Our office is committed to improving the quality of life for patients who come to us with decayed, damaged teeth. Oftentimes, their chewing, talking, comfort, and smile confidence are compromised by their conditions.
Dentures are a great solution, but the topic creates many questions when it is first suggested. In this post, we seek to answer the most common questions about the important, but often confusing, subject of dentures.
What Is the Difference Between a Partial and a Full Denture?
Some people think “partial denture” means prosthetic teeth for either the upper or lower jaw. This is not the case. Both a partial and full denture is a prosthetic arch that fits on the upper (maxillary) OR lower (mandible) jaw. The main difference is that full dentures are a total replacement system for the jaw in question. Conversely, partial dentures replace groups of teeth on the jaw.
How Long Will a Denture Last?
The average lifespan of a denture is about 5 years. It depends on what you eat and your bone structure as they can last longer and they can also wear out faster.
Will My Dentures Loosen?
Many people worry about loose dentures. It can be can be an uncomfortable, unhealthy, and sometimes embarrassing situation.
Conventional dentures (meaning arches that are not secured by implants) loosen because compression of the tissues under the denture results in loss of bone and gum tissue volume. The bone that formerly supported the teeth is not designed to withstand these new forces, and in response, weakens over time.
What’s the Best Way to Secure a Denture?
Implant technology has developed to the point where dentures can be secured onto a jaw with certainty. At our office, we use mini implant technology to safely secure dentures to a patient’s jaw.
This solution is ideal for people who do not have adequate bone available for standard larger implants. It requires no tissue cutting or sutures and patients have very minimal discomfort following the procedure. They can immediately leave the office with their dentures firmly in place and enjoy their next meal without the worries they had prior to the treatment.
What Are the Best Ways to Take Care of My Dentures?
Whether the denture is secured by an implant or otherwise, here are some important care tips:
- Take them out and clean them at night.
- Use a toothbrush designed specifically for dentures every day.
- Thoroughly rinse a denture before re-insertion.
- Place the denture in water while you sleep.
For a complete list of denture care tips, visit the American Dental Association’s webpage on the topic.
Contact Us for More Denture Information
We offer courtesy consultations for patients interested in implants and dentures. So contact us to set up an appointment. We’ll discuss your options, teach denture care best practices, and answer all of your questions.
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