(305) 597-2227
Missing teeth create gaps that lead to problems such as poor chewing, speech problems, mouth and jaw pain, movement of other teeth, accelerated decay, and gum disease. The good news is that there are a number of options available to replace missing teeth, and dentures can be an excellent, affordable solution.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic, removable teeth that not only provide a natural-looking smile, but also help to restore your ability to eat and speak properly. Dentures are custom-made in a dental lab using impressions of your teeth and gums to ensure a comfortable, personalized fit.
Dentures are made of strong, hard-wearing materials that are specifically designed to match the color and appearance of your natural teeth and gums. They are typically fabricated with a high-impact acrylic base to make them long-lasting and to resist staining.
With advances in cosmetic dentistry, today’s dentures are crafted to be even better than ever before. Modern dentures are designed to be comfortable, functional, and natural-looking – and with proper care, they should last for a very long time.
How Do Dentures Work?
Dentures come in top and/or bottom pieces, depending on your level of tooth loss. You may wear upper, lower, or both upper and lower dentures. You will also need to determine the attachment method that suits you best; your dentist will help you decide the most appropriate options for you.
Options can include conventional full dentures, partial dentures, overdentures, and implant-supported dentures – which are designed to fit snuggly onto dental implants but can be removed daily for cleaning.
What Are Full Dentures?
Conventional full dentures are appropriate for people who have lost all of their teeth on their upper and lower jaws. The dentures are custom-made to fit over the gums, and they can be worn after your teeth have been extracted and once the gums have healed – which can take several months.
Full dentures are usually held in place without the aid of special attachments. The saliva in your mouth forms a vacuum to hold your dentures in place. However, if your dentures slip, denture adhesive can help. Be sure to contact your dentist if your dentures slip or slide too much, as they may need to be adjusted.
Intermediate Full Dentures
Intermediate full dentures are a complete denture which are worn after your teeth are extracted and while your gums are still healing. Depending on the individual, these dentures may be positioned on the same day as when the teeth are extracted, so there is no period without teeth. Intermediate full dentures are fabricated before your tooth extraction, and they may require adjustments in order to achieve the right fit.
Why Do I Need Partials?
When only a few of your teeth are missing and need replacing, a partial denture can be created to look and act like perfectly normal teeth. Partial dentures are removable replacements that are held in place by metal attachments to adjacent natural teeth, which may be crowned to provide extra support and stability. In addition to the improved look and function of your teeth, partials prevent your other healthy teeth from shifting after tooth loss.
Natural-Looking Dentures in Doral, Florida
If you have missing teeth and are looking for personalized restorative dentistry, Dr. Belkis Del Puerto at Smiles at Doral can discuss your options with you and help restore your smile.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Del Puerto, call our Doral office today at (305) 597-2227 or you can fill out our convenient online appointment request form now. We look forward to seeing you!
