Partial Dentures
Dentures are replacements for teeth missing from your mouth, and they are removable so they can be taken out for cleaning. There are two main types of dentures commonly used, those being partial dentures and complete dentures. As you might think, partial dentures are used when a patient has some of their natural teeth still remaining.
Complete Dentures
On the other hand, complete dentures are necessary when all of the original teeth have been removed. When you have had some or all of your natural teeth removed, you can obtain a very natural-looking replacement for them at our denture specialist clinic, Signature Smiles.
When either partial or complete dentures are installed, you will be able to eat and speak normally, and your appearance will be significantly improved.
What Types of Dentures are Available at Signature Smiles
Full dentures can be classified as either conventional or immediate. A conventional denture can be made once the original teeth has been completely removed, and the gum tissue has healed. Usually around 8 to 12 weeks after teeth have been removed, a conventional denture can be emplaced comfortably. Immediate dentures are generally made in advance and can be installed as soon as teeth have been removed.
This is usually convenient for the patient because they never have to go through a period without teeth. There is a slight drawback to this approach, however. Since gums and bones will both shrink over time, this will also occur during the healing period after teeth is removed. When immediate dentures are installed, they will generally require more adjustments during the healing period to fit properly. In many cases, immediate dentures are only considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be prepared.
A partial denture is intended to replace one or more teeth, and it will generally be attached to a gum-colored plastic base. A denture is connected by a metal framework that ensures the denture stays in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are always used when at least one of your natural teeth remains in place.
A special kind of partial denture called a bridge can replace a tooth by placing crowns or denture implants on those adjacent teeth, and then be cemented into place. There is a dual purpose of this kind of bridge, because it fills in the gap created by the missing tooth, and also prevents shifting by the other teeth around it. Some precision partial dentures are removable and have internal attachments instead of clasps which would attach to nearby crowns.
Does Insurance pay for Dentures?
In most cases, the cost of either a full denture or a partial denture will be covered by your insurance provider. This coverage may be complete, or it might be a partial coverage that requires some out-of-pocket investment on your part. If you’re considering having dentures installed, you should contact your insurance carrier to find out the extent of coverage they provide.
What is the process of getting Dentures?
Once you and your dentist have reached an agreement on the specific type of denture to be used, there are some general steps required to create the denture.
First, it will be necessary to take a series of impressions of your jaw. It’s important to take measurements so that it can be determined how your jaws relate to each other, and how much space is between them.
Then it will be necessary to create wax forms, plastic patterns, or models, which have the precise position and shape of the denture which will be constructed. You will have to try this model for a good fit in your mouth, and the denture itself will then be evaluated for its shape, color, and fit. Once these are all satisfied, a final denture will be cast.
The last part of the procedure involves making any necessary adjustments so that the denture is comfortable in your mouth, and its appearance is what you want.
Will Dentures affect my eating or speaking?
It usually takes a little practice to get used to eating with dentures, and it might even be a little comfortable. It’s always best to start eating soft foods, as well as foods that have been cut into smaller pieces. You should avoid foods that are really sticky or hard, and you should also not use chewing gum with dentures. While you’re getting used to new dentures, you should make a point of chewing slowly and using both sides of the mouth. You can slowly add new foods into your diet until you become comfortable and have a fairly normal diet.
Immediately after having dentures installed, it might be difficult for you to say certain words or phrases. You can overcome this by practicing those difficult words or phrases out loud. If you notice any slippage while you’re laughing, smiling, or coughing, you may need to have some adjustments made at your dentist’s office. If you have persistent problems with speaking, you should notify your dentist, so that some remedial action can be taken.
Who are the Individual Dentists at Signature Smiles?
Dr. Naren Mikkilineni is a board-certified dentist in both Florida and Texas and is fluent in Spanish, English, and Hindi. He earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health at Florida International University and a Doctorate in Dental Medicine at Nova South Eastern University. He is extremely adept at performing all kinds of general dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry.
Contact us today – Irving: 214-307-4715, Plano: 214 307 4755 and DeSoto:469-643-4155 for an initial consultation, at which we will review some options you might have for installing partial or full dentures.