Dentures - Complete and Partials in San Antonio, TX![]() What is the Difference Between Complete and Partial Dentures?When most people think of dentures, they typically think of a full arch of fake teeth. This is a complete denture. It is used when you have lost all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. A base, which supports the artificial teeth, sits on your gums and uses the soft tissue for support. In the upper jaw, the base of a complete denture also covers your palate or the roof of your mouth. The base of a complete denture resembles a horseshoe in appearance. A partial denture, sometimes just called a partial, is meant to replace a section of missing teeth. It is used when the rest of the teeth in the arch are healthy. Like a complete denture, a partial use a base to support fake teeth that are supported by your gums. Metal framework, which is attached to the partial, hooks onto your healthy teeth for extra security. Don’t Dentures Look Fake?Up until even just a few decades ago, a major drawback to dentures was that, while they restored the functions of your missing teeth, they were quite obvious. Today, however, things are different. Dentures are made to look much more realistic. It is much harder for others to tell that you are wearing artificial teeth than it once was. How Do You Make My Denture?Creating a denture is a process that can take several weeks. Following the extraction of any unhealthy teeth, impressions are taken. Our lab uses these impressions to create molds of your mouth. Your denture is then created gradually. As it is made, you will come back for follow-ups to try it on. This ensures that your final denture will fit properly. The whole process can take up to 12 weeks to complete. The try on appointments allows us to adjust your denture as your jaw heals and the tissues shrink following your extractions. Even after your final denture is made, you may still need a few follow up appointments for adjustments. The goal is to provide you with a restoration that is as comfortable and natural as possible. What Do I Do if My Denture Feels Off?If it is your first-time wearing dentures, you might notice a bit of discomfort. Over time, this discomfort should lessen and go away. However, if the pain doesn’t go away, or worsens, you should schedule an appointment. Even if you have been wearing your denture for a while, you may begin to notice that it doesn’t fit like it used to. This happens because your jawbone continues to change after tooth loss. The base of your denture does not. As your jaw changes, your denture will no longer fit properly. To ensure your comfort, as well as optimal functionality, it is important to schedule an appointment and have a new denture made. If you have suffered tooth loss, dentures are an effective solution for replacing those teeth. For more information about dentures, including same day dentures or implant-supported dentures solutions like All on 4, call Advanced Dental Associates at (210) 714-5589 today. |
Advanced Dental Associates
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