Dentures in Watsonville
Using dentures to replace missing teeth is not just a benefit for your oral health. It’s also an effective way to get your smile back! With even greater advances of modern dentistry, there are a variety of natural-looking and comfortable dentures available to replace missing teeth.
What are Dentures?
A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They’re made to closely resemble your natural teeth and are designed to fit your mouth specifically.
Dentures can be made from a variety of materials. Typically, the base is made of a gum-colored plastic resin or acrylic, while the replacement teeth can be made of either resin or porcelain.
If you have several teeth or all teeth missing on the upper or lower jaw, full dentures may be your best option. Partial dentures, which can be either fixed or removable, are ideal for patients who have several missing teeth scattered along the upper or lower jaw.
Types of Dentures: Complete & Partial
There are two main types of dentures – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, but it also prevents other teeth from shifting.
Conventional Dentures
A complete denture may be either conventional or immediate. You’ll be fitted for a conventional denture after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, you would temporary go without teeth while you heal from the extraction.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are made in advance and are placed immediately after your teeth are removed. With immediate dentures, you won’t have to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the gum tissues shrink and heal, the dentist will adjust your dentures accordingly.
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.
Reasons You May Need Dentures
- Loss of all teeth in an arch (complete)
- Loss of several teeth in an arch (partials)
- Enhancing smile and facial tissues
- Improving chewing, speech, and digestion
- Preserving facial structure
- Preventing dental shifting
What’s Involved in the Process of Getting Dentures?
The process of getting dentures requires multiple appointments, usually over several weeks. We’ll take highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements to create your custom denture. And several “try-on” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit.
At the final appointment, your Watsonville dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit! You’ll also be given care instructions for your new dentures.
Just so you know, it’s normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty. However, this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to your dentures.
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Ready to Learn More About Dentures in Watsonville, CA?
Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will help your new dentures last for years to come! If you’d like to get started with a consultation for dentures, contact our office today to make an appointment at the Watsonville Dental Wellness Center.