More than 41 million Americans with missing teeth wear dentures. In addition to being more affordable than dental implants, dentures can preserve your oral health while boosting your confidence and self-esteem. At his practice in Arcadia, California, cosmetic dentist Hanfu Lee, DDS, regularly uses dentures to restore his patients’ smiles. If you’re missing some or all of your permanent teeth, schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.
request an appointmentWhat are dentures?
Dentures, or false teeth, are a type of oral prosthetic that replaces your natural, permanent teeth. They’re made of materials like metal, acrylic, or nylon, and fit snugly over your gums. This makes eating and speaking easier while restoring volume to your face. It also prevents your cheeks and lips from wrinkling or sagging, which can make you look older than you actually are.
Are there different types of dentures?
There are several types of dentures. Depending on your oral history and goals for treatment, Dr. Lee might recommend:
Full dentures
If you’ve lost all of your permanent teeth, you’re probably a good candidate for full dentures. Full dentures feature a full arch of false teeth attached to an acrylic plate that mimics the color and appearance of your gums. To hold your dentures firmly in place, you attach a denture adhesive to the bottom.
Partial dentures
If you’re only missing some of your permanent teeth, Dr. Lee might recommend partial dentures. Partial dentures feature a metal framework that snaps snugly into place around your healthy, remaining teeth. The framework blends in with your gums and prevents the need for denture adhesives.
Implant-supported dentures
If you don’t want to remove your dentures at night to soak them in a cleaning solution, or you simply want a longer-lasting tooth restoration option, consider implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants or small metal posts that Dr. Lee surgically places in your gums.
What steps should I take to keep my dentures in great shape?
If you want to keep your dentures in great shape, it’s important you take good care of them. Dr. Lee recommends removing your dentures after every meal, rinsing them in cold water, and gently brushing them off with a soft bristle toothbrush.
If you have partial or full dentures, you should also remove them at night before bed and soak them in a denture-cleaning solution. This prevents the buildup of food particles, plaque, and harmful bacteria while allowing your gums to breathe and recuperate.
Depending on the type of dentures you get, Dr. Lee might also recommend avoiding certain foods and beverages. This includes chewing gum, hard candy, and drinks like hot tea or coffee that could warp your dentures.
To see if you’re a good candidate for dentures, schedule an appointment at Hanfu Lee, DDS, by calling the office or booking online today.