Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides a wide range of restorative dentistry solutions for patients facing complex dental concerns, such as missing teeth. We offer removable and partial dentures for patients missing a full arch of teeth. Dentures and partials are great for restoring the functionality and aesthetics of your smile.
Dr. Chavala Harris is your local restorative dentist in Durham, NC. She can get you back to smiling, eating, and speaking as you did before with a custom-fit denture or partial to meet your needs. Dentures can be removable or secured by dental implants for a permanent smile that will function like natural teeth. Learn more about dentures and partials below.
Dentures and Partial Dentures in Durham, NC
If you are missing a full arch of teeth, this is likely affecting your ability to smile normally, eat, drink, and speak. You can avoid these major lifestyle adjustments by seeing your dentist for a full mouth reconstruction treatment. Our dentures and partial dentures are designed to be personalized to you and your soft tissues, ensuring a comfortable fit and secure wear.
Dentures are removable prosthetics used to replace a full arch of teeth. However, partial dentures can be used if you still have a few remaining teeth. Partial dentures rest on surrounding teeth to fill in the gaps left behind by missing teeth. Both dentures and partials are removable by the wearer.
When you wear your dentures or partials, remember that they will require special care. To get the most out of your oral appliance, we recommend the following:
- Soak them in a denture solution when not in use to keep them moist at all times.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your dentures daily.
- Avoid exposing your dentures or partials to hot temperatures that could cause warping.
- Be careful not to drop your dentures or partials, as they may break.
Am I a candidate for dentures?
The best way to find out if you are a candidate for dentures or partials is to schedule a consultation with our team of restorative dentistry professionals. We must address underlying dental concerns before offering dentures and partials to a patient. If you have any remaining severely decayed or damaged teeth, we must extract them before creating dentures.
Dentures & Partials FAQ’s
How is a partial denture held in place?
Clasps on partial dentures contain arms that wrap around the tooth to firmly secure it in place. Partial dentures attach artificial teeth to your natural teeth to replace missing teeth.
How long does it take for your gums to adjust to partial dentures?
Your gums will need a few days to adjust to the added pressure your new dentures exert. After a few days, the dentures will begin to feel as though they are settling in.
Do partials and dentures hurt at first?
It’s common to feel uncomfortable wearing partials, especially in the first few weeks. As you become used to the new partial denture, you can experience some sensitive regions in your mouth. Developing sores around your gums during the first few days after getting dentures is normal. Any discomfort should go away within a few days.
How do you brush partial dentures?
Remove the partial dentures and wash them in cold water after soaking. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a damp denture brush to gently brush is a great way to clean your partials without harming them.
How many hours a day should you wear your partial?
We recommend wearing your partial dentures 24 hours a day for the first two weeks. This will shorten the period of adjustment. After this, limit their use exclusively to the daytime. It is best to remove them at night to rest your gums.