Dentures & Partials

Dentures replace lost or missing teeth so our patients can enjoy eating and smiling with confidence. Dentures are made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. A complete or full denture replaces all the natural teeth. Removable partial dentures are replacement teeth that are supported by a metal framework with pink or gum-colored plastic bases. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than metal clasps and they are nearly invisible.

Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are fabricated for patients who are about to extract their teeth and do not want to feel embarrassed about missing their teeth. Measurements and impressions of your mouth are taken before the teeth are removed. With immediate dentures you don’t have to be without teeth while your bone and gums are healing. If you are considering dentures, you may have many questions. Below are responses to some of the most frequently asked concerns that we receive from our patients.

Will dentures make me feel different?
Replacing lost or missing teeth is very good for your health and appearance. A complete or full denture replaces your natural teeth and can provide support to your cheeks and lips. Dentures can be made to closely match your natural teeth so that your appearance hardly changes. Modern dentures can even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face. There certainly is an adjustment period during which your gums, cheeks, face, and smile need to adjust to your new dentures. Your speech may be affected for a few weeks, but practicing reading and speaking will normalize the problem within 3 weeks. We will talk to you about your particular case and let you know what to expect during the accommodation process.

How often should my dentures need to be replaced?
Over time, all dentures need to be relined, or re-made, due to normal wear or a change in the shape of your mouth. Bone and gum ridges can shrink, causing your jaws to meet differently. Loose dentures can cause sores, infections, and discomfort. A loose or ill-fitting denture can also make eating and talking more difficult. It is important to replace worn or poorly fitting dentures before they cause problems. Normally, you should replace your dentures every 5 years. We may also recommend that you stabilize your dentures with implants, which helps to minimize the shrinkage of your jaw bones and provide the necessary support, balance, and retention that you need to enjoy chewing and talking properly.

I wear dentures, do I need any special care for my mouth?
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush at least before bedtime and morning. This removes plaque and helps the circulation in your mouth. If you wear partial dentures, it is even more important that you brush and floss your teeth every day. This will help stop tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to losing more of your teeth. Normal 6 month cleanings are required for partial denture wearers and a minimum of yearly examinations are necessary for full denture wearers. Oral cancer kills more people than breast cancer each year. A yearly examination is inexpensive and can save your life.

How long should I wear my dentures?
If you are getting dentures for the first time we advise you to wear them for 2 hours and remove them for 2 hours intermittently for the first 2 weeks. Generally, we recommend that you do not wear your dentures while sleeping, unless we have diagnosed you with sleep apnea problems.

What’s the best way to take care of my dentures?
Brush, soak, brush. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel, in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking, to help remove any food debris. Using a denture cleaner (Efferdent) will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. We advise using toothpaste and a medium toothbrush. Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which touches your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative. If you notice a build up of stains or calculus, please bring your dentures to the office for a professional cleaning.

Can denture repairs be made in one day?
Advances in modern dentistry have made it possible for us to reline or repair dentures quickly, often right in the dental office. Even more extensive repairs can be done in one day or overnight.

Will my dentures look fake?
No one wants a denture that looks like a "denture." Today’s denture can be made just for you, allowing you to look and feel better without anyone knowing why. We have the experience and knowledge to select and arrange teeth in a manner that creates the warm, natural smile you seek. Dentures help you to lose that sunken look in your lower face, as well as the wrinkles around your mouth. You’ll likely look younger and smile more often.

Can I eat normally with dentures?
In many cases, denture wearers discover they can once again eat the foods they love. While not all denture wearers can eat everything they would like, many have few restrictions in their diets. Properly fitted dentures can encourage you to eat a balanced diet, further improving your overall health. For patients who choose to have implant stabilized dentures, the sky is the limit!

Should I use denture adhesives?
Dentures that are made to fit precisely usually do not require regular use of an adhesive for comfort, unless your jaws have suffered considerable shrinkage. Adhesives (Fixodent) can provide extra security and peace of mind, especially for important occasions. And many people assert that adhesives increase the performance of even the best-fitting dentures. However, if your dentures begin to feel loose or cause pronounced discomfort, see us immediately. And always remember to clean the adhesive, before bedtime, as bacteria and infection can result from unremoved adhesive.

Never try to make your own denture repairs.
Trying to repair your dentures usually leads to more costly repairs. Don’t do it! Dentures don’t last forever. Nothing does. Modern dentures are more durable than ever before, but you can still break a tooth or the denture base by simply dropping them a few inches. Also, teeth can lose their natural appearance and chewing ability due simple wear and tear.

Can my medications affect dentures?
Yes, drugs can affect denture fit and comfort. High blood pressure medications, for example, can reduce the supply of saliva in your mouth, making it difficult to swallow or to chew.

To learn about dentures you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Halmaghi at Comfort Dental in Southfield, Michigan, by calling 248-646-2273.