Dentistry is all about smiles, even for patients wearing dentures. Having a confident, healthy, beautiful smile is important. At Fisher Distinctive Dentistry, we provide personalized denture services that meet the needs and comfort levels of our patients. All of our patients are unique, and we create unique, one-of-a-kind dentures that feel good and look natural.
What Are Traditional Dentures?
Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. There are two types of traditional dentures, full and partial.
- Full dentures are given to patients when all of the natural teeth have been removed.
- Conventional full dentures are placed after the gum tissue has healed, which can take several months — most of our patients do not want to go that long without teeth.
- Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after the teeth have been removed and will require frequent adjustments while the gum tissue heals, usually four to six months, but can take longer if you are a smoker. A permanent reline will be necessary after healing is complete.
- Partial dentures are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. They are attached to a metal frame and stay in place with metal clasps that fit around two or more of your natural teeth. The strong forces applied to these natural teeth by the rocking motion of these metal clasps while eating, talking or swallowing over time can compromise these otherwise healthy teeth. Partial dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges and implants.
How Do I Know If Dentures Are the Right Choice for Me?
Dentures are not for everyone and you could be trading in one set of problems for just another type of problem.
What Are Implant-Retained Dentures?
With traditional dentures, your chewing force is diminished to just 20% of what it was when you had your own natural teeth. With implant-retained dentures, THEY STAY IN PLACE, and your chew force is nearly identical to what it was with your own natural teeth.
If you are interested in learning more about dentures and want to know if they are the right choice for you, please schedule an appointment. Dr. Devin Fisher and Dr. Zachary Bergevin, your experienced dentists, will be happy to answer any questions you might have and can determine the best course of treatment for your ongoing dental health.
Caring for Your Dentures
Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily maintenance in order to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside of your mouth. Keep your dentures clean and your smile healthy.
- When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break.
- Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up, so it is important that you brush your dentures every day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. In between brushings, it is important to rinse your dentures after each meal.
- Use a gentle cleanser to clean your dentures. Many toothpastes, household cleaners and mouthwashes can be too hard on your dentures, so it is recommended that you use a mild hand or dish soap to get your dentures clean. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association® (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for your dentures or ask Dr. Devin Fisher and Dr. Zachary Bergevin about which products may be best for you.
- When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require certain soaking solutions, so be sure to ask Dr. Devin Fisher and Dr. Zachary Bergevin which solution is best for you.
- Even if you have a full set of dentures, it is important to keep your gums and tongue clean. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue every day.
For more information about our denture options, we welcome your call at 360-876-0445 or visit to Fisher Distinctive Dentistry in Port Orchard, Washington, where Dr. Devin Fisher and Dr. Zack Bergevin look forward to helping you maintain a healthy smile!