Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures and Partials in Pasadena

Missing teeth can impact your daily life, affecting your ability to eat, speak, and smile freely. At Art of Smiles in Pasadena, we offer comfortable and affordable solutions like dentures and partial dentures that can restore your smile and confidence. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer—book an appointment with Art of Smiles today and reclaim your smile!

What are Dentures and Partials?

Dentures: These are removable replacements for all your missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or both. They come in various materials, including acrylic, nylon, and metal, and can be customized to look natural and match your remaining teeth.

Partial Dentures: These are used when you still have some natural teeth remaining. They fill in the gaps with artificial teeth held in place by a metal framework that clasps onto your existing teeth.

Why would someone need dentures or partial dentures?

People might need dentures or partial dentures for a variety of reasons, but they generally fall into two main categories: replacing missing teeth and improving oral health and function. Here’s a closer look at each:

Replacing Missing Teeth:

• • • Aesthetic reasons: Missing teeth can be a cosmetic concern, affecting confidence and self-esteem. Dentures or partials can restore a fuller smile and improve overall appearance.
    • Speech difficulties: Missing teeth, especially front ones, can impact speech clarity. Dentures can help restore pronunciation and improve communication.
    • Chewing problems: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food properly, leading to nutritional deficiencies and digestive issues. Dentures can restore chewing function allow you to enjoy a wider variety of foods.

Improving Oral Health and Function:

• • • Preventing jawbone shrinkage: When teeth are missing, the jawbone doesn’t get the stimulation it needs to stay strong. Dentures can help distribute pressure and prevent bone loss, leading to better long-term oral health.
    • Preventing teeth from shifting: The gap left by missing teeth can cause remaining teeth to shift and crowd, leading to bite problems and other complications. Dentures can prevent this by maintaining space and keeping teeth in proper alignment.
    • Treating gum disease: Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Dentures can replace lost teeth and prevent further gum damage by providing a stable foundation for the gums.

Which type of denture is needed (full or partial) depends on the number of missing teeth:

Full dentures: If all teeth are missing on either the upper or lower jaw, full dentures are used.

Partial dentures: If you still have some natural teeth remaining partial dentures can fill the gaps and support the existing teeth.

It’s important to note that dentures are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Saleem, your dentist at Art of Smiles, will always consult with you to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

Dentures:

Pros:

• • • Restores appearance and confidence: Dentures can provide a full, natural-looking smile, boosting self-esteem and confidence.
    • Improved chewing and speaking: Dentures enable more effective chewing and clearer speech.
    • Affordability: Compared to options like dental implants, dentures are generally more affordable.
    • Non-invasive: Dentures do not require surgery.

Cons:

• • • Discomfort and adjustments: Dentures may initially cause discomfort due to gum irritation, requiring adjustments. They might need realignment as your mouth changes.
    • Jaw bone loss: Wearing dentures over time can lead to jaw bone loss, affecting stability and comfort.
    • Diet restrictions; Certain hard-to-chew foods may need to be avoided.
    • Speech difficulties: Some users may experience speech issues.

Partial Dentures:

Pros:

• • • Preserves remaining teeth: Partials leave healthy teeth untouched, reducing the need for future adjustments or replacements.
    • Improved functions: They enhance chewing and speech similar to full dentures.
    • Cost-effectiveness. Compared to implants or multiple bridges, partial dentures are budget-friendly.
    • Natural appearance: Modern partials blend seamlessly with existing teeth, boosting confidence.
    • Customization: Various materials and attachments cater to individual needs.

Cons:

• • • Adjustment period: Adapting to wearing partials might temporarily affect speech and chewing.
    • Maintenance: Regular cleaning and soaking are crucial to prevent plaque and gum issues.
    • Potential movement: Some partials may shift slightly during speech or chewing, requiring occasional adjustments.
    • Bone loss around missing teeth: Bone loss can occur in areas with missing teeth, affecting denture stability.
    • Gum damage risk: Poor fit or hygiene may stress gums, causing irritation or inflammation.

The procedure for getting dentures and partial dentures is similar, with a few key differences:

For both dentures and partial dentures:

1. 1. Consultation: You’ll have a consultation with your dentist to discuss your options and determine the best type of denture for you.
   2. Examination: Your dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and assess your overall oral health. They may also need to treat any underlying dental issues before you can get dentures.
   3. Impressions: Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and gums to create a mold for dentures. This ensures a custom fit.
   4. Bite registration: Your dentist will record hos your upper or lower jaws bite together. This is important for the proper function of your dentures.
   5. Choosing the teeth: You’ll choose the size, shape, and color of the teeth you want for your dentures.
   6. Try-in: Once the dentures are fabricated, you’ll have a try-in appointment to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
   7. Final fitting: After any adjustments are made, you’ll receive your final dentures and your dentist will show you how to care for them properly.

Differences for partial dentures:

Preparation of remaining teeth: If you have remaining teeth, they may need to be prepared to support the partial denture. This may involve fillings, crowns, or other procedures.

Clasps or framework: Partial dentures usually have clasps that attach to your remaining teeth to hold them in place. Some partial dentures may have a metal framework instead of clasps.

Temporary partial dentures: In some cases, you may wear a temporary partial denture while your permanent one is being made.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

The entire process of getting dentures or partial dentures can take several weeks to a few months. While it make take some time to get used to wearing them and speaking and eating comfortably, remember that dentures offer a long-term solution to restore your smile and confidence. You will need to see your dentist regularly for follow-up appointments to ensure your dentures fit properly and continue to function well. With proper care and adjustments, dentures can provide a comfortable and confident smile for many years.

Schedule an appointment today or reach out to us at 626-415-4411, and let us create a masterpiece of your smile together.