What are full dentures and when are they recommended?

Full dentures take the place of a patient's natural teeth and are recommended when most or all of the teeth are damaged or missing. This type of significant loss is usually the result of periodontal disease, injury or major tooth decay. Loss of a significant number of teeth can be much more than a cosmetic problem. Patients without teeth can also have trouble eating or speaking properly. Over the long term, a loss of teeth can cause facial muscles to sag. Full dentures restore a patient's smile and allow the patient to resume regular eating habits and clear communication.

Because full dentures usually take the place of regular teeth, the appliance must be anchored to the gums. This can create a challenge in the fitting process. Because of this, many dentists will try to keep at least a couple of natural teeth in the mouth to attach the dentures to. Another option is to perform a dental implant that attaches prosthetic teeth directly to the jawbone. This will also provide an anchor to hold the full dentures in place.

What are the types of full dentures available?

Patients have options in the types of full dentures in Orange County they can request.

• Immediate Dentures - Once the teeth have all been removed, an immediate denture is usually set into place. While this appliance will not fit quite as well as a permanent set of full dentures, it prevents the patient from going without any teeth for a period of time, which will aid in eating and speaking. However, changes to the jaw and gums will require a new set of full dentures within about six months.
• Conventional Dentures - This is a permanent set of full dentures that is usually put in place once the gums have fully healed and the resulting changes to the jaw and gums have taken place. It is important to wait for the conventional dentures to ensure they will fit properly in the mouth. This usually takes about six months after the teeth have been removed. The right fit is essential for full dentures that are comfortable to wear and do not affect eating or speaking in any way. Since changes to the jawbone and gums can continue as the patient ages, the full dentures will need to be checked regularly to determine if any adjustments need to be made to the fit.
• Cosmetic Dentures - This is a more recent option to conventional dentures in Orange County. Instead of the plastic prosthetic teeth that conventional dentures typically sport, cosmetic dentures are crafted out of porcelain to more closely resemble natural teeth. Cosmetic dentures tend to come with a higher price tag, but from a cosmetic standpoint, they are highly desirable.

How are full dentures maintained?

It is important to care for your full dentures properly to extend their life as long as possible. Brush and rinse dentures daily, using tools and products designed specifically for them. It is also important to brush the gums and tongue before inserting the dentures to keep the mouth clean and bacteria free.