Dentures and Partial Dentures Vista, CA

Choosing Dentures for Tooth Replacement

Dentures and partial dentures only represent one of the many options patients can choose from.

When to Get Dentures

Dentures become a viable option almost every time someone loses their teeth. Even the loss of one tooth can result in the use of partial dentures to rectify the problem. If a person decides to get implants or bridges, they may still wear dentures temporarily until this work is completed.

Note that young people lose their teeth too. One of the most common reasons for this is facial trauma, such as a sporting injury, motor vehicle accident, or a bad fall. These instances can lead to not just missing teeth, but also cracking and breaking.

In addition to this, young people may struggle with cavities. In fact, tooth decay affects people of all ages, especially those who love sugary foods and fizzy drinks. People with poor dental hygiene may also suffer more from caries than others.

Another effect of poor dental hygiene is gum disease, which is sometimes known as periodontal disease. This infection of the gums and the material surrounding the teeth may lead to complete tooth loss over time. People who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum disease than others.

Finally, there are several other health conditions and medications that may result in tooth loss. Diabetes, ectodermal dysplasia, rheumatoid arthritis, and gastrointestinal reflux may all increase the likelihood of tooth loss over time.

How Dentures Are Made

Some processes may differ depending on the materials used in making dentures, but it typically advances in the following sequence.

The process starts with taking an impression of the mouth. The dentist then creates a model using dental stone as a cast. The doctor may then ask the patient to try several different sets of sterilized dentures to determine the ideal fit as well as the preferred color and size of the teeth. After these selections, the dentist may then make some adjustments to the cast. Thereafter, it is sent to a dental laboratory for completion.

At the dental lab, technicians may then create a wax version of the gum line. These technicians make the replacement teeth from a material that closely resembles real teeth known as resin. Virtually all labs then seek approval from the patient and dentist before proceeding with the finishing touches.

Following approval, the technician removes the wax and replaces it with acrylic, which looks far more realistic. This process entails boiling to get rid of the wax, drilling holes in the teeth, and then injecting the acrylic. Finally, technicians clean up the teeth and polish the appliance. The entire process may require the patient to visit the dentist’s office four to five times.

Types of Dentures

When patient’s lookup types of dentures, they mostly come across full dentures and partial dentures. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg. Over the past few years, dentists created hybrids with other dental treatments to provide patients with even more options. You may contact one of our North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry team members to find out which denture is right for you.

1. Full Dentures

Most commonly used by seniors, these dentures replace a complete set of teeth. They sit directly on top of the gums. Some patients are good candidates for immediate placement. In this instance, the dentist places the previously made dentures immediately after the extraction of the teeth. For everyone else, the dentist may recommend waiting eight to 12 weeks after teeth removal.

2. Partial Dentures

When a patient still has teeth to blend in and anchor with the newly created teeth, the dentist may recommend partial dentures. This may require the use of a metal piece to which a pink-colored base is attached. The metal helps to anchor the false teeth to the natural teeth to prevent movement.

When a patient still has teeth to blend in and anchor with the newly created teeth, the dentist may recommend partial dentures. This may require the use of a metal piece to which a pink-colored base is attached. The metal helps to anchor the false teeth to the natural teeth to prevent movement.

3. Implant-Supported Dentures

This method blends dental implants with dentures. Instead of anchoring all the teeth in place individually, the dentist may add several dental implants that hold the full upper and/or lower set in place. Dentists may use this for partial dentures too. These dentures are not removable once in place. Please note that not all patients are good candidates for dental implants.

4. Overdentures or Snap-In Dentures

When patients prefer to retain the ability to remove dentures, but like the stability of implants, they may opt for overdentures. These are handy in instances where a person has no teeth, as the dental implants provide an anchor that the teeth can sit on. For even more excellent stability, patients may opt for snap-in dentures. In this case, the implants have locator receptors, and the dentures have attachments. These work together to snap the dentures into place for a snug fit.

Common Misconceptions About Dentures

At North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we hear a lot of myths about dentures. In some cases, people have inaccurate information about this treatment. We make sure every step of the procedure is explained in detail, and we are always willing to answer any questions our patients may have.

Myth: Dentures are only for older adults

Some people may think dentures and partial dentures are only for older patients. In actuality, many patients in their twenties and thirties wear dentures too. An independent marketing data firm called Servata found that 53% of denture wearers were at or under 44 years of age based on an online survey of 500 U.S. adults. While younger patients may be more frequent wearers of partial dentures, older patients are indeed more likely to be wearers of a complete set.

Myth: Dentures last forever

There is a misconception that once a patient has dentures, it is not necessary to schedule future appointments with the dentist. You still must go to the dentist twice a year for routine checkups. Dentures may also loosen, requiring a dentist to be readjusted. These consultations are crucial for identifying other oral issues, such as gum conditions.

Myth: Dentures feel uncomfortable

While it is true that dentures will take some time to grow accustomed to, most people feel comfortable with the appliance within a few weeks or even days. We can help resolve any concerns people have about the way the dentures fit or function.