What are Dentures?

Dentures in Philadelphia: Benefits & Care – Razavi Dental
Why Choose Dentures?
Dentures are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. Complete dentures are designed for individuals who have lost all their teeth in a dental arch, providing a full replacement for the upper, lower, or both jaws. Tooth loss can occur due to various factors, such as trauma, decay, or gum disease, making essential activities like eating, speaking, and smiling difficult. Dentures help restore these functions, enhancing overall quality of life.
Dentures also restore your smile by closely matching the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, resulting in a more natural appearance. Custom dentures are crafted to suit each patient’s unique oral health needs and aesthetics, significantly boosting self-esteem, especially for those who have been missing teeth for an extended period.
Steps for Getting Dentures
- Initial Impressions and Planning: During the initial phase, your dentist will take an impression of either the upper, lower, or both dental arches, depending on whether you need partial or complete dentures. If partial dentures are required, dental crowns may be applied to strengthen natural teeth that serve as anchors.
- Bite and Alignment Check: Your dentist will carefully examine your bite and the positioning of your jaws to ensure the dentures allow for optimal chewing and speaking abilities. Dental implants may be recommended for enhanced stability and function, particularly for implant-supported dentures.
- Trial Dentures and Final Fitting: In a dental lab, a trial set of dentures is created and fitted to your mouth. This step allows adjustments for alignment, length, and comfort. Implant-supported dentures provide additional benefits such as improved stability and elimination of the need for adhesives. Once the trial fit is approved, the final dentures are crafted to resemble your natural teeth and gums.
Aftercare for Dentures
Proper aftercare is essential for the longevity of your dentures and maintaining good oral health. Here are key steps to follow:
- Daily Cleaning: Clean your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and a mild soap or denture cleaner to remove food particles and plaque. This step is crucial for both complete and partial dentures, as it helps prevent gum disease and keeps remaining teeth in place.
- Soaking: Soak your dentures overnight in water or a denture-cleaning solution to maintain hydration and prevent warping.
- Handle with Care: Avoid bending or twisting your dentures or any of their components, as this can damage them.
- Avoid Harsh Products: Do not use bleach, boiling water, or other harsh chemicals on your dentures, as these can cause damage.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine dental check-ups ensure a proper fit and address any issues early. Maintaining the health of any remaining teeth is also essential, as it can affect denture fitting.
Dentures offer an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth. Our cosmetic dentist in Philadelphia, PA, can guide you in making an informed choice that aligns with your oral health needs and restores your beautiful smile. For more information on the benefits and options for dentures, including flexible partial dentures as an alternative to traditional types, please contact Razavi Dental today.