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Are you missing all of your teeth? Or maybe you are only missing a few? Either way, dentures are designed to be comfortable and functional when replacing missing teeth. They are very similar in appearance to natural teeth, and can significantly improve your smile or facial appearance. Today's dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever before. There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the best type of denture based on whether all of your teeth are going to be replaced or just a few. Dentures: The Basics Full dentures utilize a flesh colored acrylic base that fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the roof of your mouth, while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue. Dentures are custom-made in dental laboratories from impressions taken of your mouth. Your dentist will determine which denture is best for you. Conventional full dentures are placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. The healing of your tissues may take several months, during which you are without teeth. Immediate full dentures are inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a previous visit. While immediate dentures offer the benefit of not having to be without teeth, they must be relined several months after being inserted. This is due to the fact that the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, causing the denture to become loose. Partial dentures rest on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes, crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors for your denture. Placement of your Dentures Complete dentures are created when gums are restored to a healthy condition and an appropriate amount of time has passed for healing. With complete dentures, all of your teeth are replaced in the upper and lower jaws of your mouth. Your gums will naturally shrink through the healing process of your tooth loss, which normally takes six to twelve months. During this period, immediate dentures may require adjustments to accommodate the changes in your gums and underlying bone structure. An over-denture is a removable dental prosthesis that covers and rests on one or more remaining tooth roots. In addition there is a removable partial denture which is a dental prosthesis that replaces some teeth and is built around existing natural teeth. Both of these dentures may be connected to the remaining tooth roots or remaining natural teeth with anchors that are made of metal or plastic. It is extremely important to practice proper oral hygiene when wearing dentures. Consult your dentist in Natomas today if you are missing some or all of your teeth. Dentures are not for everyone, but with proper evaluation from your Natomas dentist, you will find the best treatment plan for your smile. Missing teeth can be a thing of the past with proper dental hygiene and dentures.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Natomas dentist, Dr. Yen Lieu. She holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Each year Dr. Lieu, dentist in Natomas, devotes a substantial amount of time to attending advanced education courses.
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