Dentures
Replacing missing teeth with dentures is important for maintaining the aesthetics of your face. Without the structure of the teeth as support, your cheeks & jaw may start to sag, leading to a more aged appearance.
With full or partial dentures, you will have your smile back & will regain chewing & biting ability, giving you the chance to enjoy foods that you may have had to avoid when you were missing teeth.
While dentures are an effective replacement for your teeth when it comes to the appearance of your smile & your face, when it comes to function, they are a prosthetic replacement. Just like someone with a prosthetic limb may have limited function compared to a real limb, dentures function differently from natural teeth. The stability of dentures varies from person to person, so the variety of foods that denture-wearers are able to eat also varies. The dentist can go over what foods you should avoid or eat differently (such as cutting meats into smaller pieces for ease of chewing). Speaking while wearing dentures sometimes takes getting used to, especially when forming “s” or “th” sounds. Any speech difficulty usually passes with practice.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures consist of a plastic base that is molded & colored to look like your gums. The teeth attached to this base are most often made from a plastic acrylic. The color of both the gums & tooth parts of dentures are customized in order to ensure they look as natural as possible in your mouth.
Dentures are false teeth for someone who is missing some or all of their teeth. Depending on how many teeth are missing, dentures can come with a full set of teeth or a partial set meant to fill in gaps between any remaining teeth.
Dentures on your top jaw typically cover the ridge of bone where your teeth used to be & the roof of your mouth (what dentists call the palate). Top dentures are held in place by suction between the palate & the denture. Because there is less for them to hold on to (no palate), dentures on your bottom jaw are not quite as secure & may take a little more getting used to.
Dr. Nicholas Sowles is your best choice for dentures in Norwell. A denture is a removable appliance for missing teeth & surrounding tissue. New advances have made these dental appliances more comfortable & durable than ever before. Dentures can be an affordable & time-effective solution for one or more missing teeth.
There are two types of dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing. Partial dentures are usually the best option when some natural teeth remain. In addition to filling in the gap created by missing teeth, partial dentures can prevent your remaining teeth from shifting.
Dentures will last for many years with proper care. However, over time dentures may eventually require repair, readjustment or replacement. Regular visits to your dental professional will ensure that you enjoy maximum comfort & wear.
Dentures:
• Offer improved chewing, speech & digestion.
• Can replace some or all missing teeth, enhancing your smile & restoring a more youthful appearance.
• Are suitable when dental implants are not an option due to bone loss or dental health.
Getting your dentures
The process of getting dentures typically requires several appointments over the course of four to eight weeks. First, your dental professional will take careful measurements & make highly accurate impressions (molds) of your mouth. Several fittings may be necessary to perfect the fit, shape & color of your custom appliance.
At the office of Dr. Nicholas Sowles we use the latest technology & finest materials to produce dentures that offer superior fit, function & aesthetics. We will provide you with instructions on how to care for your new dentures. As with natural teeth, proper cleaning, good oral hygiene & regular dental visit are recommended to extend the life of your new dentures.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about dentures or to schedule a smile consultation with Dr. Sowles.