Dentures
Dentures Services in Arcadia, CA
More than 41 million Americans with missing teeth wear dentures. In addition to being more affordable than dental implants, dentures can preserve your oral health while boosting your confidence and self-esteem. At his practice in Arcadia, California, cosmetic dentist Hanfu Lee, DDS, regularly uses dentures to restore his patients’ smiles. If you’re missing some or all of your permanent teeth, schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures, or false teeth, are a type of oral prosthetic that replaces your natural, permanent teeth. They’re made of materials like metal, acrylic, or nylon, and fit snugly over your gums. This makes eating and speaking easier while restoring volume to your face. It also prevents your cheeks and lips from wrinkling or sagging, which can make you look older than you actually are.
Are There Different Types of Dentures?
There are several types of dentures. Depending on your oral history and goals for treatment, Dr. Lee might recommend:
If you’ve lost all of your permanent teeth, you’re probably a good candidate for full dentures. Full dentures feature a full arch of false teeth attached to an acrylic plate that mimics the color and appearance of your gums. To hold your dentures firmly in place, you attach a denture adhesive to the bottom.
If you’re only missing some of your permanent teeth, Dr. Lee might recommend partial dentures. Partial dentures feature a metal framework that snaps snugly into place around your healthy, remaining teeth. The framework blends in with your gums and prevents the need for denture adhesives.
If you don’t want to remove your dentures at night to soak them in a cleaning solution, or you simply want a longer-lasting tooth restoration option, consider implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants or small metal posts that Dr. Lee surgically places in your gums.
What Are Complete Dentures?
A complete denture is a removable appliance that restores a full-arch of missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. The appliance generally consists of prosthetic teeth set in a flesh-colored acrylic base. If the denture is for the upper jaw, the base typically extends to the palate, or roof of the mouth, to provide additional support. Dentures fabricated for the lower jaw are usually shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate the tongue. There are two types of complete dentures: conventional and immediate. Most patients in need of a complete denture usually have a few remaining teeth that require extraction. During the brief healing period following the extractions, the gum tissues may shrink or change shape. For this reason, a conventional denture is fabricated after the teeth have been removed, and the gum tissues have fully healed. This ensures a proper fit. However, this also means that patients are without teeth during the healing period. To prevent this problem, we may recommend an immediate denture. As the name suggests, we place an immediate denture directly following your extractions. The appliance is made in advance and usually considered a temporary measure.
What Is a Partial Denture?
A partial denture is a removable appliance that restores one or more missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Partials offer a removable alternative to fixed bridges. The replacement teeth are typically attached to a flesh-colored base and a metal framework. The framework, usually metal clasps, attaches to the surrounding teeth for support. Some partials utilize internal “precision attachments” for more aesthetically-pleasing results. A partial designed for an upper jaw could also attach to a retainer-like component. This type of partial is often referred to as a “flipper.”
Customized Fit
Dentures these days are more comfortable, durable, and effective than ever before. This is largely due to advancements in technology, materials, and techniques. While developing your treatment plan, Hanfu Lee, DDS will perform a thorough examination using cutting-edge diagnostic tools, such as digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, 3D imaging, and CBCT scans. The information we collect allows us to fabricate a custom-fit appliance that will look and feel great.
During the procedure, we take impressions of your gum tissues and any remaining teeth (if you need a partial). This impression will be used to create a 3D model of your mouth. Our laboratory technicians will use this model to fabricate your denture with the finest restorative materials available today. These materials ensure your denture is aesthetically-pleasing and highly durable. With the proper care and maintenance, your beautiful new denture should last for years to come!
What Steps Should I Take to Keep My Dentures in Great Shape?
If you want to keep your dentures in great shape, it’s important you take good care of them. Dr. Lee recommends removing your dentures after every meal, rinsing them in cold water, and gently brushing them off with a soft bristle toothbrush. If you have partial or full dentures, you should also remove them at night before bed and soak them in a denture-cleaning solution. This prevents the buildup of food particles, plaque, and harmful bacteria while allowing your gums to breathe and recuperate.
Depending on the type of dentures you get, Dr. Lee might also recommend avoiding certain foods and beverages. This includes chewing gum, hard candy, and drinks like hot tea or coffee that could warp your dentures. To see if you’re a good candidate for dentures, schedule an appointment at Hanfu Lee, DDS, by calling the office or booking online today.
Schedule Your Consultation Appointment
Find out if dentures are right for you! Call 626-447-0888 to schedule your consultation appointment.