Dentures are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. As with any dental solution, there are pros and cons to wearing dentures, and whether they will work for you will depend largely on your lifestyle and your goals for your appearance and the functionality of your smile. At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we help patients who are missing all or most of their teeth restore their smiles and regain control of their oral health.
Dentures and Partial Dentures
Types of Dentures
There are three main types of dentures: temporary dentures, partial dentures, and complete dentures.
Temporary Dentures
We provide patients with temporary dentures while they are undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure to replace missing teeth. Temporaries ensure that patients in the Coral Gables area have a natural-looking smile while waiting for their dental implants or dental bridge. A temporary denture is an excellent solution for when a tooth is knocked out during a sports game or in an accident. The temporary denture is secured in place with a metal wire that works like a retainer, and you can take it out whenever you like.
If you are looking for an immediate solution to replace a missing tooth, call (305) 614-2438. Keep in mind that you are only meant to wear a temporary denture for a few months and will need to replace it with a longer-term solution.
Partial Dentures
If only a few of your teeth are missing, partial dentures are a good solution for replacing them. Unlike a full set of dentures, a partial is kept in place with a natural-looking plastic base with a metal framework attached. As long as you still have healthy natural teeth, a partial denture can restore the function and look of your smile.
We treat patients in the Coral Gables area who are missing teeth and are looking for an aesthetically pleasing, durable replacement. If you live in or around Coral Gables, FL, call Gables Exceptional Dentistry to schedule a consultation with our expert cosmetic dentist.
Dentures and Repair in Coral Gables, FL
Complete Denture
When all of your teeth are missing, we may recommend complete dentures to replace them. With the advancements in denture technology, your smile will look and feel better than ever. We can determine if a full denture is the best way to replace your teeth or if an alternative solution will help you to achieve your oral health goals.
In most cases, it will be 8-12 weeks after tooth extraction before gums are healed enough to comfortably support a full denture. Many of our patients in South Florida would rather not wait that long and instead choose immediate dentures — a solution that does not require a waiting period. With immediate dentures, we will need to make adjustments after the gums and bone have settled.
How Are Dentures Made?
Before we can recommend dentures, we will need to examine your gums and remaining teeth to determine if dentures are the best solution for you and determine the type you need. We will then take various digital impressions of your teeth and gums so the dentures can be created in a professional dental lab and we can get a much better understanding of your jaw function and structure. Using these images, the lab will make dentures that will look great and fit perfectly. After you receive your custom-crafted dentures, we will schedule follow-up visits to make sure they are feeling comfortable, and we will make adjustments as needed to fine-tune the fit.
Benefits of Dentures
Patients in the Coral Gables area like how convenient dentures are. Whether you need a full or partial set, dentures are a non-invasive way to replace missing teeth. There is no surgical element to worry about, and temporary dentures can be fitted immediately. Dentures are a quick, easy, and effective solution. If, however, you are looking for a tooth replacement option that feels more natural, ask us about implant-supported dentures and All-on-4®.
Drawbacks of Dentures
The biggest challenge with dentures is that they do not feel like natural teeth. Patients at Gables Exceptional Dentistry agree that, while dentures are functional, they are not as comfortable as a fixed tooth replacement option. Alternative cosmetic dentistry procedures, like dental implants, can make you forget you ever lost your teeth in the first place.
Modern techniques have made dentures more secure and comfortable than they used to be, but they are still removable and can become loose when eating or speaking. If you are currently experiencing this problem, call Gables Exceptional Dentistry at (305) 614-2438 for a consultation.
Alternative Options
If you need complete dentures, ask us about implant-supported dentures and All-on-4 dental implants to hold your dentures in place. With implant-supported dentures, we use strategically placed dental implants to provide a secure base for full dentures. Your denture is made just as quickly, and you benefit from the added stability of implant technology.
How Do I Care for My Dentures?
Every night, you need to take your dentures out, rinse them thoroughly, use a denture brush to remove any food particles, and rinse them again. You also need to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. You can use an antiseptic mouthwash afterward to kill any lingering bacteria and freshen your breath. Your dentures should soak all night, then be placed back in your mouth the next morning.