Vineyard Hills Dental Care Can Use Dentures and Partial Dentures to Replace Your Missing Teeth

At Vineyard Hills Dental Care, we use both dentures and partial dentures to replace teeth in a way that is durable and dependable. Dentures have been used for centuries as a highly effective way to provide people with a full set of teeth after they have been lost due to age, infection, or an accident. While preventative care has made it possible to prevent full tooth loss, the majority of adults still experience some form of tooth loss during their lifetime. If this happens to you, call Vineyard Hills Dental Care to schedule an examination to discuss your options for replacing them.

Dentures and Partial Dentures – What is the Difference?

If you have experienced complete tooth loss, full or complete dentures can be used to replace your missing teeth. These dentures surround your gums and fit snugly in place. They are created in a dental lab and each tooth is secured to a gum-colored base that surrounds your natural gums. They are often secured in place using a denture paste or adhesive so that they do not become loose while eating or speaking. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are designed to replace a few of your teeth. These teeth are also secured to a gum-colored base, but they are held in place using wires and clasps. Partial dentures are often a starter point in patients that do eventually lose all of their teeth.

Caring for Dentures and Partial Dentures

It is important that you take steps to care for your dental prosthetic so that it can last for a long time. We recommend that you remove it nightly and brush it with a soft toothbrush and water or a special cleaning solution. You do not want to use a traditional toothpaste because it can be too abrasive and scratch your dentures. Simultaneously, you want to avoid brushing too aggressively. You may also need to soak your dentures overnight to ensure that they remain in good condition. When you take your dentures out, remember to brush any remaining teeth that you have and to floss. Even if you only have gums, you need to wipe them down with a wet cloth to ensure that no residual sugar is on them.

Alternatives to Dentures and Partial Dentures

If you are interested in replacing your teeth but would like a more secure solution, we can assist with that as well. Instead of wearing partial dentures that are removable, we can secure them in place. Permanent dentures are also referred to as a dental bridge. In this solution, your new teeth are secured to a gum-colored base that is held in place using dental crowns. This way, it will not come out or come loose when you are eating or speaking. Another option is to have dental implants placed in your mouth. An implant is a titanium post that is placed under your gum tissue and secured to your jaw. The two elements will fuse together through the process of osseointegration and once done, your new tooth will be attached. Both of these solutions do not come out so they are more secure than dentures would be. If, however, you do want a removable prosthetic, Vineyard Hills Dental Care can still take steps to ensure that it fits snug and secure.