Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. They are custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth and can be used to replace a few missing teeth (partial dentures) or an entire arch of teeth (complete dentures).
Why choose custom dentures?
Replacing missing teeth is essential to maintaining a healthy mouth and beautiful smile.
- Restored Function: Custom dentures help you chew and speak more effectively, improving your overall quality of life.
- Enhanced Appearance: Custom dentures are designed to look natural, restoring your smile and boosting your confidence.
- Improved Oral Health: Custom dentures prevent remaining teeth from shifting and help maintain the structure of your mouth.
Types of Custom Dentures
- Complete Dentures: These are used when all teeth in an arch are missing. They sit directly on the gums and are custom fitted to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
- Immediate Dentures: These are used in cases when a patient has had teeth removed and the denture placed the same day as tooth removal. This option is typically faster than standard complete dentures but typically we see that they will need more adjustments or will need to be replaced once healed from tooth removal.
- Partial Dentures: These are used when some natural teeth remain. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is sometimes connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: For a more stable and secure fit, implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone. This option provides increased comfort and better chewing ability.
Custom Dentures at Fear Free Dental
During your first visit to our Portland dental office, we will discuss your dental history, current oral health, and your goals for custom dentures. Dr. Little will conduct a thorough examination and take any necessary X-rays. We will also take impressions to create a model for your custom dentures. This ensures that your dentures will fit comfortably and function properly.
Your custom dentures will be crafted in a dental lab using high-quality materials. This process ensures that your custom dentures look natural and fit well. Once your custom dentures are ready, you will return for a fitting appointment. Dr. Little will make any necessary adjustments to ensure your custom dentures fit perfectly and comfortably.
Denture Care and Maintenance
Eating with Custom Dentures
Avoid foods that can be hard, sticky, or acidic, as well as foods that are very hot or cold. These foods can damage dentures, make them feel loose, or cause them to move around in your mouth while chewing. Some other foods to avoid in order to have the perfect denture experience are:
- Tough red meat
- Crusty bread
- Whole fresh fruit
- Foods with pits or large seeds
- Dried fruit
Cleaning Your Custom Dentures
- Handle your dentures carefully.
- Take out and rinse dentures after eating.
- Clean your mouth after taking out your dentures.
- Brush your dentures at least daily.
- Soak dentures overnight.
- Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution.
Of course, don’t forget to schedule regular dental checkups and exams at our Portland dental office!