Dentures and Partial Dentures in Foley, AL

Dentures and partial dentures are both prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. They are an effective solution for people who have lost all or some of their natural teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. Dentures and partial dentures can improve the appearance of your smile, help you speak more clearly, and make it easier to chew and eat.

The professional team at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL is proud to improve the smiles of the local community through the best denture and partial denture services.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are a full set of artificial teeth that are worn in your mouth. They are made of acrylic resin or a combination of acrylic resin and porcelain. Dentures are typically removable, which means that you can take them out of your mouth when you want to eat, sleep, or brush your teeth. There are two main types of dentures: complete dentures, which replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, and partial dentures, which replace only some of the teeth.

Dentures can also be fixed to your jaw to be made immovable. This is often done if several teeth are missing, and a bridge may also be needed. The bridge utilizes your remaining teeth to create a proverbial “bridge” infrastructure that lets the dentist know exactly how to use the remaining space in your mouth to make your dentures look as natural as possible.

What are Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures are a type of denture that replaces only some of the teeth in the mouth. They are used when there are still some natural teeth present in the mouth. Partial dentures are also made of acrylic resin and are held in place by metal clasps that attach to the remaining natural teeth. Partial dentures are generally removable, but they can also be fixed in place with dental implants. Partial dentures are rarely a standalone solution, as they are often used in tandem with other services to properly clean and disinfect the area of plaque or other build-ups.

What are the Benefits of Dentures?

Other than helping you chew and replace missing teeth, there are several other benefits that dentures provide for your quality of life. The team at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL has curated the below list of main benefits that dentures can add to your life.

Improved Oral Health

Dentures can improve oral health in several ways. First and foremost, they replace missing teeth, which can help to prevent tooth shifting and gum disease. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may shift or tilt in an attempt to fill the gap. This can cause misalignment and increase the risk of gum disease. By filling in these gaps with dentures, you can maintain proper tooth alignment and reduce this risk.

Enhanced Appearance

Dentures can also improve the appearance of your smile. Missing teeth can cause the face to look sunken in, which can hurt your aging process and your beauty. Dentures can help to restore a full, youthful appearance to your face by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth. In addition, dentures can be made to match the color of your natural teeth, so they blend in seamlessly with your smile.

Better Speech

Missing teeth can also affect your speech, as teeth play a crucial role in shaping the sounds we make when we speak. Dentures can help to restore the proper tooth position needed for clear speech, allowing you to speak more confidently and clearly.

How Can I Properly Care for my Dentures?

Here are some tips for caring for your dentures:

1. Handle with care: Dentures are delicate and can break or crack if they are dropped or handled roughly. It is important to handle them with care, especially when you are cleaning or soaking them. You will be provided with aftercare instructions after your procedure for the daily maintenance of your dentures.
2. Clean daily: It is important to brush your dentures every day to remove food particles and plaque. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to gently scrub the surfaces of your dentures. Sometimes, it’s recommended to avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too harsh and scratch the surfaces of your dentures.
3. Soak overnight: Dentures should be soaked in a denture cleaner or water overnight to keep them hydrated and to remove any stains or build-up. Be sure to use a denture cleaner that is recommended by your dentist or dental professional.
4. Visit your dentist regularly: It is essential to visit your dentist regularly to have your dentures checked and professionally cleaned. Your dentist can check for any issues with your dentures, such as cracks or wear, and make any necessary repairs. They can also provide you with advice on how to care for your dentures at home. Scheduled appointments are crucial to prevent further damage and to make sure that your oral care is taken care of.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your dentures clean, comfortable, and in good condition. If you have any questions about caring for your dentures, be sure to ask your dentist at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL during your next visit.

What can I expect During my Denture Appointment?

If you are considering getting dentures, it is important to understand what to expect during your appointment with your dentist. Here is a general overview of the process:

Consultation

The first step in the process is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will discuss your options for dentures, including the type of dentures that are best suited to your needs and budget. The team will also discuss any preparatory work that may be needed, such as extractions or gum tissue preparation.

Impressions

Once you have decided to move forward with dentures, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth. These impressions will be used to create a model of your mouth, which will be used to create your dentures.

Try-on

After your impressions have been taken, your dentist will create a set of temporary dentures for you to try on. This will allow you to get a feel for how the dentures fit and look in your mouth. Your dentist may make adjustments to the fit and appearance of the dentures during this process.

Final Fitting

Once the try-in process is complete, your dentist will create your final set of dentures. During the final fitting appointment, your dentist will make sure that the dentures suit you properly and are comfortable to wear. They may make minor adjustments as needed.

Follow-up

It is vital to schedule follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure that your dentures are fitting properly and to address any issues that may arise. Your dentist will also provide you with instructions on how to care for your dentures and what to expect as you adjust to wearing them.

Your Local Quality Dental Care team

Dentures are an important addition to both your oral and overall health. Of course, it can be especially daunting if you have never had them before. During your next appointment with the team at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL you can be sure you are receiving the best possible care and guidance that you and your loved ones deserve.