Dentures St. Augustine

What are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-crafted prosthetics that replace missing teeth. Used for centuries to help individuals enjoy a complete smile, they are still widely recommended by dentists because of their reliability and more natural-looking appearance. At Total Dental Care: Tony Lee, DMD, we offer three types of dentures:

• Full dentures: These are recommended if you are without a full row of teeth or the upper or lower arch. Crafted from gum-colored acrylic, they consist of a base that supports the artificial teeth. If you opt for conventional dentures, you can expect to receive your new teeth once your gums have healed. However, if you prefer immediate dentures, we can place them directly following tooth extraction (should you require it). This option does require that we adjust your dentures over the next several months to ensure a proper fit.
• Partial dentures: These are an ideal option if you have multiple missing teeth that are scattered along an arch. They’re made from the same materials as full dentures but instead consist of a metal framework that includes clasps that attach to natural teeth. This helps to hold them in place, while full dentures require natural suction and adhesive.
• Implant dentures: Unlike conventional and immediate dentures that rest only on top of the gums, implant dentures are held in place by 4-6 titanium posts that are embedded into the jawbone. Their permanence allows for greater stability and oral function, making eating, speaking, and smiling easier than ever before.

How Do I Know if Dentures Are the Right Choice for Me?

It’s easy to assume that dentures are a good choice for all patients, but that’s not always the case. The only way to know for sure if you can move forward with treatment is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee. After a thorough examination, he will develop a treatment plan that discusses his recommended approach.

If you possess any signs of gum disease or severe tooth decay, it may be necessary to incorporate additional treatment into your plan, like gum disease treatment or tooth extraction. This will better prepare your mouth so that your dentures are placed within a healthier environment.

Caring for Dentures

Once you receive your dentures, you’ll need to make sure that you take proper care of them. Maintaining your new teeth requires that you put in the time and effort to reduce your chances of infection and damage so that your prosthetics do not require replacement earlier than anticipated.

You can expect daily maintenance to look something like the following:

• Brush your dentures each day to avoid a buildup of plaque and tartar. You’ll need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to adequately clean your teeth.
• Rinse your dentures after every meal to keep food particles from accumulating.
• Place a towel in the basin of your sink when cleaning your dentures so that they don’t accidentally break should you drop them.
• Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
• Use a denture cleanser to soak your teeth overnight, as this helps to remove any remaining bacteria. It also gives your mouth a rest while allowing valuable nutrients to be restored to your gums and bones.
• Make sure to clean your gums and tongue so that bacteria do not accumulate and cause bad breath or gum disease.