At Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide a wide range of restorative dentistry solutions for patients facing complex dental concerns such as missing teeth. For patients missing a full arch of teeth, we offer removable dentures and partial dentures. Dentures and partials are great for restoring the functionality of your smile as well as the aesthetics.
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 as well as eating. drinking, and speaking. These major lifestyle adjustments can be avoided by seeing your dentist for a full mouth reconstruction treatment plan. Our dentures and partial dentures are designed 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, if you still have a few remaining teeth, partial dentures can be used. 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, keep in mind 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. Any underlying dental concerns will need to be addressed before dentures and partials are offered to a patient. If you have any remaining severely decayed or damaged teeth, they will need to be extracted before your dentures are created.
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. In order to replace any missing teeth, partial dentures attach a set of artificial teeth to your natural teeth.
How long does it take for your gums to get used to partial dentures?
Your gums will need a few days to adjust to the added pressure your new dentures add to them. The dentures will begin to feel as though they are settling in after a few days.
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 also experience some sensitive regions in your mouth. During the first few days after getting dentures it is normal to develop sores around your gums. 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 denture brush that is damp to gently brush is a great way to clean your partials without harming them.
How many hours a day should you wear your partial?
For the first two weeks, we recommend wearing your partial dentures 24 hours a day. This will shorten the period of adjustment. After this, limit their use exclusively to the daytime. It is best to remove them at nighttime to give your gums a rest period.