Dentures and Partials in Santa Clara, CA

A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available: full and partial. A partial denture is a removable appliance that replaces a few missing teeth. A partial denture can be attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps, or it can be removable.

Dentures are a reliable solution and a treatment option to replace missing teeth. Dentures are also known as false teeth as it perfectly fits as a replacement for missing teeth. They are generally made of thermoplastic nylon resin or acrylic. 

How Are Dentures Created?

During your first visit with us, the dentist checks if dentures are a suitable solution to your dental problem. The perfect type of denture is decided, and the impression of your teeth and gums is taken to create your customized denture in a dental lab. Generally, certain impressions are made so that the dentist can find out the functions and moves of the jaw. Using the final impressions, the lab creates a set of dentures that looks just like natural teeth and fits perfectly as well. Adjustments are made, if necessary, according to your suggestions.

What Are the Benefits of Dentures?

If you’re missing most or all of your teeth, it’s important to consider getting dentures. Here are some of the benefits of dentures:

Improved appearance: Your smile will look fuller and more youthful once you’ve received your dentures. Many people who have lost their teeth have a hard time smiling in public because they don’t want to show others their missing teeth. Once your dentures are in place, you’ll be able to smile with confidence again.

Easier eating: When you don’t have your teeth, chewing can be a challenge. You may find yourself avoiding certain foods that require a lot of chewing, which can lead to weight loss and poor nutrition. With dentures, you can eat the foods you love without worrying that you won’t be able to chew them properly. Some of the types of food that you will be able to eat include steak, pizza crusts, corn on the cob, apples, carrots, and more.

More confidence: Because dentures help to improve your appearance and make it easier to eat the foods that you love, you’ll feel more confident as you’re going for job interviews or talking to your friends. You’ll also feel better about going to the dentist for cleanings and checkups.

Increased safety: If you have trouble seeing because of poor vision or if you have difficulty walking due to joint pain, you may be at an increased chance of falling when you have no teeth. Having dentures in place helps to keep your jawbone healthy and prevents you from having some serious problems with your jaw.

Better oral hygiene: When you have missing teeth, you may experience problems trying to keep your mouth clean. Flossing and brushing may become difficult for you. When you have dentures, you can take care of your regular brushing and flossing routine with ease.

What Are Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures are designed in a way to replace one or more missing teeth. These dentures use plates or are often clipped to stay in position in the mouth. It can be used if there are still some healthy teeth available in the mouth. Partial dentures are held in place by a plastic base whose color matches the color of our natural gums. A metal framework helps to secure the base without letting it fall off. 

What Are the Benefits of Partial Dentures?

If you want to replace multiple missing teeth, partial dentures may be a good solution. There are several benefits to getting a partial denture, including:

Cost-effectiveness: This depends on your dental insurance, but in general, partial dentures are a lower cost than other tooth replacement options.

Ease of use: They are typically more comfortable to wear than full dentures and are removable for cleaning purposes.

Eat and talk normally: You can eat and speak as you normally would with a partial denture in place.

Better oral health: Gaps in your smile can make it hard for you to clean your teeth properly, which can lead to poor oral health and tooth decay. A partial denture will fill these gaps, making it easier for you to brush and floss regularly to keep your mouth healthy.

Caring For Dentures/ Partials

Caring for your denture or partial is important after the procedure, even if your teeth feel fine. Keeping your dentures clean is essential in preventing infection. Bacteria grows on dentures just like it does on natural teeth. However, bacteria can grow much faster when not cleaned regularly. These deposits of plaque can cause inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis. When this occurs, the gums become very red and irritated and can bleed easily. If you have pain when eating with your denture, you may have an infection caused by the growth of bacteria and need to be seen by your dentist as soon as possible.

In addition to cleaning your partials or dentures daily, it’s also important to keep them moist. Use a soft washcloth to place them in while they’re out of your mouth. When you’re not wearing them, keep them in a glass of warm salt water or water with added mouthwash for protection. Do not use hot water, as it can warp your dentures. 

Call us at (408) 988-7788 or schedule an online appointment with Dr. Lee to learn more about dentures.