What Is a Denture?

A denture is a removable appliance that replaces a full arch of teeth, either on the top or bottom jaw. It's held in place by suction and can be adjusted to fit your mouth. Partial dentures fill in the space created by missing teeth, while full dentures replace an entire set of top/bottom teeth.

While dentures used to be quite noticeable, today's options are natural looking and undetectable when worn properly. Your dentist will carefully evaluate your bite and jaw alignment to ensure a comfortable fit and a natural-looking smile. You may experience some difficulty speaking for the first few days after receiving your dentures, but you'll quickly adjust to them. These issues can be further corrected with dental adhesives that help hold your dentures firmly in place.

What Are the Different Types of Dentures?

There are two main types of dentures, partial and complete. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. Complete dentures replace all of your teeth on the upper or lower arch and are held in place by suction and/or denture adhesive.

A partial denture is a removable appliance that is designed to fit within your existing smile. It typically consists of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base that is designed to look like your natural gums. The base holds the denture in place and makes chewing foods and speaking easier. The prosthetic teeth are attached to the base and can be either made of resin composite or porcelain. The dentist will match the color of the artificial teeth to your surrounding teeth and to the shade of your gums for a seamless look.

When complete dentures are used, the dentist will first remove any remaining teeth from the mouth. Then, an impression of your mouth will be taken and sent to the lab so that the restoration can be custom-made to fit your unique smile and function comfortably. Once your new set of dentures is received, the dentist will check to ensure that the fit and the shade are correct. When your dentures have been properly fitted, patients should learn how to care for their new restorations so that they last many years and look as natural as possible.

How Long Will a Denture Last?

While caring for your dentures is important, there are some things you can do that may shorten the life of your dentures. Don't use abrasive cleaners or hard-bristled brushes to clean your dentures, as this can damage them. You also shouldn't wear them all the time. Your gums need to rest in order to stay healthy. If you never remove your dentures, it can cause irritation and inflammation in your gums that can make your dentures uncomfortable. This can lead to mouth sores and infections that can be harmful to your health. Avoid activities that can loosen your dentures, such as eating sticky foods or chewing gum. And make sure your dentures fit properly. Ill-fitting dentures can cause problems with chewing food which can lead to malnutrition and other serious health issues.

In order to make sure that your dentures fit well, it's important to see your dentist regularly for checkups. At these appointments, your dentist can check the health of your teeth and gums to make sure that the fit of your dentures is correct. They can make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your mouth is healthy and that your dentures are doing their jobs. Regular visits to the dentist can also help detect any underlying issues, such as oral cancer, early so they can be treated before they progress into more advanced stages. Seeing your dentist for regular checkups can help ensure that your dentures last longer and stay in good condition.

Get dentures from the expert dentists in Rosemont Dental Center, the best dentistry in Frederick, MD. Call Dentist in Frederick MD at (301) 663-1144, book online, or visit us at 2090 Old Farm Dr #C for more details and consultations.