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Dentures have been used for centuries to replace teeth, but the prosthetics used today are no longer the bulky, obvious appliances that you might remember. At Dulce Dental, we carefully fabricate full and partial dentures so that they resemble natural teeth as closely as possible. Our friendly team members will go over the process with you so that you can smile with confidence once your new teeth are in place. Contact us today to learn more about replacing missing teeth with dentures and partials in Dallas, TX.
Losing an entire arch of teeth can be devastating, but it’s still possible to enjoy the benefits of a complete smile thanks to full dentures. The prosthetic stays in place on the gums thanks to natural suction, letting you chew a wide variety of foods again while also providing support for your face to maintain a youthful appearance. You can easily remove your dentures at night to clean them and to give your gums a chance to rest while you sleep.
Partials are suitable for those who still have some of their healthy teeth in an arch but have multiple gaps that need filling. Like full dentures, partials are made up of acrylic teeth and a gum-colored base, but instead of natural suction, it’s secured in place with a metal clasp attached to your natural teeth. This gives your partial greater stability so that it stays in place while you bite and chew. Partial dentures can be removed for thorough cleanings.
Thanks to recent innovations in dental technology, modern dentures are more lifelike, durable, and comfortable than ever before. They have allowed millions of patients worldwide to enjoy having complete smiles again after tooth loss. With that said, though, we understand if you have a few questions that you need answered before committing to the treatment. For that reason, we’ve included the answers to a handful of frequently asked denture questions below. As always, feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions!
You may experience minor irritation and sensitivity in your gums after you first get dentures. This is completely normal as your mouth grows accustomed to your replacement teeth. For some patients, this discomfort only lasts for a few weeks, but for others, it may take months. Generally, the adjustment process takes longer if you have previously worn a denture and switched to a new one than if this is your first denture.
If you experience intense, persistent discomfort or even pain, please call us. There may be something wrong with your denture that we need to fix.
When you first receive your new dentures in Dallas, you’ll most likely be instructed to keep the prosthetic in your mouth for 24 hours, including overnight, to help your mouth adjust. After that, we highly recommend taking your dentures out before bed.
Wearing dentures all day exerts pressure on your gum tissue, so removing it at night gives your gums some time to recover. Additionally, nighttime is the perfect opportunity to clean your dentures by letting them soak in lukewarm water or denture cleanser. Note that you should NEVER use hot water or let your dentures dry out; both of these choices could make your dentures warp and lose their comfortable fit.
In the beginning, speaking with dentures can be a bit of a challenge. After all, your mouth has to get used to talking around the new appliance inside of it. Many patients experience a period of a few weeks or months during which they accidentally slur their words, sound muffled, or produce unintentional clicking or whistling noises.
On the bright side, you can power through this adjustment process by practicing. Try reading your favorite book aloud or even singing in the shower! Applying a small amount of denture adhesive can ensure your teeth stay in place as you get used to them.
As more time passes without the roots of your natural teeth, your jawbone will gradually shrink, causing even the best-made denture to not fit correctly anymore after a few years. In many cases, we can perform a reline – an adjustment to the base of the denture to make it more comfortable and supportive. Depending on the extent of the alterations necessary, your denture dentist in Dallas can perform a reline right in their office, but in some cases, we may need to send it to an offsite dental lab. Either way, this procedure should make your dentures feel more lifelike for years to come.
