At Encinitas Family Dentistry, we believe in educating our patients about their oral health and the solutions available. If you’ve lost one or more teeth, one of these solutions might be partial dentures. If you want to know more about them, here’s how we can assist you with partial dentures in Encinitas, CA.
Partial dentures are a type of prosthetic device designed to replace missing teeth. They are typically composed of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which a metal framework may connect. These dentures are customized to fit your mouth perfectly and match the color of your existing teeth, offering a natural-looking solution to tooth loss.
Apart from enhancing your appearance, partial dentures serve a functional purpose. They make it easier for you to chew food and speak clearly. Furthermore, they prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting into the space left by the missing teeth, thereby maintaining oral balance.
Choosing not to replace missing teeth with partial dentures can lead to several oral health issues. The gaps left by the absent teeth can cause the remaining ones to drift out of place, causing misalignment and potential bite problems. Misaligned teeth can, in turn, lead to difficulties in chewing and even alter your facial structure over time.
Moreover, missing teeth can result in bone loss in the jaw. This is because the jawbone requires regular teeth stimulation to maintain density. As a result, ignoring missing teeth could exacerbate tooth loss and other oral health problems.
Receiving partial dentures typically involves a few key steps:
Consultation and Examination: Your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth and discuss the best tooth replacement options for you. If partial dentures are deemed suitable, impressions of your mouth will be made to create a model for your custom dentures.
Fabrication: The model is then sent to a dental laboratory where your custom partial dentures are crafted. This process usually takes a few weeks.
Fitting and Adjustment: Once your partial dentures are ready, your dentist will fit them into your mouth, making any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and appearance.
Follow-up: You’ll have follow-up appointments to ensure the dentures fit well and make more adjustments if necessary.
Maintaining the longevity of your partial dentures involves a few daily care habits. Just like natural teeth, dentures require regular cleaning. It’s crucial to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to discoloration and gum disease. Use a soft toothbrush, a denture brush, and a denture cleaner to scrub your dentures gently. Avoid regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive and damage your dentures.
When you’re not wearing your dentures, keep them submerged in a denture cleanser, which will disinfect them, or soak them in plain water to prevent them from drying out. This helps maintain their shape and keeps them moist.
Remember to handle your partial dentures carefully, as they are delicate and could break if dropped. If you notice any damage or if your dentures feel loose, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.
Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure your dentures fit properly and your mouth is healthy. Your dentist can professionally clean and adjust your dentures if required, ensuring they remain comfortable and functional. Ultimately, taking appropriate care of your partial dentures can extend their lifespan, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for many years.
At Encinitas Family Dentistry, we take pride in offering top-quality partial dentures to our patients. Our experienced dental team works closely with each patient, ensuring the dentures are comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. We utilize the latest technology and high-quality materials for the best possible results.
If you’re missing one or more teeth and believe partial dentures might be the right solution, don’t hesitate to contact us at Encinitas Family Dentistry. Book a consultation with our team today, and let’s embark on this journey towards restoring your smile together.
Welcome to the Encinitas dental office of Gregory Skeens, JR., DDS. We are your home for caring dental treatment that supports superior oral health and helps you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Our modern facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and our team is here to make your visit enjoyable and relaxing.
We take a truly individualized approach to dentistry, which is why our practice is so popular. After every treatment, Encinitas dentist Dr. Skeens personally makes follow- up phone calls to patients to ensure that they are feeling well. Your comfort and well-being are of ultimate importance.