Dentures

Missing teeth aren’t fun for anyone, and when you have many missing teeth, it can have serious effects on your quality of life. If you’re ready to eat, talk, and live life normally again, Horizons Dental can help you find the dentures that are right for you. 

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are false teeth that replace your regular teeth in instances where the teeth have decayed, fallen out, or are too soft to chew properly. Dentures can also replace gum tissue if that has been lost as well. Often, dentures are needed as you get older.    Dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth and match your natural teeth. Dentures can be removable or permanent, and can also be either complete or partial. 

Different Kinds of Dentures

Permanent Dentures

Permanent dentures are supported by dental implants. Dental implants are metal posts that anchor to your jawbone and act like tooth roots. A false tooth is then attached to the post. Implant-supported dentures work just like your natural teeth—you can eat normally and you don’t ever take them out. 

Removable Dentures

Removable dentures are typically taken out every night for cleaning and to give your mouth a rest. They fit snugly over your gums to replace your teeth. 

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth. Even if you only have a single missing tooth, it’s important to get it replaced, since it can cause other teeth to shift. A partial denture for one or two teeth is an affordable way to regain your smile.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures replace all of your teeth. Both partial and complete dentures can either be removable or permanent. 

How Do Dentures Work?

How your dentures work will depend on the type of dentures you get. Permanent dentures are supported by metal posts that are anchored in your jaw bone and act like tooth roots, while removable dentures work by being fitted to your gums.    Partial dentures that are removable either consist of a “flipper,” or a retainer-like device that has one or several false teeth on it, or the fake teeth can be placed with a metal clip that fastens them to your remaining teeth. 

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures are made of a variety of materials: porcelain, resin, metal, acrylic, or nylon. The material will depend on the type of dentures you choose. If you’re concerned about the material of your dentures, let us know and we can provide information about the materials we use.

How Do I Care For My Dentures?

Permanent dentures should be treated just like normal teeth. Here’s how to keep them in great condition:  

• Brush your teeth twice daily.
• Floss at least once a day.
• See Dr. Leyder for regular cleanings and checkups. 

  Removable dentures require a bit more care. Here’s what you need to do to take care of them:  

• Brush them to remove any food particles. 
• Clean them in the cleaning solution provided by Horizons Dental.
• Brush them again to remove the cleaning solution. 
• Make sure they fit properly and get them refitted if they stop fitting well. 

  You need to visit your dentist to have your dentures refitted for the following reasons:  

• They fall out easily. 
• Dentures make a clicking noise when you talk or chew. 
• Your mouth is uncomfortable while wearing dentures. 
• Your dentures are visibly worn. 

Benefits of Dentures

Dentures obviously have a cosmetic benefit—they restore the look of your natural smile and can boost your confidence. But they also serve many health functions.    Dentures, especially permanent dentures, prevent bone loss in your jaw from missing tooth roots. Partial dentures prevent your remaining teeth from moving and help you avoid pockets of decay in places that you can’t reach with your toothbrush.   Without dentures, it can be difficult to get the nutrition you need, since eating is difficult. Lack of teeth can also have negative social effects, since you may not be able to communicate clearly with others. 

Call Horizons Dental Today To Make a Consultation Appointment

Living life with missing teeth is unpleasant and frustrating. Luckily, you don’t have to live that way anymore! Reach out to Horizons Dental! We can help you find a solution that works for you, so that you can eat, talk, and live normally again.