Full-set and partial dentures are an option to overcome missing teeth.
There are several different restorative dental processes to overcome missing teeth. Dentures are one option whether you intend to have any remaining teeth extracted to accommodate a complete set of dentures or you want to save some natural teeth and get partial dentures instead. Here at Drs. Batten & Heath Family Dentistry in Walkertown, North Carolina, we can address any questions you have and make recommendations as to whether dentures are the best solution for your situation.
Affordable dental care with a smile!
Conventional full-set dentures are made after remaining teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has undergone healing. This process can take several weeks, leaving you to restrict your diet to soft foods and liquids. Another option is immediate dentures, which can be made in advance and put into position as soon as the teeth are extracted. The drawback is that adjustments are often necessary for proper fit during the healing process. Immediate dentures are used so you won’t have to have a restricted diet while your conventional dentures are being made.
Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Your New Dentures
If you are new to the world of dentures, you might have a lot of questions about their care. Dentures are often crafted by a specialist and are made with long-term use in mind. However, they need the proper care in order for them to last. Here at Drs. Batten & Heath Family Dentistry, we want to help you give your dentures the best care so that you can enjoy them for many years to come. Here are a few dos and don’ts of taking care of your new dentures.
Do:
- Remove, rinse, and clean after eating. Food particles are not good for your mouth or dentures. Rinsing your dentures after eating keeps them clean between meals and makes them easier to clean at night.
- Remember to clean your gums and mouth. Mouthwash or a soft-bristle toothbrush can help gently clean your gums and mouth.
- Use the proper cleansers and tools. When you have dentures, use products only for dentures, not teeth! Some products for teeth are too abrasive and will cause problems with your dentures.
- Be careful handling your dentures. Dentures can break when dropped, so always handle them carefully.
- Keep in touch with your dentist. Your dentist can keep track of your teeth and gums while also ensuring your dentures fit properly.
- Rinse your dentures after cleaning. Denture cleaners are not for your mouth– rinse your dentures!
- Soak overnight in denture cleaner. Soaking your dentures helps keep them clean, safe and smelling fresh.
Don’t:
- Clean with scalding or boiling water. This will warp or misshape your dentures.
- Use products that whiten or contain bleach.
- Brush with regular toothpaste. Only use denture cleaners on your new dentures, not regular dental products.
- Leave your dentures in at night. This can harm your mouth as well as your dentures. Keep both areas clean and refreshed, and you’ll like wearing your dentures much more.
If you are new to dentures, please let us know! We would love to help you in the dos and don’ts of denture care.
Partial dentures can also be a solution if you want to retain some of your natural teeth. Partial dentures not only fill the space where the lost teeth were, but also keep the other teeth from shifting. If neither full-set or partial dentures are acceptable to you, be sure to ask us about alternatives, such as dental implants. Contact us today to learn more about dentures and get answers to any questions you might have about the process, what they are like, and how to care for them.
At Drs. Batten & Heath Family Dentistry, we can create dentures for residents of Walkertown, Winston-Salem, Belews Creek, Kernersville, Walnut Cove, Stokesdale, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, and Wallburg, North Carolina.