Dentures and partial dentures are most commonly associated with seniors, but many young people wear them too.

According to the CDC, adult tooth loss has been on the decline for roughly 70 years. Even so, many Americans rely on dentures to improve not just their smiles but also their speech and ability to chew food comfortably. Dentures and partial dentures fill any tooth loss gaps with false teeth.

Dentures and partial dentures are available at Modern Dentistry and Cosmetology Center in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. We offer a range of tooth replacement options.

If you are ready to learn more about the available options, reach out to us by phone at 215-673-9050.

Dentures Can Help Prevent Further Oral Health Issues

The purpose of dental care and oral hygiene is to prevent tooth loss as much as possible. However, there are cases in which tooth loss is unavoidable. When an infection advances to later stages or begins to spread, tooth extraction may become the only option. If a tooth falls out on its own or is knocked out, there is a chance the empty socket can cause the other teeth to begin to shift.

The doctor can help restore missing teeth with dentures or partial dentures. By ensuring there are no more traces of infection in the mouth, dentures can help to prevent the spread of further contamination to the mouth or jaw. Even with dentures, patients will want to continue an oral hygiene routine that involves keeping the gums and mouth clean.

With partial dentures or at least several natural teeth still in the mouth, it is essential to keep up regular oral hygiene methods, including:

  • Daily brushing. As soon as teeth emerge in a child's mouth, it is vital to brush regularly. It is wise to brush at least twice daily through one's entire life.
  • Consistent flossing. Daily flossing will remove food from between teeth. Doing this will keep bacteria from growing on the gums and beneath the teeth.
  • Regular visits to the dentist. Patients should visit our dental staff at least once every six months. More frequent visits may be necessary for restorative care.

Other Benefits

While dentures and partial dentures may not be for everyone, they can help people experience the satisfaction of a full smile and eating favorite foods again. Dentures closely resemble natural teeth. We will make sure the artificial teeth match the color of any remaining real teeth. Dentures can also give a person's cheeks a more defined shape and appearance.

Full Dentures

When to Get Partial Dentures

As discussed in an article by the Oral Health Foundation, there are key differences between full and partial dentures. Partial dentures are ideal for patients who have lost multiple teeth but still have healthy natural teeth remaining. This option may also be a wise one for a patient who has several decaying teeth that need to be extracted to prevent the spread of infection and other dental problems. This procedure may also be the right option for patients who are concerned about the cost. Although prices can vary depending on insurance, partial dentures can be an affordable tooth replacement option. Patients worried about pain from a dental procedure may feel eased, knowing that the process is often less invasive than other replacement options.

Getting Full Dentures

Our team will first discuss the benefits and challenges of wearing both dentures and partial dentures. When the patient is ready to begin the procedure for dentures, X-rays and impressions of the person's mouth will need to be made. There will also be a review of the patient's health history, including current medications and recent surgeries. The impressions will go to a lab where a technician makes the full dentures.

The patient will get the apparatus at the following appointment. During this appointment, the doctor will remove any remaining teeth that need to come out, though this can also be done at a prior date. The dental professional will test the dentures to make sure everything fits properly, and the patient feels comfortable with the dentures in the mouth. The dentist may need to make additional adjustments. Be aware, some kinds of dentures can be ready for fitting right after removing teeth, while others require a patient's gums to be completely healed.

Partial Dentures

When to Get Complete Dentures

Everyone should be able to enjoy a comfortable use of their mouth and a bright smile. Going through life without teeth may cause unnecessary hardships. Missing teeth can complicate regular activities such as eating, speaking, and even socializing. Fortunately, dentures can solve this concern. If a patient has lost all teeth, or if a dental professional has pulled them all, the person should consider full dentures. At Modern Dentistry and Cosmetology Center, we can customize the right set of dentures to fit in the person's mouth and provide a natural-looking solution.

Getting Partial Dentures

The process of getting partial dentures is similar, though the apparatus itself has some differences. Partial dentures are connected by a metal framework to secure them in the person's mouth. The dentist will use a fixed bridge to connect the partial dentures to any remaining natural teeth. This type of denture is also removable.

The patient will make two or three appointments to complete this process. Our team will make sure everything fits well and that the patient can have full mouth function with it. Patients should be prepared to wait a few weeks for the dentures. It takes time for the lab technician to make the appliance based on the molds our dental team makes.

What Material Dentures Are Made Of

One of the most popular reasons why people choose dentures and partial dentures are their resemblance to natural teeth. Dentures consist of a gum-colored base, which is often coated with acrylic or plastic. Other materials may be used in modern denture bases, as discussed in an article originally published in the Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. Artificial teeth attach to the base. The teeth are typically composed of porcelain or a resin, such as acrylic. While there are permanent dentures, most are removable, which can help the patient maintain and clean them efficiently.

Main Teeth Replacement Options

There are several options that patients can choose from when it comes to teeth replacement. Some people may rely on more than one, depending on the situation.

1. Implants

This option is the most permanent, having the potential to go without a replacement. It requires several visits, time for healing, and may take a year to complete. The process involves placing an implant into the bone structure of the jaw, where it should sit permanently. The dentist then places a crown over the implant for a realistic look. Most patients can then use the tooth immediately.

2. Bridges

An often-faster option and, depending on insurance, more cost-conscious option is to get bridges. However, unlike implants, these typically need replacement every five to ten years. With exceptional care, some people extend that lifespan to about 15 years. Bridges involve cementing an artificial tooth into the available gap and securing it to the natural teeth or implants on both or either side. This procedure typically takes about two visits to complete and may include a crown.

3. Dentures

Patients may choose to get either full or partial dentures, depending on the extent of tooth loss. Most types of dentures are removable. If a person still has natural teeth, the dentist must note the color of the teeth and gums. That way, the doctor can ensure the coating of the dentures match the natural teeth, especially if the teeth are visible.

How to Care for Dentures

A set of dentures represents a significant investment and is vital for your health and comfort. Taking good care of them can help them last longer. Proper maintenance is also essential to avoid problems with oral health that may otherwise arise.

Patients who have removable dentures must be careful to avoid dropping them when they are out. Otherwise, they can become chipped or cracked. Make it a habit to handle them over a folded towel or other soft material in case they slip out of your hand.

Dentures are designed for the moist environment of the mouth. Exposing them to dry air can warp their shape. When taking out dentures for a period of time, such as overnight, store them in water or an appropriate denture cleansing solution. However, do not use hot water as that can also affect the dentures' shape.

Make sure to clean the dentures daily. Just as with natural teeth, the build-up of food debris and plaque can encourage bacterial growth and compromise your oral hygiene. You also do not want permanent food stains on your new teeth.

Rinse out dentures with water after every time you eat to remove bits of food. In addition, brush the set once a day using a soft brush specially designed for dentures. Clean all surfaces of the dentures gently, taking special care with the bend attachments.

Do not use regular toothpaste to clean dentures, as it is too abrasive. Use a special denture cleaning solution such as these tablets from Efferdent®, Polident®, and Secure®. You may also use a mild dishwashing liquid but no other types of household cleaners. However, before choosing a cleaner on your dentures, consult a dentist.

Some people like to use ultrasonic cleaners for dentures. These devices typically consist of a container with a water solution inside. When the dentures are put inside, the cleaner uses sound waves to clean them gently. The dentures still need to be brushed thoroughly on a daily basis in addition to the ultrasonic cleaner.

Common Misunderstandings About Dentures

There are many benefits and advantages to getting dentures. However, some prospective patients shy away from seeking this treatment because of myths and other false information. Some people do not know enough about dentures and how this treatment can benefit their oral health and the appearance of their face.

People often believe that dentures are the last resort when all other options have failed. The fact is that dentures are not nearly as invasive as other treatment options. Wearing dentures can preserve mouth function as well as any other option.

Another misconception is that it is easy to spot a pair of dentures in a person's mouth. Dentures are natural-looking in the base with artificial teeth. We can help ensure that dentures or partial dentures blend in with the surrounding teeth. Also, while dentures can fall out at inopportune times, our dentist can suggest adhesive products to hold the appliance in place.

Questions Answered on This Page

  • Q. Are there different types of dentures?
  • Q. Are there dentures to replace a few of my teeth?
  • Q. What are the benefits of dentures?

Definition of Denture Terminology

Alveolar Bone

The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.

Clasp

A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.

Denture Base

The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.

Edentulous

Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.

Pontic

Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.

Rebase

Rebase is the process of refitting denture prosthesis by replacing the base material.

Reline

Reline is when a professional resurfaces the surface of the prosthesis with a new base material.

Resin/Acrylic

Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.

Stomatitis

Stomatitis is the inflammation of the tissue that is underlying a denture that does not fit properly. It can also result from other oral health factors.

About our business and website security

  • Modern Dentistry and Cosmetology Center was established in 1995.
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  • We serve patients from the following counties: Philadelphia County, Montgomery County and Bucks County
  • We serve patients from the following cities: Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem Township, Darby, Andalusia, Abington, Langhorne and Newtown
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