A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, full dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
Despite what you may have heard, dentures are not uncomfortable or painful to wear. In fact, the majority of patients find that they can eat and speak normally while wearing dentures. This is because most denture wearers are dealing with only partial tooth loss, which is better than total tooth loss. When teeth are missing, the jawbone tends to shrink over time because it is no longer getting the stimulation it needs from the roots. Implant-supported restorations prevent this from happening by stimulating the jaw bone. However, when only some teeth are lost, a removable denture can be an effective restorative option.
Once you’ve experienced tooth loss, your remaining teeth could begin to drift out of place. In addition to affecting your smile’s appearance, this shifting can cause your teeth to become misaligned and cause discomfort when chewing food or speaking. Fortunately, dentures can help to restore your smile and prevent further damage to your bite. Additionally, they may also improve your ability to chew and speak naturally, as well as restore your self-confidence.
Full dentures sit directly on the gum line and replace all of the teeth on the upper and/or lower arch. Removable partial dentures replace missing teeth with artificial teeth and are held in place by a metal framework or clasps. Both styles of dentures are made of acrylic resin and can be tinted to match the color of your gums. They can also be made with an option for dental implants for additional support.
Dentures are custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory. For this, we initially take digital molds of your mouth and teeth and send them to the lab. We also share with them photographs of your teeth and gums to make the dentures more aesthetically pleasing. Once fabricated, we will schedule a consultation with you, during which we will place the dentures in your mouth and check if they suitably fit. If any changes are needed, we will make them and provide you with perfectly fitting dentures. We will also provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure your dentures last long without the need for any repairs.
To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (505) 292-8515 or go online to schedule a consultation. You can also visit dentist Albuquerque, NM at 8400 Osuna Rd NE, Suite 5B, Albuquerque 87111.
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