Dentures

Rebuilding Your Smile After Tooth Loss

Losing several or all of your teeth can affect everyday activities that many of us take for granted, from eating and speaking to smiling comfortably around other people. Dentures offer a way to replace multiple missing teeth and restore a more complete smile.

At Foley Family Dentistry, we understand that choosing dentures is a significant decision. Your needs may be very different from someone else’s, which is why we take the time to evaluate your mouth, talk about what you hope to achieve, and explain the tooth replacement options that may be appropriate for you.

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What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable dental restorations designed to replace missing teeth and some of the surrounding gum tissue. They are custom-made for your mouth with artificial teeth arranged to create a natural-looking smile and support everyday function.

Depending on how many teeth you are missing, you may need a complete or partial denture. Dental implants can also be used in some cases to provide additional support and stability for a denture.

We will help you understand the differences between your options so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. An upper denture typically covers a portion of the palate, or roof of the mouth, while a lower denture is shaped to accommodate the tongue.

If you still have teeth that need to be removed, the timing of your denture will depend on your individual treatment plan.

A conventional denture is generally created after the remaining teeth have been extracted and the tissues have had time to heal. This allows the denture to be made for the shape of your mouth after the initial healing process.

Immediate Dentures

For patients who do not want to be without teeth while their mouth heals after extractions, an immediate denture may be an option.

An immediate denture is prepared before the remaining teeth are removed and placed soon after the extractions. Because your gums and jawbone naturally change shape during healing, an immediate denture may require adjustments and, eventually, relining or replacement to maintain an appropriate fit.

We will explain what to expect during the healing period and help you through the adjustments along the way.

Partial Dentures

If you still have healthy natural teeth, a partial denture may be used to fill the spaces left by multiple missing teeth rather than replacing an entire arch.

A partial denture uses your remaining teeth for support and is designed to restore missing areas while working with the natural teeth you still have.

Before recommending a partial denture, we will evaluate the health and stability of your remaining teeth and gums to make sure they can provide an appropriate foundation for the restoration.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on their fit, the anatomy of your mouth, and other factors for stability. For some patients, dental implants can be incorporated into the treatment plan to provide additional support for a denture.

Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants placed within the jawbone. Depending on the design of the restoration, implants may help reduce movement and provide greater stability during everyday activities such as eating and speaking.

Implant treatment is not appropriate for everyone. If you are interested in this option, we can evaluate your oral health and discuss whether implants may be suitable for you.

What Is It Like to Adjust to New Dentures?

Getting dentures is an adjustment, particularly if you are wearing them for the first time. They may initially feel unfamiliar or bulky, and eating and speaking can take some practice.

Starting with softer foods and gradually introducing a wider variety of foods can make the transition easier. Reading aloud or practicing certain words may also help you become more comfortable speaking with your new dentures.

Minor sore spots can sometimes develop as your mouth adjusts. Rather than trying to modify the denture yourself, let us know. Small professional adjustments can often make a significant difference in comfort.

Be patient with yourself during this period. Learning to use a new denture takes time, and we are here to help you through the process.

Why Does the Fit of a Denture Change Over Time?

Your mouth does not remain exactly the same after teeth are lost. Without natural tooth roots, the jawbone gradually changes, which can alter the shape of the gums and the way a denture fits.

As a result, a denture that once felt secure may eventually begin to feel loose or move more than it used to. Changes in fit can affect comfort, chewing, and the health of the tissues beneath the denture.

Periodic adjustments, relining, or replacement may be necessary as your mouth changes. If your denture becomes uncomfortable or loose, do not assume that you simply have to live with it. Let us take a look.

How Do You Care for Dentures?

Dentures need daily cleaning just as natural teeth do. Food particles, plaque, and stains can accumulate on the restoration, and keeping it clean also helps protect the tissues in your mouth.

We will give you instructions for caring for your particular denture. In general, handle it carefully, clean it with products intended for dentures, and avoid using abrasive materials or very hot water that could damage it.

It is also important to clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth every day.

Do You Still Need Dental Checkups If You Have Dentures?

Yes. Even if you no longer have natural teeth, regular dental examinations remain an important part of caring for your mouth.

We can examine your gums and other oral tissues, check your denture for wear or damage, evaluate its fit, and look for changes in your mouth that may require attention.

If you have a partial denture, protecting your remaining natural teeth is particularly important. If you have an implant-supported denture, the tissues and bone surrounding the implants also need ongoing professional care.

Finding the Right Tooth Replacement for You

Dentures have helped generations of patients rebuild their smiles after tooth loss, and today’s treatment can be personalized to your individual needs. Whether you are considering a complete denture, partial denture, immediate denture, or an option supported by dental implants, you deserve to understand what each choice involves.

We will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and help you choose an approach designed around your oral health, comfort, function, and smile.

Call for more information or to schedule an appointment with Foley Family Dentistry in Foley, AL.

Call (251) 257-7009