State-of-the-Art Partial & Full Dentures in Albuquerque, NM
Want to restore your smile—as well as the full functionality of your mouth—after losing teeth? Then it is time to look into partial and full dentures in Albuquerque, NM. Terry Gomez DDS and her team are proud to provide patients with effective and affordable ways to replace multiple missing teeth while restoring proper form and function to the mouth.
Removable full and partial dentures are typically made of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base with either a plastic or metal framework. Dr. Gomez designs your partials to meet the unique requirements of your mouth. This can include creating a metal framework and clasps that connect to your teeth or other connecting options that will give your restored smile a natural look.
Why Replace Your Missing Teeth?
More is going on in your mouth when you lose your teeth than just having an imperfect smile. Your teeth play a crucial role in framing your mouth. That means when you lose your teeth, your facial muscles may begin to sag. This not only makes you look older, but can make simple tasks such as eating, drinking, and talking much more difficult. Dentures help to fill out your face and profile in a natural way. Some of the different types of dentures include:
Conventional – This fully removable denture is made and placed after the remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed. This process can take several months.
Immediate – These removable dentures are inserted on the same day that any remaining teeth are removed. Dr. Gomez will take measurements, make models of your jaw, and deliver a solution that will keep you from going without teeth during the healing period. These dentures may need to be relined or remade once your mouth is finished healing.
Overdenture – When you have salvageable teeth, they can be used to preserve your jawbone and offer stability and support for your denture. An overdenture fits over your remaining teeth after they have been prepared by your dentist. This is a similar process to implants.
New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you get used to them. They may feel loose while the muscles in your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. Minor irritation or soreness are common, along with a temporary increase in saliva flow. As your mouth acclimates to the dentures, these problems should go away. Follow-up appointments are usually needed, so the fit can be checked and adjusted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, tell your dentist.
Even when you wear full or partial dentures, you’ll still need to practice good dental hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth every morning with a soft-bristled brush before putting in your dentures to stimulate circulation in the tissues and help remove plaque.
Life with Dentures
As you get older, your mouth begins to change. Receding or shrinking bone and gum ridges can end up causing your dentures to begin to fit poorly. These badly fitting dentures can then lead to various problems, including sores and infections.
If you notice your dentures are becoming loose, then it is time to schedule a dental appointment for an adjustment. Also, make sure you continue your routine dental examinations and visits. This helps to prevent most problems before they even develop.
