What are dentures?
Dentures refer to artificial teeth made from strong and durable tooth and gum-colored materials. They’re designed to replace missing permanent teeth and restore a functional smile.
Because of their unquestionable efficacy, Dr. Onukwugha may recommend dentures to replace some or all of your natural teeth. To do so, she extracts the remaining natural teeth and fits you for the type of denture that is best suited for you.
What are the different types of dentures?
Dr. Onukwugha can recommend any of a number of types of dentures, including:
Full and partial dentures
When you’re missing a few teeth, Dr. Onukwugha might recommend partial dentures to cover any gaps. Full dentures, however, replace all of your natural teeth.
Implant-supported dentures
Rather than resting on your gums like conventional dentures, implant-supported dentures are held in place by dental implants — titanium-made tooth roots that are surgically inserted into your jawbone.
Immediate dentures
In most cases, Dr. Onukwugha waits for your mouth tissue to heal before placing dentures. With immediate dentures, however, she places your dentures the same day she removes the teeth. That way, you won’t have to go without teeth. Dr. Onukwugha then realigns the dentures after the tissue has healed.
What are the advantages of dentures?
In addition to restoring your natural smile when you have lost permanent teeth, dentures allow you to:
- Chew better
- Speak more clearly
- Regain a complete set of teeth
- Restore your self-confidence
Dentures are a permanent solution for an aesthetically and medically complicated problem. During your consultation at Healing Smiles, Dr. Onukwugha reviews your oral health history and examines your gums and teeth. She may recommend X-rays to get a more detailed look at the structure of your mouth.
From there, you and Dr. Onukwugha determine whether dentures are the best solution for your oral health concerns.
How should I care for my dentures?
The great thing about dentures is that they function like your natural teeth. You need to take the precautions with them as you might with your real teeth, such as avoiding chewing on ice, hard candy, or any other hard objects.
Caring for your dentures involves regular brushing with only a wet, soft toothbrush and soaking them overnight. If you and Dr. Onukwugha decided that removable dentures are the best solution for you, make sure to regularly brush them with a non-abrasive cleaner or as directed by Dr. Onukwugha.
Always store your dentures in a container with water when you aren’t wearing them.
Missing teeth can genuinely change the way you go about your life. Get in touch with Dr. Onukwugha at Healing Smiles to find out how dentures can radically remove that challenge for you. Call or click online today to book an appointment.
