Jacksonville Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures and Partial Dentures Jacksonville, FL

Dentures and partial dentures are most commonly associated with seniors, but many young people wear them too. According to the CDC, adult tooth loss has been on the decline for roughly 70 years. Even so, many Americans rely on dentures to improve not just their smiles but also their speech and ability to chew food comfortably. Dentures and partial dentures fill any tooth loss gaps with false teeth.

Dentures and partial dentures are available at Kernan Family Dental in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. We offer a range of tooth replacement options.

If you are ready to learn more about the available options, reach out to us by phone at (904) 775-4255.

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    Benefits of Getting Dentures

    It is normal for people to be nervous about getting dentures and partial dentures. Replacing teeth is an essential step in a person's journey to achieve the oral health they want. Dentures are natural-looking. When in place, dentures do not look awkward or clunky. Dentures have strong artificial teeth and allow patients to eat many of their favorite foods. Also, this treatment can last for ten years or more, depending on how well the patient will take care of the dentures.

    According to WebMD, wearing dentures can improve a person's smile. No longer does the patient have to hide a toothless smile but can instead open up without feeling embarrassed or ashamed. Showing off one's smile can make it more comfortable to meet new people, speak in public, socialize, and get back activities they once did. Dentures will typically not cost as much as some other treatments. Some insurance plans may even cover some of the costs. If your considering dentures, talk with your insurance provider to see what parts of the cost are covered.

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    How Dentures Are Made

    Dentures consist of a flesh-colored base and the synthetic teeth attached to it. Today, both components are made of a type of acrylic. The artificial teeth are typically made of acrylic resin, which closely approximates the appearance of real teeth.

    Once the decision is made to proceed with dentures, the patient will make an appointment for the impression. The dentist will put a tray with a thick paste into the patient's mouth to take impressions of the upper and lower teeth. This process usually takes about 20 seconds for each impression. The dentist may offer to apply a numbing agent to the palate beforehand to minimize discomfort.

    Afterward, the impressions are used to make a plaster model of the mouth. The dental lab technician then uses wax to attach the teeth. The wax is shaped and trimmed according to the patient's gum shape.

    Then the wax shape with attached teeth is placed in a container, sometimes called a flask. Dental stone or plaster is poured around to hold it. The wax is then boiled out, leaving a molding in the shape of the gums, and the acrylic material for the dentures' base is poured in.

    The denture is removed from the container, trimmed and polished. At this point, the patient will have the first fitting. While some people may find their dentures fit properly right away, most need to have a few adjustments done for optimal comfort.

    It is normal to need several fitting appointments before the dentures fit the way they should. Patients should not hesitate to let the dentist know if something feels wrong. What may seem like a trivial amount of discomfort during fitting can seriously interfere with your quality of life, later on, so be sure to speak up.

    Types of Dentures

    There are several basic types of dentures. The right option for you can depend on several factors, which Kernan Family Dental can discuss with you. Choosing an option that works for you can help you get the most out of the dentures.

    Dentures can be full or partial. A full set can be necessary for patients who are missing all their teeth. In this case, impressions will be taken of the gums and the teeth made to maintain the proportions and distances similar to the real teeth. A partial set can be an option if the patient still has several teeth in good condition remaining.

    Additionally, there are also fully removable and bridge-supported dentures. Removable dentures are what most people picture: the base that sits on the gums with attached teeth. They can be easily taken out. While this option is typically more affordable, removable dentures may need several adjustments over the years as the mouth's shape changes.

    Bridge-supported dentures are also removable but do not have a base. They are clipped on to four or six dental implants. These implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Eventually, the implants fuse with the bone.

    Due to the implants, bridge-supported dentures tend to be more costly than other options. They also involve minor surgery. However, many people find they feel more secure and are more comfortable because they do not need a base. The implant procedure can also reduce future bone loss, which can be familiar with missing teeth.

    Not all patients are good candidates for fixed dentures. Those who already suffer extensive bone loss may not have enough bone to support the implants. Some other health concerns can also prevent implants from being a good option.

    Options Other Than Dentures and Partial Dentures

    Dentures have been improved in design for over a hundred years. Today they are a viable option for patients of all ages, whether one tooth needs to be replaced or many. At Kernan Family Dental, we can advise patients on when this treatment would suit their oral health needs. At our office, we can also advise you on other options for replacing missing teeth. Each type of tooth replacement has distinguishing qualities. There are two primary categories of tooth replacement other than dentures:

    • Dental implants. These are artificial teeth similar in look and feel to natural teeth. They have roots made with screws that are inserted into the jaw for stability. Implants are highly durable with the capacity to last a lifetime with proper care.
    • Dental bridge. A bridge closes the space left by missing teeth; hence, why they are referred to as “bridges.” Bridges are held in place by either natural teeth or implants with artificial teeth bridging the space and two or more crowns placed over the teeth and connected to an artificial tooth.

    How to Care for Dentures

    Dentures do require ongoing maintenance outside of the typical oral hygiene routine. Many people believe they can set dentures down by the side of the bed. However, this can lead to warping and cracking over time.

    Instead, patients should soak dentures overnight. Avoid hot water, as this may also cause warping. Patients who use denture solutions should rinse thoroughly before replacing as denture solutions should not be ingested. Our team can recommend if solution is right for your regimen. Remember never to use these directly in the mouth, either.

    It is also important to note that dentures require cleaning, just like regular teeth do. Whenever possible, remove dentures after eating or drinking and rinse them to get rid of food particles. Patients should also brush dentures at least once per day. Dentists recommend a soft-bristled brush as a more abrasive brush may cause damage over time.

    Even if no teeth remain, continued dental hygiene is essential. Brush the teeth and gums and floss any remaining teeth. Patients may also use gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and even the tongue. Finally, people who use adhesives should take care to remove this.

    Common Misunderstandings About Dentures

    There are many benefits and advantages to getting dentures. However, some prospective patients shy away from seeking this treatment because of myths and other false information. Some people do not know enough about dentures and how this treatment can benefit their oral health and the appearance of their face.

    People often believe that dentures are the last resort when all other options have failed. The fact is that dentures are not nearly as invasive as other treatment options. Wearing dentures can preserve mouth function as well as any other option.

    Another misconception is that it is easy to spot a pair of dentures in a person’s mouth. Dentures are natural-looking in the base with artificial teeth. We can help ensure that dentures or partial dentures blend in with the surrounding teeth. Also, while dentures can fall out at inopportune times, our dentist can suggest adhesive products to hold the appliance in place.

    Definition of Denture Terminology
    Alveolar Bone
    The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.
    Clasp
    A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.
    Denture Base
    The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
    Edentulous
    Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.
    Periodontal Disease
    Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
    Pontic
    Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.
    Rebase
    Rebase is the process of refitting denture prosthesis by replacing the base material.
    Reline
    Reline is when a professional resurfaces the surface of the prosthesis with a new base material.
    Resin/Acrylic
    Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.
    Stomatitis
    Stomatitis is the inflammation of the tissue that is underlying a denture that does not fit properly. It can also result from other oral health factors.

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