Dentures
Skees Family Dentistry – 4123 Town Center Blvd Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Complete Dentures
A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips.
Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated in two different ways.
- A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.
- An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
- An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
- A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.
The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination of both. Dentures can be fabricated to fit and attach to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.
Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.
Denture Exams & Maintenance
Denture Exam Overview
- Update of medical and dental history
- Examination of your oral cavity
- Tissue and bone assessment
- Denture stability and bite examination
- Cleaning and polishing of your dentures
- Oral hygiene review
Medical and Dental History Update
Keeping your medical and dental history up-to-date with any significant changes is crucial for maintaining your oral health and well-being. Various medical and dental conditions can affect the fit of your dentures.
Annual Oral Exam
Annual oral examinations help in detecting abnormalities, including cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. Early detection of these conditions is generally beneficial for treatment.
Tissue and Bone Assessment
Ill-fitting dentures can cause changes in bone and tissue, which need to be addressed for your oral health. Our practice will assess your condition and recommend personalized solutions.
Comfort, Fit, and Integrity of Dentures
Ill-fitting dentures can lead to bite problems, speech impediments, and tissue irritations, which should be corrected promptly to avoid complications. Dr. Skees will assess your dentures for cracks, chips, and broken or loose teeth, and suggest appropriate solutions.
Advice and tips on caring for your dentures
- Only your dental professional is qualified to diagnose your oral health and adjust your denture or partial.
- Dentures should be brushed inside and outside daily with a soft, large nylon denture toothbrush with round-ended bristles.
- Use denture creams instead of toothpaste, which are too abrasive and will scratch your denture. Rinse with cold water.
- Dentures warp if placed in hot water.
- Inspect your denture regularly for worn teeth.
- Worn and stained dentures can make you look older and cause your dentures to function poorly.
- Discuss all your current medications with your doctor and dental professional.
- Be sure to visit your dental professional regularly.
- Have loose dentures checked immediately as they can cause friction and pressure on the gum tissues and bones.
- When not in use, cover dentures with water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out.
- Most dental insurance policies provide coverage for new dentures every five years.
