Dentures & Partial Dentures

Dentures

Dentures are a trusted solution for replacing missing teeth. At Paul Sioda Dental, patients often ask our team about dentures to see whether they are a good solution for their needs. Like any dental solution, dentures have pros and cons, and whether they work for you depends largely on your lifestyle and your goals for appearance and smile function.

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What are the types of dentures?
There are three main types of dentures: temporary, partial, and complete.

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Temporary Dentures
The Team at Paul Sioda Dental often provides patients with temporary dentures while they undergo a cosmetic dentistry procedure to replace a missing tooth. Temporaries ensure patients throughout the Tacoma area have a natural-looking smile while they wait for a dental implant or bridge to be completed. This is an excellent solution for when a tooth is knocked out during a sports game or in an accident. The temporary denture is secured in place with a metal wire that works like a retainer and can be removed and reinserted whenever you like.

 

If you are looking for an immediate solution for replacing a missing tooth, call 253-759-7941. Keep in mind that a temporary denture is only meant to be worn for a few months and will need to be replaced.

 

Partial Dentures
If only a few of your teeth are missing, partial dentures are a good solution for replacing them. Unlike a full set of dentures, these are held in place by a plastic base that matches the color of your gums. A metal framework typically secures the base and prevents it from falling out. If you have natural teeth in place, you cannot wear a full set, so you need a partial set of dentures. We treat patients throughout the Tacoma area who want to know if a partial set is better than a cosmetic procedure. They function differently because dentures are removable and cosmetic dentistry solutions are typically permanent. If you live in the Tacoma, WA area, call for a consultation, and we can provide a list of options to consider.

 

Complete Denture
When you're missing all your teeth, complete dentures can replace them. This is the type of dentures that you typically see in cartoons and movies. Technology has improved in recent years, making them more comfortable and natural-looking than ever. The Team at Paul Sioda Dental can determine whether this is the best way to replace your teeth or whether an alternative solution would help you achieve your goals. If you proceed with a complete set of dentures, your gums will be healed and ready 8 to 12 weeks after your teeth are removed. When teeth are removed, the bones and gums will start to shrink. By waiting up to 12 weeks, you can be sure your complete dentures will fit securely. Many patients throughout Tacoma, Washington prefer not to wait and get immediate dentures. This solution doesn't require a waiting period, but you'll need adjustments later after your gums and bone have settled into their permanent size.

 

How are dentures made?
To get dentures, patients in WA need to schedule a dental appointment. At this time, the dentist will examine your gums and other teeth to determine if dentures are the best solution for you and, if so, what type. The dentist will then take a mold of your teeth and gums so the dentures can be made in a dental lab. Typically, the dentist will take several molds or impressions to determine how your jaw functions and moves. Using these impressions, the lab will make a set of dentures that looks natural and fits perfectly. If necessary, adjustments will be made. The Team at Paul Sioda Dental can discuss the process in more detail during a consultation.

 

Benefits of Dentures
Patients throughout the 98406 area like how convenient dentures are. Whether you need a full or partial set, they can replace teeth in a non-invasive way. There is no surgical element to worry about, and temporary dentures can be fitted immediately. This offers a quick, easy solution. If, however, you want something that feels more natural, consider a cosmetic dentistry procedure.

 

Negatives of Dentures
The biggest challenge with dentures is that they do not feel like natural teeth. Patients of Paul Sioda Dental tend to agree that while they are functional, you still have to think about them, whereas other cosmetic dentistry procedures make it easy to forget you ever lost a tooth in the first place. Modern techniques have made dentures more secure and comfortable than they used to be, but they are still a foreign object in your mouth and can become loose when eating or speaking. If you're experiencing this problem, call The Team at Paul Sioda Dental at 253-759-7941 for a consultation.

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HELPFUL RELATED LINKS

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015

• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015

• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015