More than 40 million Americans with missing permanent teeth wear dentures or partials. These removable oral prosthetics restore your smile and improve your dental health. At Village Dental, cosmetic and general dentist Nils Anderson, DDS, uses dentures and partials to help people achieve beautiful and vibrant smiles. To make an appointment, call the office in Richmond Hill, Georgia, or book one online today.
Dentures and partials are removable oral appliances that replace some (or all) of your permanent teeth and the surrounding tissues. Though frequently mentioned together, there are differences.
Complete dentures replace an entire row of teeth. They have a metal base, pink plastic gums, and an arch of false teeth. To prevent your dentures from moving out of place, you apply an adhesive to the base each morning.
Partial dentures replace some but not all of your permanent teeth. Partials have a metal framework, pink plastic gums, and several false teeth. The metal framework attaches to small metal clasps that Dr. Anderson bonds to your existing teeth.
Consider implant-retained dentures if you want a more permanent tooth replacement option. Implant-retained dentures attach to dental implants –– titanium posts that Dr. Anderson inserts into your jawbone.
At Village Dental, getting dentures and partials typically takes two visits.
Dr. Anderson reviews your dental records, performs an oral exam, and takes digital X-rays. If you’ve lost two or more permanent teeth due to trauma, extractions, or poor oral hygiene, you qualify for dentures.
Dr. Anderson takes digital impressions of your mouth and sends them to a nearby denture lab. Technicians at the lab use your impressions to design and manufacture dentures or partials that fit perfectly.
When the lab finishes your complete or partial dentures, you return to Village Dental. Dr. Anderson has you try them on and makes adjustments, ensuring a perfect fit.
Getting implant-retained dentures takes a bit longer because you have to undergo an implant-placement procedure first.
Dentures and partials last between five and seven years on average, but it’s possible to extend their lifespan by practicing good oral hygiene.
Dr. Anderson recommends rinsing your dentures off with cool tap water after every meal, regularly soaking your dentures in an approved cleaning solution, and handling your dentures with care. If you play contact sports, like football or hockey, you should also wear a mouthguard to reduce the risk of damage.
To explore the benefits of dentures and partials, request a consultation at Village Dental by calling the office or booking online today.