Full and Partial Dentures
Portland, OR
Your teeth play many important roles in your mouth. They are responsible for biting and chewing. The teeth help you to speak properly. They also play an integral role in the appearance of your smile. When you suffer tooth loss, all of these functions and more are affected. The more teeth you lose, the more significant the effects become. At West End Dental, we can replace an entire arch of missing teeth, or sections of missing teeth, with full or partial dentures.
What Causes Tooth Loss?
There are several issues that can result in tooth loss. These issues include:
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Facial trauma, such as a car accident, a sports-related injury, or a fall.
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Gum disease.
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Significant tooth decay.
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Bruxism. |
What are Dentures?
Dentures are the traditional restoration used to replace missing teeth. They have been in use for a few hundred years. During their use, they have undergone numerous changes and improvements, all designed to help improve their fit and functionality, as well as their appearance. The dentures we use today are a vast improvement on older types of dentures, including those used just a few decades ago. The materials we use to make dentures now provide you with a much more realistic, much less bulky restoration. Dentures are a removable prosthesis. They consist of acrylic resin teeth that are set into an acrylic, gum-colored base. The teeth are designed to look exactly like real teeth, and the base is made to more effectively blend in with your natural gums. The base sits directly on your gum tissue, relying on the tissue, and the underlying ridge, for support.
Full Vs. Partial Dentures
When most people think of dentures, they often think of full dentures; a restoration used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. This type of denture can be used to replace the top arch of teeth, the bottom arch, or even both. Before your denture is made, any unhealthy teeth remaining in the arch need to be extracted. Once the teeth have been removed, an impression of the arch is taken. The impression is used to design and create your custom denture
A partial denture, on the other hand, is designed to replace a section of missing teeth. With this type of denture, your healthy teeth do not need to be extracted. Partial dentures are also made from an impression of your mouth. These types of dentures also have metal clasps, which attach to adjacent teeth. These clasps are designed to provide your partial denture with additional support.
Caring for Your Dentures
No matter if you have a full denture or a partial denture, it is important that you take proper care of your restoration. Dentures need to be cleaned every night and left out of your mouth to soak while you sleep. Before removing your denture, lay down a towel or fill your sink with water. After removing your denture, brush it gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaning paste or soap and water. Do not use toothpaste. Once you have finished brushing your denture, leave it to soak in a denture cleaning solution. Finally, brush the rest of your teeth and your gums. Taking care of your dentures, and your mouth is essential for avoiding serious oral health issues, including gum disease.
Both full and partial dentures can help to replace missing teeth, restoring the functions of your mouth and your quality of life. Call West End Dental today at (503) 446-2957 to learn more and schedule your appointment today.
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