Sherman Oaks Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures and Partial Dentures Sherman Oaks, CA

Dentures and partial dentures are most commonly associated with seniors, but many young people wear them too. According to the CDC, adult tooth loss has been on the decline for roughly 70 years. Even so, many Americans rely on dentures to improve not just their smiles but also their speech and ability to chew food comfortably. Dentures and partial dentures fill any tooth loss gaps with false teeth.

Dentures and partial dentures are available at Guy Mangia, DDS in Sherman Oaks and the surrounding area. We offer a range of tooth replacement options.

If you are ready to learn more about the available options, reach out to us by phone at (818) 940-0862.

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    Dentures Can Help Prevent Further Oral Health Issues

    The purpose of dental care and oral hygiene is to prevent tooth loss as much as possible. However, there are cases in which tooth loss is unavoidable. When an infection advances to later stages or begins to spread, tooth extraction may become the only option. If a tooth falls out on its own or is knocked out, there is a chance the empty socket can cause the other teeth to begin to shift.

    The doctor can help restore missing teeth with dentures or partial dentures. By ensuring there are no more traces of infection in the mouth, dentures can help to prevent the spread of further contamination to the mouth or jaw. Even with dentures, patients will want to continue an oral hygiene routine that involves keeping the gums and mouth clean.

    With partial dentures or at least several natural teeth still in the mouth, it is essential to keep up regular oral hygiene methods, including:

    • Daily brushing. As soon as teeth emerge in a child’s mouth, it is vital to brush regularly. It is wise to brush at least twice daily through one’s entire life.
    • Consistent flossing. Daily flossing will remove food from between teeth. Doing this will keep bacteria from growing on the gums and beneath the teeth.
    • Regular visits to the dentist. Patients should visit our dental staff at least once every six months. More frequent visits may be necessary for restorative care.

    Other Benefits

    While dentures and partial dentures may not be for everyone, they can help people experience the satisfaction of a full smile and eating favorite foods again. Dentures closely resemble natural teeth. We will make sure the artificial teeth match the color of any remaining real teeth. Dentures can also give a person’s cheeks a more defined shape and appearance.

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    How Dentures Are Made

    Dentures consist of a flesh-colored base and the synthetic teeth attached to it. Today, both components are made of a type of acrylic. The artificial teeth are typically made of acrylic resin, which closely approximates the appearance of real teeth.

    Once the decision is made to proceed with dentures, the patient will make an appointment for the impression. The dentist will put a tray with a thick paste into the patient's mouth to take impressions of the upper and lower teeth. This process usually takes about 20 seconds for each impression. The dentist may offer to apply a numbing agent to the palate beforehand to minimize discomfort.

    Afterward, the impressions are used to make a plaster model of the mouth. The dental lab technician then uses wax to attach the teeth. The wax is shaped and trimmed according to the patient's gum shape.

    Then the wax shape with attached teeth is placed in a container, sometimes called a flask. Dental stone or plaster is poured around to hold it. The wax is then boiled out, leaving a molding in the shape of the gums, and the acrylic material for the dentures' base is poured in.

    The denture is removed from the container, trimmed and polished. At this point, the patient will have the first fitting. While some people may find their dentures fit properly right away, most need to have a few adjustments done for optimal comfort.

    It is normal to need several fitting appointments before the dentures fit the way they should. Patients should not hesitate to let the dentist know if something feels wrong. What may seem like a trivial amount of discomfort during fitting can seriously interfere with your quality of life, later on, so be sure to speak up.

    Types of Dentures

    There are several basic types of dentures. The right option for you can depend on several factors, which Guy Mangia, DDS can discuss with you. Choosing an option that works for you can help you get the most out of the dentures.

    Dentures can be full or partial. A full set can be necessary for patients who are missing all their teeth. In this case, impressions will be taken of the gums and the teeth made to maintain the proportions and distances similar to the real teeth. A partial set can be an option if the patient still has several teeth in good condition remaining.

    Additionally, there are also fully removable and bridge-supported dentures. Removable dentures are what most people picture: the base that sits on the gums with attached teeth. They can be easily taken out. While this option is typically more affordable, removable dentures may need several adjustments over the years as the mouth's shape changes.

    Bridge-supported dentures are also removable but do not have a base. They are clipped on to four or six dental implants. These implants are small titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Eventually, the implants fuse with the bone.

    Due to the implants, bridge-supported dentures tend to be more costly than other options. They also involve minor surgery. However, many people find they feel more secure and are more comfortable because they do not need a base. The implant procedure can also reduce future bone loss, which can be familiar with missing teeth.

    Not all patients are good candidates for fixed dentures. Those who already suffer extensive bone loss may not have enough bone to support the implants. Some other health concerns can also prevent implants from being a good option.

    Replacement Choices to Discuss

    Dentures and partial dentures are two of the most common forms of tooth-replacement treatment. While there are other options available at our practice, we will determine the most effective option for the patient's specific needs. Every patient’s situation and needs a different solution.

    With dental bridges and dental implants, there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding on a replacement option. During a consultation, we will answer any questions the patient has about the various options so they can make an informed decision.

    Choosing Dentures and Partial Dentures Over Other Treatments

    It can be difficult deciding which option is right when deciding on an effective tooth replacement option. Each patient will have to consider the pros and cons while also looking into insurance coverage. During a consultation in our office, we can go into more detail about the specifics. A determining factor is the amount of time a patient can take out of their schedule for treatment.

    In most cases, the dental implant process can take several visits over the span of months. With dentures or partial dentures, the patient will most likely need two visits before they can begin wearing their dentures. Along with that, dentures and partial dentures can replace multiple teeth at once as opposed to dental implants, which only replace one at a time.

    Care and Maintenance of the Dentures

    Though dentures are durable and help the patient once again bite into food, these appliances can break. Dentures can also warp or get dirty, so it is vital that people follow proper maintenance guidelines, as described in this article on the American Dental Association website. Our team at Guy Mangia, DDS will counsel each patient on proper care to extend the life of their dentures. Though, ultimately, it is up to the patient to be diligent in routine care and contacting the dentist when problems arise.

    After eating a meal, a patient should remove their dentures and rinse the appliance thoroughly with water, removing excess food. Also, patients should brush the dentures with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. When it is time to retire for the night, the person should remove the dentures. Some denture wearers soak their dentures in a solution. You may contact our team to see if a denture solution is recommended for your care routine.

    What to Do in Case of Breakage

    There are plenty of ways to repair your dentures in the event of an accident. It is almost inevitable that patients will find a crack or break in the appliance at some point. The base could crack, or a tooth could break loose. For a quick fix, there are products available online and at most local grocery stores and pharmacies, such as D.O.C.® Repair-It®, Cushion Grip®, and Perk ®'s Denture Repair Kit. If you are considering using a product for a temporary fix, please contact your dental office first. Whenever significant damage occurs, like a large crack across the base, you should seek medical treatment.

    In any case of breakage, the denture-wearer should contact our office right away. Our team has the right tools and equipment to fix the dentures properly. Patients can feel good that our dental professionals will carefully examine the damage and repair it. If necessary, the dentist may have to replace the dentures altogether.

    Avoiding Problems

    While some situations may be challenging to prevent, patients can minimize repair needs. People with dentures should be careful with certain hard foods such as nuts, popcorn kernels, ice, and candy. Some sticky foods may also pull out the dentures. When cleaning the appliance, the individual should place a towel or cloth on the counter or in the sink in case the dentures fall. Denture-wearers who play sports should wear a mouthguard to protect the dentures.

    Common Myths and Misconceptions

    One of the most common myths we hear about dentures is that once a patient gets their dentures created and placed, they are set for life. Remember that dentures typically last for 5-10 years. Since this is a wide span of years, patients may wonder how to know when they need new dentures. If the color has changed dramatically or there is physical damage, dentures may need replacement. The most telling sign, however, is when they no longer fit securely.

    Some people may also believe that if they remove all their teeth and get full dentures, they’ll never need to set foot in a dentist’s office again. The truth is that dentists are in the best position to tell patients whether or not they need to get their dentures repaired or replaced. In fact, the dentist may adjust dentures during annual or bi-annual visits to keep them fitting correctly. Dentists also pay keen attention to gum health. If the patient smokes or suffers from illnesses that may affect the gums, this is even more important.

    Definition of Denture Terminology
    Alveolar Bone
    The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.
    Clasp
    A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.
    Denture Base
    The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
    Edentulous
    Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.
    Periodontal Disease
    Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
    Pontic
    Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.
    Rebase
    Rebase is the process of refitting denture prosthesis by replacing the base material.
    Reline
    Reline is when a professional resurfaces the surface of the prosthesis with a new base material.
    Resin/Acrylic
    Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.
    Stomatitis
    Stomatitis is the inflammation of the tissue that is underlying a denture that does not fit properly. It can also result from other oral health factors.

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