Full & Partial Dentures in Stuart, FL
Stuart Prosthetic Dentistry provides dentures in Stuart, FL. Call our office today at 772.286.1606 to schedule an appointment.
Three Types of Complete Dentures
Conventional Dentures
The most common type of denture. This one involves having all teeth removed for 8 to 12 weeks prior to beginning fabrication.
Immediate Dentures
This type of denture is prefabricated prior to the teeth being extracted. This way, they can be delivered on the same day your remaining teeth are removed. A soft reline material called tissue conditioner is used to adapt this denture to your jaw during the 8 to 12 week healing period. After healing is completed, a final hard reline is completed.
Over-Dentures
This type utilizes underlying existing teeth or dental implants to increase stability and retention. The use of a denture attachment apparatus is often used.
What are partial dentures?
When you lose even a single tooth, it is important to replace it since it will cause the rest of your teeth to shift into the empty space. This will cause esthetic problems, as well as lead to tooth decay since crowded teeth are harder to clean. For patients missing several teeth, but not all of their teeth, a removable partial denture may be an affordable option. A partial denture is held in place by a bridge supported by the remaining teeth. Unlike implant-supported crowns, implant-supported bridges, and fixed dental bridges, removable partial dentures are not meant to be worn 24 hours a day and must be taken out at night.
There are many different types of and designs for removable partial dentures. Typically, a removable partial denture is made of a metal framework with an esthetic plastic material (acrylic resin) forming both gums and denture teeth. They are designed to offer a patient proper dental function, allowing them to eat while the denture is in. The use of dental implants may increase the stability of your removable partial denture (implant-retained dentures).
Do you need denture adhesive?
Your new dentures should fit securely, but denture adhesive may be helpful as you get used to wearing them. A denture that does not fit well can cause irritation, mouth sores and infection. While denture adhesive may help a loose-fitting denture for a short time, using adhesive all the time is not recommended. If your denture is loose, have it checked by a prosthodontist. Dental implants should be considered if you feel like you can’t go without denture adhesive.
How long does a denture last?
The normal lifetime of dentures is 5 to 10 years, but this can vary widely depending on the patient. Overtime, dentures can break, crack, chip, or start to feel loose. The prostheses may need repaired, relined, or rebased. Repairs to fix breaks, cracks, or chips to the denture base or teeth can often be made easily. Relining is when new material is added to the underside of the denture base to fit to your gums. Rebasing is when a new base is made while still using the existing teeth. Relines and rebases should result in a more accurate fit.
The mouth changes naturally with age. Jaws line up differently as bones and gum ridges recede and shrink. At some point your dentures will be worn or no longer fit well and will have to be remade. It is important to replace worn or ill-fitting dentures before they cause problems. Your prosthodontist will let you know when it is time to replace your dentures.
The use of dental implants my increase the stability of your complete denture.
How do I care for my dentures?
It is important to keep in mind that dentures are not meant to be worn 24 hours a day, your prosthodontist will recommend taking them out at night. The tissues that are covered with denture material all the time can become irritated or even infected (often a painful fungal infection called candidiasis). Like natural teeth, you must take good care of dentures.
Make sure to clean them on a daily basis to avoid accumulation of food particles and plaque. When brushing them avoid the use of toothpaste because most toothpastes contain abrasive particles. Liquid hand soap is a good alternative. Keep them in water or a denture soaking solution when not wearing them so they do not dry out. Rinse them very well after using any denture cleanser because it may contain chemicals that should not go in the mouth.
If you have a removable partial denture, take extra care of your remaining natural teeth, especially the teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. Brush twice a day and floss once a day. In addition, make regular visits to your registered dental hygienist for professional cleanings or periodontal maintenance.
How do I care for my mouth if I have no teeth?
You should always take good care of your mouth, even if you wear dentures. Every morning before putting in your dentures, you should thoroughly brush your gums, tongue and palate. This will help to remove plaque and increase the blood circulation in your tissues.
You will still need professional dental hygiene visits at least once per year. During your visit, we will look for signs of disease such as cancer of the head and neck. They will also check the fit of your dentures, clean them, and make adjustments if necessary.
Are you looking for full or partial dentures in Stuart, FL? Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.