Are you missing many teeth? Maybe you have an upper or lower arch of missing teeth. Dr. Greg Reece can restore your smile using modern dentures near you in our Charlotte, NC dental office.
Dentures are a restorative treatment that provides a secure and stable bite for patients with many missing teeth. A denture is a removable appliance that replaces lost teeth and functions as a complete set of replacement teeth. They are usually acrylic, porcelain, or plastic.
We can replace one tooth or all of your teeth in an arch using a denture. There are three different types that we can provide to our patients: full dentures, partial dentures and implant-supported dentures.
A full denture is the most common type of denture and replaces all the teeth in an arch. You may also know them as traditional or complete dentures. Partial dentures only replace some of the lost teeth. We commonly provide them when there are only a few missing teeth on one side of your mouth.
Implant-supported dentures are a permanent fix. Dental implants secure them to your lower and upper jaw, which act as anchors for the prosthetic. Dental implants can be a permanent fix if you have healthy bone. However, they may not work as well if you have osteoporosis or other bone conditions.
Replace Your Missing Teeth using Dentures
Why should you replace your missing teeth in the first place? Not replacing missing teeth soon enough may result in one or more of these conditions:
- Shifting teeth
- Overcrowding
- Tooth decay
- Misaligned bite
- Facial sagging
- Speech issues
Later in life, our gums may recede because of missing teeth thus exposing the root surfaces of our teeth. A number of factors can cause gum recession, including trauma, periodontal disease, vigorous brushing, genetic predisposition, and missing teeth.
Root exposure is a problem because cementum covers root surfaces. Cementum is much softer than enamel and more susceptible to decay. So not replacing missing teeth in time can speed up the process and create more opportunity for dental issues to occur.
Dr. Greg Reece’s mission is to prevent oral health problems. Dr. Reece will typically address any underlying issues before starting a restorative treatment like dentures. It’s best to start with a healthy foundation before moving forward with dentures in our Charlotte dental practice.
Treatment with Dentures in Charlotte, NC
Dr. Reece offers three types of denture options in our Charlotte dental office. Before treatment, Dr. Reece will review your options with you to see if you are a candidate for dentures. He will assess your remaining teeth and gums and discuss your budget and goals. Continue reading to learn the differences between implant-secured and partial dentures.
Implant-Secured Dentures
An implant-secured denture is a permanent type of dental prosthetic. Dental implants support and attach the denture to your jaw for a more secure and permanent restoration. Patients who have enough bone in their jaw are good candidates for implant-secured dentures.
Dentists usually place the dental implants in the front of the jaw because there is typically more bone and fewer nerves. After the dentist places implants, he inserts the supporting bar that secures the restoration.
The implant-secured dentures process spans across 3 to 4 months, but it is well worth the wait. You will not have any dietary restrictions, and will not need special products to maintain the dentures. Best of all you will not have to remove them for any reason! Also, they are the most comfortable for your gums and the most natural-looking denture option.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are metal or acrylic. The partial denture will have lifelike replacement teeth. Your dentist attaches these teeth to a plastic base that mimics the look of your gum tissue. The metal framework has metal clasps that attach to your natural teeth to secure your new ones firmly in place.
This treatment option works best for our patients with a few consecutive missing teeth. We can create this custom prosthetic to replace several lost teeth; even if they are not necessarily next to each other. Partial dentures can improve your bite and make it easier to talk. They are removable and can offer between five and ten years of quality tooth replacement.
How to Maintain Your New Dentures
Now that you have new dentures from our dental office, it’s important to take good care of them! Maintaining them properly will ensure that they last as long as possible. They will also remain comfortable to wear with the proper care. The following are tips that you can apply to your denture care routine to keep them healthy and clean.
Clean Them Everyday
Just like your natural teeth, you have to clean your dentures daily. Clean them to remove food particles, debris, and plaque that will build up on them. To do this, we suggest using a soft bristle toothbrush or denture brush along with a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Once clean, rinse them thoroughly.
Carefully Handle your Dentures
Removing, cleaning, inserting, or setting your dentures down comes with risks. You must handle them with care because they can be fragile.
For example, they can break if they fall into the sink. Placing a soft towel over the sink when handling your dentures should be a part of your routine. This will lower the risk of damaging them.
Avoid Hot Water
Never use hot water when cleaning your dentures. Some materials that the fixture consists of can warp in hot water. Always use warm to cold water when cleaning and rinsing your false teeth.
You do not necessarily need to avoid hot food or drinks like coffee or soup. If you can consume it, chances are it is not hot enough to warp your dentures.
Soak them While you Sleep
It is important to give your gums a rest from wearing dentures and the best time to do this is overnight. However, when you are not wearing them, you need to soak your dentures in water or a denture solution. This will prevent the acrylic from drying out and keep them free of bacteria.
Rinse after Every Meal
This habit may not always be easy to remember. But it will help your denture stay as clean as possible. Remove them and rinse your mouth out with water after every meal.
This will remove any stuck food particles. Always try to rinse the food from your mouth after each meal if you are able to.
Visit your Dentist Regularly
During each routine dental checkup, your dentist will make sure that your dentures fit properly and are in good shape. We will clean them and give you tips on how to maintain them. If you are having any issues, please tell our dentist.
Schedule a Dental Exam at Dentistry of the Queen City
Do you have whole arches of lost teeth in Charlotte, North Carolina? Do you have a slipping denture that is affecting your ability to eat and speak with confidence? Call our Charlotte dental office at 704-486-8911 or request a dental exam on our website.
The dental care professionals at Dentistry of the Queen City will be happy to provide you with denture care. Get back to smiling with confidence today.