Dentures From Your Russellville, AR Dentist
Full or partial tooth loss, if left untreated, doesn't just affect a person's self-image — it can also increase the risk of developing nutritional problems and other systemic health disorders. Dentures are a reliable, time-tested solution to treat tooth loss.
Dentures are just one option for replacing missing teeth; other options include fixed bridgework and dental implants. There are several types of dentures available including full (complete) and partial dentures. It’s best to schedule a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Richard Morgan DDS, PA, to determine the best course of treatment for you based on your individual situation.
Types of Dentures
There are two main types of dentures offered at Ashcraft Morgan Dental: full dentures and partial dentures. Full or complete dentures replace all your teeth, while partial dentures can be used to replace a few teeth. You can also have a combination of the two, by having a complete denture in one arch and a partial denture opposing it.
- Full dentures are given to patients when all the natural teeth have been removed. Conventional full dentures are placed after the gum tissue has healed, which can take several months. Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after the teeth have been removed and may require frequent adjustments during the first couple of months of use.
- Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges.
How Do Removable Dentures Work?
Full or partial dentures consist of a gum-colored base made of plastic resin, which fits over the remaining alveolar (bone) ridge that formerly held the teeth you are replacing. The prosthetic teeth portion of the denture is designed to look and function just like your natural teeth. Dentures are held in place primarily by the suctioning effect of their close fit against the alveolar ridges — that's why it's so important that they are fitted properly. The upper denture also gets extra support from the large surface area of the roof of the mouth (palate), which generally makes it very stable.
Advantages of Getting Dentures
Having a custom fitted denture made for you not only helps improve your appearance but allows you to eat a healthier diet again by restoring normal oral function. At first, wearing dentures may take some getting used to in terms of talking and eating, as the dentures become “balanced” in the space formerly occupied by the teeth. But over time, the muscles, nerves, and ligaments of the mouth learn to work in new ways, which allows these functions to occur normally. Dentures also help support the facial skeleton and the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks creating a more youthful appearance.
Once you have your new dentures, Dr. Morgan and his team will assist you in adjusting to life wearing dentures by reviewing expectations and offering instructions for denture care.