Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures and Partial Dentures San Antonio, TX

When it comes to lost teeth, there are many practical replacement options to restore one's smile. Missing teeth are not just a question of appearance; they also affect the health of the remaining teeth as well as everyday comfort. Dentures and partial dentures are popular tooth replacement options that are customized for an optimal fit.

Dentures and partial dentures are available at All Smiles Dental Center in San Antonio and the surrounding area. We use high-quality materials and advanced fitting techniques to support your comfort and dental health. With our help, you can select the type of denture that will work for you.

Get in touch today by calling us at 210-714-7429 to discuss how dentures can improve your quality of life.

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Reasons to Get Dentures

While there are other options available, there are several reasons that so many people turn to dentures:

  • Denture may be an affordable solution to tooth loss. Other tooth replacement options tend to cost more, contingent upon the insurance provider. Traditional full dentures and partial dentures are typically more cost-efficient than alternatives. This is true even when factoring in the cost of replacing the dentures every 5-10 years.
  • Lower risk associated with denture procedure. The patient prefers to avoid the potentially painful failure risk associated with bridges. Dental implants also require more invasive surgery, by nature making them riskier. Age and potential bone loss can increase risk.
  • Denture can be received relatively quickly. Dentures typically take less time to receive than implants. Dental implants may take a year or more to complete. Healing periods between steps may last for up to six months.

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Full Dentures

When to Get Partial Dentures

As discussed in an article by the Oral Health Foundation, there are key differences between full and partial dentures. Partial dentures are ideal for patients who have lost multiple teeth but still have healthy natural teeth remaining. This option may also be a wise one for a patient who has several decaying teeth that need to be extracted to prevent the spread of infection and other dental problems. This procedure may also be the right option for patients who are concerned about the cost. Although prices can vary depending on insurance, partial dentures can be an affordable tooth replacement option. Patients worried about pain from a dental procedure may feel eased, knowing that the process is often less invasive than other replacement options.

Getting Full Dentures

Our team will first discuss the benefits and challenges of wearing both dentures and partial dentures. When the patient is ready to begin the procedure for dentures, X-rays and impressions of the person's mouth will need to be made. There will also be a review of the patient's health history, including current medications and recent surgeries. The impressions will go to a lab where a technician makes the full dentures.

The patient will get the apparatus at the following appointment. During this appointment, the doctor will remove any remaining teeth that need to come out, though this can also be done at a prior date. The dental professional will test the dentures to make sure everything fits properly, and the patient feels comfortable with the dentures in the mouth. The dentist may need to make additional adjustments. Be aware, some kinds of dentures can be ready for fitting right after removing teeth, while others require a patient's gums to be completely healed.

Partial Dentures

When to Get Complete Dentures

Everyone should be able to enjoy a comfortable use of their mouth and a bright smile. Going through life without teeth may cause unnecessary hardships. Missing teeth can complicate regular activities such as eating, speaking, and even socializing. Fortunately, dentures can solve this concern. If a patient has lost all teeth, or if a dental professional has pulled them all, the person should consider full dentures. At All Smiles Dental Center, we can customize the right set of dentures to fit in the person's mouth and provide a natural-looking solution.

Getting Partial Dentures

The process of getting partial dentures is similar, though the apparatus itself has some differences. Partial dentures are connected by a metal framework to secure them in the person's mouth. The dentist will use a fixed bridge to connect the partial dentures to any remaining natural teeth. This type of denture is also removable.

The patient will make two or three appointments to complete this process. Our team will make sure everything fits well and that the patient can have full mouth function with it. Patients should be prepared to wait a few weeks for the dentures. It takes time for the lab technician to make the appliance based on the molds our dental team makes.

What Material Dentures Are Made Of

One of the most popular reasons why people choose dentures and partial dentures are their resemblance to natural teeth. Dentures consist of a gum-colored base, which is often coated with acrylic or plastic. Other materials may be used in modern denture bases, as discussed in an article originally published in the Contemporary Clinical Dentistry. Artificial teeth attach to the base. The teeth are typically composed of porcelain or a resin, such as acrylic. While there are permanent dentures, most are removable, which can help the patient maintain and clean them efficiently.

Replacement Choices to Discuss

Dentures and partial dentures are two of the most common forms of tooth-replacement treatment. While there are other options available at our practice, we will determine the most effective option for the patient's specific needs. Every patient’s situation and needs a different solution.

With dental bridges and dental implants, there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding on a replacement option. During a consultation, we will answer any questions the patient has about the various options so they can make an informed decision.

Choosing Dentures and Partial Dentures Over Other Treatments

It can be difficult deciding which option is right when deciding on an effective tooth replacement option. Each patient will have to consider the pros and cons while also looking into insurance coverage. During a consultation in our office, we can go into more detail about the specifics. A determining factor is the amount of time a patient can take out of their schedule for treatment.

In most cases, the dental implant process can take several visits over the span of months. With dentures or partial dentures, the patient will most likely need two visits before they can begin wearing their dentures. Along with that, dentures and partial dentures can replace multiple teeth at once as opposed to dental implants, which only replace one at a time.

How to Care for Dentures

A set of dentures represents a significant investment and is vital for your health and comfort. Taking good care of them can help them last longer. Proper maintenance is also essential to avoid problems with oral health that may otherwise arise.

Patients who have removable dentures must be careful to avoid dropping them when they are out. Otherwise, they can become chipped or cracked. Make it a habit to handle them over a folded towel or other soft material in case they slip out of your hand.

Dentures are designed for the moist environment of the mouth. Exposing them to dry air can warp their shape. When taking out dentures for a period of time, such as overnight, store them in water or an appropriate denture cleansing solution. However, do not use hot water as that can also affect the dentures' shape.

Make sure to clean the dentures daily. Just as with natural teeth, the build-up of food debris and plaque can encourage bacterial growth and compromise your oral hygiene. You also do not want permanent food stains on your new teeth.

Rinse out dentures with water after every time you eat to remove bits of food. In addition, brush the set once a day using a soft brush specially designed for dentures. Clean all surfaces of the dentures gently, taking special care with the bend attachments.

Do not use regular toothpaste to clean dentures, as it is too abrasive. Use a special denture cleaning solution such as these tablets from Efferdent®, Polident®, and Secure®. You may also use a mild dishwashing liquid but no other types of household cleaners. However, before choosing a cleaner on your dentures, consult a dentist.

Some people like to use ultrasonic cleaners for dentures. These devices typically consist of a container with a water solution inside. When the dentures are put inside, the cleaner uses sound waves to clean them gently. The dentures still need to be brushed thoroughly on a daily basis in addition to the ultrasonic cleaner.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

One of the most common myths we hear about dentures is that once a patient gets their dentures created and placed, they are set for life. Remember that dentures typically last for 5-10 years. Since this is a wide span of years, patients may wonder how to know when they need new dentures. If the color has changed dramatically or there is physical damage, dentures may need replacement. The most telling sign, however, is when they no longer fit securely.

Some people may also believe that if they remove all their teeth and get full dentures, they’ll never need to set foot in a dentist’s office again. The truth is that dentists are in the best position to tell patients whether or not they need to get their dentures repaired or replaced. In fact, the dentist may adjust dentures during annual or bi-annual visits to keep them fitting correctly. Dentists also pay keen attention to gum health. If the patient smokes or suffers from illnesses that may affect the gums, this is even more important.

Definition of Denture Terminology
Alveolar Bone
The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.
Clasp
A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.
Denture Base
The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
Edentulous
Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
Pontic
Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.
Rebase
Rebase is the process of refitting denture prosthesis by replacing the base material.
Reline
Reline is when a professional resurfaces the surface of the prosthesis with a new base material.
Resin/Acrylic
Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.
Stomatitis
Stomatitis is the inflammation of the tissue that is underlying a denture that does not fit properly. It can also result from other oral health factors.

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