Today’s dentures are more comfortable and attractive than ever. These custom-created appliances recreate the look and feel of missing teeth. Full dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both; partial dentures fit in between the existing teeth to fill in gaps. If you have lost natural teeth to decay, disease or injury, dentures can restore your ability to eat, speak and smile confidently.

Do I Need Dentures?

You may need dentures if you have lost all of your teeth or a significant number of them. Dentures are an appealing option for the following reasons:

  • comfortable
  • attractive
  • support full chewing function (no dietary restrictions)
  • support clear speech
  • improve confidence
  • easily removable for cleaning
  • closely resemble natural, healthy teeth
  • support the facial muscles and structures
  • can be secured to the jawbone with dental implant posts (optional)
  • long-lasting
  • cost-effective

To arrange an examination at Willoughby Dental of Greenville to talk about Dentures, Call at (864) 546-4242 Or Schedule An Appointment Online.

Preparing and Placing Dentures

Your denture appliance will be created based on your measurements and specifications with materials that look very natural and attractive. Dr. Warner offers complete dentures that replace all of the teeth, and partial dentures that fill in spaces created by missing teeth.

Depending on your case, Dr. Warner may need to extract a few teeth before placing your denture. Once he does this, he will place an immediate denture that enables proper healing and prevents you from going “toothless.”

Dr. Warner will take impressions of your gums to identify the ridges and crevices of your mouth for the best fitting denture. He will also help you pick out the shade of the teeth in your dentures. This information will be sent to the dental laboratory that constructs your dentures.

Once your permanent dentures are ready, Dr. Warner will place them in the mouth. Upper dentures cover the roof of the mouth and lower dentures rest on the gums. Partial dentures may fit in the gaps between existing teeth. The dentures will be secured with a special adhesive, or anchored to the jawbone with several dental implant posts. Dr. Warner can make any on-the-spot adjustments for fit or comfort, as needed.

There is typically a slight adjustment period as your mouth gets used to wearing the dentures. You will learn how to use the muscles of the cheeks and tongue to hold your dentures in place, you will also need to practice chewing and speaking with dentures.

Adjusting to Life with Dentures

You should remove your dentures for cleaning and sleeping. To clean dentures, you should brush them and place them in a special cleanser soaking solution. You should also brush your gums, tongue and palate with a toothbrush before re-inserting the dentures.

Dr. Warner will want to see you periodically to check the fit and comfort of your dentures. Over time, your dentures will experience normal wear and your mouth may change. You should plan to have your dentures relined, remade or rebased so they continue to feel comfortable and secure. If your dentures chip, crack, break or loosen, schedule an appointment with Dr. Warner as soon as possible.

Dentures FAQs

Will dentures irritate my mouth?

You might experience some irritation when you are first fitted for your dentures. As your mouth adapts to wearing them, the irritation should subside.

Can I eat with dentures?

Yes, you can bite and chew with dentures. Dr. Warner will help you get used to eating properly with dentures.

Can I sleep with dentures?

You can sleep in dentures but it is recommended that you remove them and give your gums and bone time to relax from the pressure of wearing dentures. You should clean your dentures and store them in water at night. We recommend keeping your dentures out of your mouth for at least six hours a day.

How long will my dentures last?

Dentures typically last five to seven years. They should be adjusted periodically for the best fit.

To arrange an examination at Willoughby Dental of Greenville to talk about Dentures, Call at (864) 546-4242 Or Schedule An Appointment Online.