Dentures

What are dentures?

Dentures are custom-fit and removable dental appliances that can take the place of missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Depending on your needs, Dr. Patel may recommend full dentures, which replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or partial dentures, which fill in gaps when you still have some of your natural teeth.

What are the benefits of dentures?

Some advantages of dentures include:

Restoring functionMissing teeth can make it difficult to eat and speak properly, but dentures help you chew more effectively and pronounce words clearly. Supporting facial structureWell-fitted oral appliances prevent the “sunken” appearance that can occur when teeth are lost.Partials are made by a flexible material called valplast that means there is no metal in the partial and gives a more comfortable fit . Improving appearanceDentures can dramatically improve your smile and boost your confidence. Affordable and non-invasiveYou may appreciate having a more affordable tooth replacement option compared to alternatives like implants, and they also don’t require surgery.

What can I expect when getting dentures?

You’ll typically have fewer appointments to ensure a proper fit. Dr. Patel starts by examining your mouth and taking scan to create a model of your gums. If you need extractions, he takes care of those before fitting your dentures. Sometimes he will make your dentures and do the extraction of teeth at the time of insertion of dentures so you do not walk without teeth.

Once your custom dentures are ready, Dr. Patel places and adjusts them for your best comfort and function. It’s normal to feel slightly sore for a bit, and speaking or eating might take some practice at first. Over time, your muscles adapt, and dentures begin to feel more natural.

Follow-up visits are important to fine-tune the fit, especially as your gums and bone structure change over time. With the right adjustments, dentures can become a reliable and comfortable part of your daily routine.

How can I take good care of my dentures?

Proper care keeps your dentures in good shape and helps maintain your oral health. Start by cleaning them daily using a soft-bristled brush and a cleaner made for dentures, since regular toothpaste can be too abrasive. Rinse your dentures after eating to remove food particles, and soak them overnight in a denture solution to keep them moist and maintain their shape.

It’s also important to care for your gums and any remaining natural teeth by brushing them regularly. With proper care and routine visits, dentures restore your smile and improve your quality of life.

Call or text Nikhil M. Patel, DMD, or book your appointment online today to learn more about custom-fitted dentures.