and comfort.
The Benefits of Dentures
Custom dentures offer a wide range of benefits that make many patients consider them as an effective treatment, whether it’s full, partial, or implant-supported fixtures. These advantages include:
- Allows you to eat your favorite foods
- Speak easily and with more confidence
- Restore the functionality of your teeth
- Cost-effective cosmetic solution
- Maintain your face’s structure
Am I a Candidate for Dentures?
Patients who have multiple missing teeth are ideal candidates for dentures. Other qualities that make dentures the perfect dental option for you include:
- Adequate bone mass
- Health gum tissue
- You want a beautiful smile
- Lost most or all of your teeth
If you’re interested in dentures for your smile, contact our Wexford office at (724) 935-2100 for an initial consultation with Dr. Gabriel. He’ll be able to determine which denture option is right for your specific oral health needs.
Caring for Your Dentures
It’s important to take good care of your dentures to ensure that they last longer. To clean your fixtures, just remove your dentures and brush them at least once a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner. At night, soak your dentures in a denture cleaning solution. To keep them clean throughout the day, rinse your dentures out with water after eating. At your regular dental check-ups, we’ll also thoroughly clean your dentures too!