Dentistry is all about smiles, and having a confident, healthy, beautiful smile is important even for patients wearing dentures. Our practice provides personalized denture services that meet the needs and comfort levels of our patients. All of our patients are unique and we create one-of-a-kind dentures that feel good and look natural.
What are dentures?
Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. There are two types of dentures: full and partial.
- Full dentures are given to patients when all of the natural teeth have been removed. Conventional full dentures are placed after the gum tissue has healed, which can take several months. Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after the teeth have been removed and may require frequent adjustments during the first couple of months of use.
- Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges.
How do I know if dentures are the right choice for me?
Dentures are not for everyone. If you're interested in learning more about dentures and want to know if they are the right choice for you, please schedule an appointment. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and can determine the best course of treatment for your ongoing dental health.
Caring for your dentures
Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily maintenance to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside of your mouth. Keep your dentures clean and your smile healthy:
- When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break.
- Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up, so it's important that you brush your dentures every day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. Between brushings, it's important to rinse your dentures after each meal.
- Use a gentle cleanser to clean your dentures. Many toothpastes, household cleaners, and mouthwashes can be too hard on your dentures, so it is recommended that you use a mild hand or dish soap to get your dentures clean. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for your dentures, or ask your dentist about which products may be best for you.
- When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape, or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require certain soaking solutions, so be sure to ask your dentist which solution is best for you.
- Even if you have a full set of dentures, it's important to keep your gums and tongue clean. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue every day.
If by chance your dentures do break, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Broken dentures that don't fit properly can cause irritation to your gums and mouth. Also, remember to continue scheduling regular dental checkups every six months to make sure that your smile stays healthy for many years to come.
Overdentures
At Kathy Cosmetic Dentistry, you have options when it comes to improving your smile. Our dentist, Dr. Kathy Daroee can use overdentures in Woodland Hills, California to replace missing teeth or teeth that have been severely damaged by trauma, disease or wear. If you would like to find out if this treatment is right for you, call 818-347-1550 today and a member of our team will be happy to help.
On overdenture is similar to an implant-supported denture which sits on dental implants. An overdenture can be snapped into place on those implants. New dentures may need to be created or if you already wear dentures, they might be retrofitted for the implants. Usually, they are held in place by two implants that replace your canine teeth. The use of dental implants can also strengthen your jawbone by helping it to grow and increase in mass and density.
Another option is to place the overdenture on your on existing teeth, usually your canine or eye teeth. In many cases, those teeth receive a root canal and a metal bar is placed on them or they are given an attachment to hold the overdenture in place.
Overdentures can help you to speak and eat better, and can improve conditions such as a cleft palate. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Daroee.
Overdentures FAQ
What is an overdenture?
Overdentures are a type of implant-supported denture used to replace missing teeth. They are sometimes referred to as snap-on dentures, as the denture “snaps on” to the implants and can be easily removed for daily cleaning and maintenance.
What are some advantages of an overdenture?
There are several advantages to overdentures, including:
- Attachments that prevent the denture from pressing down too hard on the gums and causing discomfort or damage
- Greater function and comfort than traditional dentures
- Increased stability for your dentures
- No “floating” or loose dentures
- Improved confidence when eating, speaking and smiling
- The ability to eat whatever you would like
How many implants do I need before I can receive an overdenture?
Overdentures typically require only two implants, though more may be recommended based on your individual needs. Dr. Daroee will carefully assess your mouth to determine how many implants should be placed.