An important step in maintaining a healthy smile is to replace missing teeth. When teeth are missing, the remaining ones can change position, drifting into the surrounding space. Teeth that are out of position can damage tissues in the mouth. In addition, it may be difficult to clean thoroughly between crooked teeth. As a result, you run the risk of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to the loss of additional teeth.

A removable partial denture, also called a removable bridge, fills in the space created by missing teeth and fills out your smile. It can be made of acrylic resin, metal or a combination of both. Complete or full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw.

Complete dentures are either "conventional" or "immediate." A conventional denture is placed in the mouth about 4 to 8 weeks after all of the teeth are removed to allow for proper healing. A conventional denture is also made to replace an existing denture. An immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed. The drawback with an immediate denture is that it may require more adjustments after the healing has taken place.

A denture helps you to properly chew food, a difficult task when you are missing teeth. In addition, a denture may improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks.

Here are answers to common questions about partial and full dentures:

How do you wear a removable partial denture?
Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework. 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. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments. Dentures with precision attachments generally cost more than those with metal clasps but fit and stay in place much better. Dr. Goodman can advise you to find out which type is right for you.

Who needs a denture?
Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. While missing one or two adjacent teeth can often be best restored with a fixed or cemented bridge, partial dentures work best to replace multiple missing teeth. A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and appearance and smile.

What happens when you get a denture?
A full conventional denture can be made when all teeth have been lost or all extraction sites have healed (up to eight weeks or longer.) The denture process takes about one month and five appointments. New denture wearers need time to get accustomed to their new "teeth" because even the best fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While most patients can begin to speak normally within a few hours, many patients report discomfort with eating for several days or a few weeks. To get accustomed to chewing with a new denture, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods. In addition, denture wearers often notice a slight change in facial appearance, increased salivary flow, or minor speech difficulty.

How do you care for a denture?
A denture is fragile, so it is important to handle it with care. Remove and brush the denture daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically for cleaning dentures, using either a denture cleanser or toothpaste. Never use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including abrasive toothpastes, because they may scratch the surface of the denture.

Don't sterilize your denture with boiling water because it will cause it to become warped. If you wear a partial denture be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth. When not in use, soak it in a cleanser solution, diluted mouthwash or in water. Get in the habit of keeping the denture in the same safe and handy place to reduce the likelihood of misplacement.

A helpful hint is to remove your partial or full denture over a full sink of water, so if it should fall, the water will break the fall, reducing the risk of damage.

Should a denture be worn at night?
While you may be advised to wear your new denture almost constantly during the first two weeks-even while you sleep-under normal circumstances it is considered best to remove it at night. Research has shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during either the day or night allows the gum tissue to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. This promotes better long-term health of gums.

Do I need to continue to see a dentist after I have full dentures?
Yes. It is important to continue having regular dental checkups so that Dr. Goodman can examine oral tissues for signs of disease or cancer. As you age, your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recedes. To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be necessary to adjust your denture or possibly remake your denture. Never attempt to adjust a denture yourself and do not use denture adhesives for a prolonged period because it can contribute to bone loss. When in doubt, consult with Dr. Goodman.

Will it be difficult to wear a full or partial denture?
Replacing missing teeth should make eating a more pleasant experience. Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the denture. Avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard. You may want to avoid chewing gum while you adjust to the denture.

Partial dentures are generally easy to wear and easy to get used to. Full dentures are not, especially full lower dentures. It has been said that 80% of people with upper dentures are very happy, while 20% are unhappy wearing full dentures. The opposite is true of lower full dentures, 80% are unhappy while 20% are pleased. Dental implants can improve the wearability of lower dentures.

Both full and partial dentures require time for you to adapt. Often several adjustment are required to get the fit exactly right. Because different thicknesses of gum tissue compress differently, small "sore spots" may develop as the denture rests upon your gums. Please do not try and tough it out. Call and come in for included adjustments to the denture.

Over time, additional adjustments of the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a loose-fitting denture. Partial Dentures that do not fit properly should be adjusted. Loose dentures can cause various problems, including sores or infections. Call us promptly if your denture becomes loose.

Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my partial or full denture?
You can do serious harm to your partial denture and to your health by trying to adjust or repair your denture. A denture that is not made to fit precisely by a dentist can cause irritation and sores. Using a do-it-yourself kit can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over-the-counter often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture.

If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, call us immediately. In many cases, we can make necessary adjustments or repairs, often on the same day. Complicated repairs may require that the denture be sent to a special dental laboratory.

Must I do anything special to take care of my mouth?
Brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily help prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture's metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay. We will demonstrate how to properly brush and clean between teeth. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important.