Dentures
Dentures don’t just have to replace the functionality of missing teeth — they can actually offer improvements. At Hamden Dental Care, dentists offer both full and partial dentures that can help you chew, digest, and speak better. Your dentures can also be made to match the appearance of your natural teeth, giving you an attractive, healthy-looking smile.
To learn more about dentures, call 203-562-0234 or use the online booking tool and schedule a consultation at the Hamden, Connecticut, office today.
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Dentures Q & A
A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth. Dentures can improve functions such as chewing, speech, and digestion. They also closely resemble your natural teeth and even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures: complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures replace an entire mouthful of missing teeth, while partial dentures replace some missing teeth when natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in spaces left by missing teeth, but it also prevents other teeth from shifting.
In most cases, complete dentures are "immediate," meaning they are made in advance of tooth removal, and your dentist places them right after, so you don't have to be without teeth during the healing process.
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Your dentist takes highly accurate impressions to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit.
At the final appointment, your dentist precisely adjusts and places your completed denture. Sometimes, dentures are placed over implants, tiny screws fused into jawbone that helps properly support your dentures and prevent them from slipping in your mouth.
Your dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth, as well as to look and function like natural teeth. They may feel awkward for the first few weeks or even months, but chewing and speaking with your new dentures will get easier with practice.
A sensation that they are loose is not uncommon. It takes time for your cheek and tongue muscles to get used to holding your dentures in place. Early on, you may also deal with:
- Excessive saliva flow
- Irritation
- Soreness
- Feeling like your tongue doesn’t have room
If you experience prolonged complications that last more than a couple of months, make sure to see your dentist.
Eventually, your dentures will require adjustments, due to normal wear and tear as well as aging. Over time, the fit of your dentures to changes, which affects your ability to chew properly and can harm your gums.
Your dentures should last at least five to seven years. However, maintaining good oral hygiene habits plays a key role in the lifetime of your new dentures. Brush and floss regularly, and keep up your regular dentist visits.
Learn More
To learn more about dentures, call 203-562-0234 or use the online booking tool today and schedule a consultation at the office.