Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore the functionality and aesthetics of a person's smile. They consist of artificial teeth set into a gum-colored acrylic base that fits over the gums or, in some cases, over implants or remaining natural teeth. There are two main types of dentures: complete dentures, which replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, and partial dentures, which are used when some natural teeth remain. Full dentures are typically used after removing all teeth, while partial dentures fill gaps left by missing teeth and can be clasped onto existing teeth for stability. Dentures are custom-made to fit each patient's unique oral anatomy, ensuring a comfortable and natural appearance. Advances in dental technology have significantly improved dentures' fit, function, and aesthetics, making them a highly effective solution for those with missing teeth. 

The Types of Dentures

Complete Dentures

Complete or full dentures are designed for individuals who have lost natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw or both. These dentures comprise a complete set of artificial teeth mounted on a gum-colored acrylic base that fits over the gums. The base is custom-made to conform to the contours of the oral cavity, creating a secure fit. Complete dentures are typically used after tooth removal due to decay, injury, or other dental conditions. They are designed to restore function and appearance, enabling patients to chew, speak, and smile confidently. The process of fitting complete dentures usually involves taking impressions of the mouth, creating a wax model, and making adjustments to ensure proper fit and comfort. While full dentures are an effective solution for tooth loss, they may require periodic adjustments or relining to accommodate changes in the mouth over time. 

Benefits:

• Complete dentures restore the ability to chew food properly, which is crucial for digestion and overall nutrition. 

• Complete dentures enhance speech clarity and articulation by filling the gaps left by missing teeth. 

• They provide a complete set of artificial teeth, improving the appearance of the smile and restoring facial contours that may have been affected by tooth loss. 

• Designed to fit the unique contours of the mouth, complete dentures help maintain the natural shape of the face and provide a comfortable fit.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used when a patient still has some natural teeth but requires replacement for one or more missing teeth. Unlike complete dentures, which replace all teeth in an arch, partial dentures are designed to fill the gaps created by missing teeth while preserving the remaining natural teeth. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a metal or acrylic framework that clasps onto the natural teeth for stability. The framework can be made from various materials, including flexible or rigid acrylic, and is custom-fitted by our dentist to the patient's mouth. Partial dentures help prevent the remaining teeth from shifting into empty spaces, which can lead to bite issues and misalignment. They also aid in maintaining the alignment of the dental arch and improving overall oral function. Partial dentures involve taking impressions, creating a model, and fitting the dentures with precision to ensure they blend seamlessly with the natural teeth. Contact us today to learn more.

Benefits:

• Partial dentures help prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting into the gaps left by missing teeth, maintaining proper alignment and bite. 

• They restore the ability to chew and speak effectively by filling gaps and supporting the remaining teeth. 

• Partial dentures improve the smile's appearance by replacing missing teeth and preventing the appearance of gaps. 

• Partial dentures can be designed with various materials and clasping mechanisms to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. 

The Uses of Dentures 

Replacement of Missing Teeth

Dentures in Riverside, CA, are primarily used to replace missing teeth, providing a functional and aesthetic solution for individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing, offering a full set of artificial teeth that restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile. For individuals who still have some natural teeth, partial dentures are designed to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth while being anchored to the remaining natural teeth with clasps or other connectors. This approach helps maintain oral function and appearance, allowing individuals to enjoy a regular diet and improved speech. 

Restoration of Oral Function

One of the critical benefits of dentures is their role in restoring essential oral functions compromised by missing teeth. Dentures enable individuals to chew food effectively, which is crucial for proper digestion and overall nutritional health. Modern dentures are crafted to mimic the function of natural teeth, ensuring a comfortable and efficient chewing experience. Additionally, dentures help improve speech clarity, which can be affected by missing teeth. Dentures enhance pronunciation and verbal communication by filling the gaps in the dental arch, contributing to greater confidence in social and professional settings. 

Improvement of Aesthetics

Dentures significantly enhance an individual's appearance by restoring a natural-looking smile and supporting facial structure. Missing teeth can lead to noticeable changes in facial aesthetics, such as a sunken appearance of the cheeks and lips. Dentures help counteract these changes by providing a complete set of teeth and supporting the face's natural contours. This improves self-esteem and confidence and helps maintain a youthful appearance by preventing the facial sagging associated with tooth loss. The aesthetic benefits of dentures contribute to a more balanced and attractive smile, which can positively impact an individual's social interactions and overall quality of life. 

Support for Remaining Natural Teeth

In cases where partial dentures are used, they help preserve the alignment and health of the remaining natural teeth. By filling the gaps left by missing teeth, partial dentures prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place, leading to bite issues and misalignment. This stabilization is crucial for maintaining the overall alignment of the dental arch and preventing additional dental problems. Furthermore, partial dentures help protect oral health by reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay that can arise from empty mouth spaces. By providing support and preventing shifting, partial dentures contribute to the long-term health and stability of the remaining natural teeth. 

Adjustment and Adaptation to Oral Health Changes

Dentures are designed to be adaptable and can be adjusted or replaced as needed to accommodate changes in oral health. Over time, the jawbone may undergo resorption or changes in shape, affecting the fit of the dentures. Dentists in Riverside, CA, can adjust or perform relines to ensure that dentures remain comfortable and function effectively. Additionally, dentures may experience wear and tear, necessitating repairs or replacements to maintain their performance and comfort. This adaptability ensures that dentures remain viable for individuals as their oral health evolves, providing ongoing support and functionality. 

Dentures are a common and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to restore both function and aesthetics for individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. Visit Premium Smile Care at 9825 County Farm Rd Bldg B, Riverside, CA 92503, or call (951) 324-1212 to schedule a consultation and explore how our range of denture options can help you achieve a comfortable, functional, and beautiful smile.