Dentures and Partial Dentures in Charlotte, NC
If left untreated, partial or full tooth loss may not only affect your self-confidence, but it can also increase the risk of other systemic health and nutritional problems. Dentures are removable dental prosthesis which replaces natural teeth. Dentures are designed to resemble natural teeth and are carefully crafted to match your smile’s appearance.
Types of Dentures
Full Dentures are worn by patients whose teeth are missing in either the maxillary or mandibular arch. These dentures wholly cover the entire upper or lower jaw. There are three types of full dentures:
1. Conventional dentures
We recommend conventional dentures for patients with completely healed gums. They can be put in place eight weeks after the extraction. Healing time differs from person to person and the dentist will decide the exact time for the denture installation. During this time, the patient must maintain their dental hygiene habits and a healthy diet to help the healing process.
2. Immediate dentures
To prevent any discomfort associated with living without teeth, immediate dentures are a great option. Patients are able to wear them immediately after the tooth is removed. However, the jaw continuously adapts during the healing process, meaning that adjustments will need to be made at regular intervals. We recommend that immediate dentures be worn as a temporary treatment until the patient is able to wear conventional dentures.
3. Over dentures
Our dentists aim to save as much as possible from your natural teeth, regardless of their condition. Maintaining the natural condition of your teeth helps to maintain the jawbone in good condition and provide support to your dentures. The over denture is used to accommodate existing teeth.
Partial dentures:
Partial dentures are appropriate for patients who need dentures on a certain part of their mouth. Patients are able to remove partial dentures for extra comfort. These are attached to existing teeth or implants with precision attachments.
Dentures Care & Maintenance
The care and maintenance steps depend on the type of denture used as well as on the patient’s condition. You should wear your dentures continuously for the first few weeks until you get used to it. Later on, you may remove the denture at night for added comfort.
When not in use, you must place the denture in a special container and fully covered with water, to preserve its flexibility.
The denture needs to be cleaned every day with a non-abrasive cleanser and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Visit Pearl regularly for adjustments and routine check on your gums and remaining teeth.
Dentures change one’s appearance, boost self-esteem and improve the patient’s eating experience.
Available in different materials and adaptable to every budget, dentures are a necessity for anyone who has lost their teeth.
Visit us for a check-up and see what type of denture best fits you!
Reach out to Pearl. to learn more about dentures and determine if they are the right choice for you. Our dentures are designed to help restore your smile!
FAQs
What's the difference between full and partial dentures?
Full dentures replace all the teeth in an arch and cover the whole upper or lower jaw. Partials are for when you still have teeth worth keeping: they fill in a specific section and attach to your existing teeth or to implants with precision attachments. Both are removable, so you’re not committing to something you can’t take out.
How long does it take to get dentures?
With conventional dentures the wait is mostly healing rather than fabrication. They go in once your gums have fully healed, usually around eight weeks after extraction, though it varies enough that your dentist sets the exact timing. If you’d rather not go without teeth in the meantime, immediate dentures can be worn right after the extraction with adjustments along the way, and we generally treat those as a temporary step until you’re ready for conventional dentures.
How long does it take to get used to new dentures?
There’s an adjustment period, which is why we ask you to wear a new denture continuously through the first few weeks instead of taking it in and out. Once you’re used to it, most people find eating easier than it was with missing or failing teeth, and you can start leaving the denture out at night if that’s more comfortable. With immediate dentures, expect a few adjustment visits, since your jaw keeps changing shape while it heals.
How do I care for dentures?
Clean them every day with a non-abrasive cleanser and a soft-bristled toothbrush, and when they’re out of your mouth, keep them in their container fully covered with water so the material stays flexible. Care does vary a little by the type of denture you have and your own situation, so we’ll tailor the specifics for you. Keep up your regular visits too, since we check the fit and keep an eye on your gums and any remaining teeth.