Answers to Questions About Dentures
Dentist in Vancouver WA
Below we answer common questions patients may have about dentures.
What are Dentures?
Dentures replace missing teeth and can be taken out and put back in the mouth.
There are many types of dentures, a few are:
- Full Dentures: Both upper and lower dentures are flesh-colored acrylic, meant to look like the patient’s natural teeth. The upper denture covers the palate or roof of the mouth, while the lower denture is shaped like a ‘U’ to accommodate the patient’s tongue. These are custom-made to fit in the patient’s mouth perfectly while making the teeth look as natural as possible.
- Conventional Dentures: the patient’s full set of teeth is removed, and the patient is without teeth until the tissues have healed. These procedure takes several months.
- Immediate Dentures: the patient’s full set of teeth is removed, but the dentist had previously taken impressions of the patient’s jaw. In this case, the patient receives their dentures the very same day their teeth are removed, but they have to return to get the dentures adjusted since the tissues need to heal and the bone will reshape.
- Partial Dentures: These contain a metal framework that attaches to the patient’s natural teeth. There are times when crowns are placed on some of the natural teeth to anchor in the partial denture. This is also removable and is an alternative to dental bridges.
- Overdentures: In this case, the dentist will place a few dental implants in the jaw so that it can snap on the dentures. These are removable, but there is little to no movement, nor slippage, nor need of adhesives.
- Hybrid Dentures: These are irremovable. There are dental implants placed on the patient’s jaw, and the dentures are screwed in. The upper denture does not cover the palate, so they are able to taste their food better. This treatment is the closest a patient can get to having natural teeth again.
Depending on the patient’s situation, the dentist would recommend the appropriate treatment for them and the cost involved with the procedure.
How long do dentures last?
There is always wear for all dentures, that they need to be realigned or remade. Also, as time goes by, the patient’s jaw normally changes. Therefore, the dentures would become loose, which would make it harder for them to chew and it may irritate their gums. Patients should receive a checkup for their dentures at least once a year.
Dr. Jared Bowyer is a dentist in Vancouver, WA who offers many different options for dentures. To learn more about dentures please visit our website or give us a call at (360) 253-2640 and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
