Dentures and Partials

What Causes Tooth Loss?

There are several reasons why your natural teeth might be missing, damaged or failing. Gum disease and tooth decay are the leading causes of tooth loss, but teeth grinding, teeth misalignment, genetics, and certain medications can also contribute. 
 
Whatever the cause, dentures can be an excellent solution for people who experience tooth loss. If the word “dentures” makes you think of your grandparents’ false teeth soaking in a glass, you might be interested to learn that there is more than one type of denture! From full or complete dentures that replace a full arch of missing teeth, to partial dentures that replace one or more missing teeth, to implant-supported dentures supported by two or more dental implants, there are plenty of denture options to help restore your smile.
 
Living with multiple teeth that are missing or failing greatly affects the quality of your life.

Failing teeth cause discomfort and difficulty eating and chewing the foods you normally enjoy. A compromised smile may cause you to feel less confident when you’re talking, which may lead to hiding your teeth when you meet new people.

If this sounds familiar, RGC Dentistry has some excellent solutions to help you reclaim your life.

What Is a Full Denture?

Dentures have received a bad reputation over the years for being ill-fitting or unnatural looking. The truth is, today’s modern dentures have an innovative design so that they fit your mouth and complement your facial structure and skin tone better than ever before. This allows them to provide not only a beautiful smile, but also a more youthful appearance for many patients.

A full denture is an oral appliance customized to replace an entire arch of teeth. It is removable and typically made of acrylic. Dentures rely on an excellent fit that secures them to your jaw and helps them stay in place. They can easily be removed at night for cleaning while you sleep.

Because they rely on jaw support for fit and function, dentures will have to be adjusted or relined to ensure proper fit as your jawbone is always changing.

What Is a Partial Denture?

For patients who are missing multiple teeth but also still retain plenty of healthy teeth, a full denture may not be necessary. A partial denture is another type of removable appliance that uses metal clasps as anchors to your healthy teeth and has prosthetic teeth strategically placed to fill in the gaps.

Because the prosthetic teeth look very natural, today’s partials truly complement your smile. Like dentures, they can also be easily removed for cleaning.

How Do Dentures Stay in Place?

Traditional dentures stay in place by tight suction from your gums and receive support from your jaw bone. For dentures to work, you need to have healthy gum tissue and adequate bone level. If you have lost a lot of bone and gum tissue, the dentures will not fit as well and might move around. If you have trouble keeping your dentures in place, an over-the-counter denture adhesive can be used.  

There are a few factors that will determine which type of denture is best for you. These include the number of missing teeth, the condition of your gums, and your budget. These days all types of dentures are more realistic than ever, and provide a better match to your natural teeth so you can regain your beautiful smile! 

What if My Denture Doesn’t Fit Properly?

Perhaps you are already living with a denture that moves and slips while you speak or eat? This can be frustrating, but the good news is that Dr. Call has solutions to help your denture fit better.

Dental implants can be used to anchor an ill-fitting denture and keep it securely in place, providing security when you’re eating and talking. Implants also offer the added benefit of stimulating your jawbone, which helps prevent bone loss and promotes longevity for your denture.

Signs You Might Need Dentures

Do your teeth move when you chew or open your mouth wide?  You might be at risk of losing some of your natural teeth. Are you missing several teeth, especially large molar teeth?  A dentist can help you determine whether your teeth are able to be saved, or whether tooth replacement should be in your future dental plans. If you have loose, missing or damaged teeth, contact us to schedule a denture consultation with Dr. Call in Surprise, AZ. 

Would You Like to Learn More?

The first step in reclaiming your smile is to contact RGC Dentistry in Surprise, Arizona, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Call. She can help you identify your options so you can achieve the results you want, whether you’re looking to restore your smile or update an old appliance.

Give us a call today to learn more!