Dentures

Missing or damaged teeth (due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury) can significantly impair your ability to chew or speak, and have negative effects on your oral health. Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS, offer custom dentures to relieve our patients from the problems associated with missing teeth.

Whether you’re missing a few natural teeth or need to replace an entire arch, our custom dentures are designed to meet your needs. Our team ensures that denture wearers receive well-fitting, comfortable denture teeth made from durable denture materials, such as acrylic resin or porcelain. From the denture base to your final fit, we guide you through proper denture care, cleaning dentures, and how to use denture adhesives and denture cleansers to keep your new smile healthy and long-lasting.

What are Dentures?

Dentures (often called false teeth) are removable replacements for missing teeth (different from permanent dental implants). Unlike permanent dental implants or a dental bridge, dentures are removable and come in several types to suit different needs. Proper fit and cleaning dentures is essential to prevent ill-fitting dentures, which can cause discomfort and oral ulcerations.

Temporary dentures provide an immediate but short-term solution after tooth extractions, while permanent denture teeth are custom-made for long-term wear and offer a more precise, comfortable fit. Whether you are missing a few teeth or need to replace an entire arch, dentures offer a practical and affordable solution.

Conventional Full Dentures

Conventional dentures, also known as complete dentures, are used to replace all teeth in the upper and lower jaw. These removable dentures are placed in your mouth after tooth extractions and once the gum tissue and oral tissues have fully healed. During this time, denture wearers may go without teeth or use temporary dentures. These types of dentures are made from acrylic resin and are custom-designed based on a dental model of your mouth.

Immediate Full Dentures

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate full dentures (complete dentures) are placed in the mouth to replace missing teeth immediately after the teeth are removed. Many patients prefer immediate full dentures because they do not have to go without teeth for any period of time and can wear their final dentures right away. However, immediate dentures must be adjusted over time as the bones shift and reshape as the mouth heals.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are designed for people who still have remaining natural teeth. These removable partial dentures consist of artificial teeth attached to a metal framework or acrylic base, which clips onto the remaining teeth for support. Partial upper and lower dentures help fill in the gaps created by tooth decay, gum disease, or injury, while preventing neighboring natural teeth from shifting out of place. Partial dentures replace multiple missing teeth in a row and are often more affordable than implant-supported dentures or complete mandibular dentures.

How Do Dentures Work?

Dentures are custom made for each patient, and your dentist will first take impressions of your teeth to ensure a proper fit. Dentures include both artificial teeth and a flesh-colored acrylic base, so that they appear natural and match your remaining teeth. The base of the dentures fit over the gums; full upper dentures cover the roof of the mouth and place missing teeth in the upper jaw, while lower dentures are horseshoe-shaped to fit around the tongue and address missing teeth in the lower jaw.

Most denture wearers initially have some trouble talking or eating with their dentures, and must get used to them over time. It is not unusual to initially feel as though your dentures are too large or loose, as the muscles of the cheeks and tongue must adapt to holding them in place. While minor soreness or discomfort are typical, contact your dentist if you experience excessive discomfort when you wear dentures.

Natural changes to the shape or size of your mouth are normal, meaning that dentures must be adjusted or replaced over time. Patients should see their dentists at least annually to ensure their dentures fit and function properly. If dentures fit properly, you shouldn’t need denture adhesive.

Do I Need Dentures?

If you have missing teeth, or require extractions, dentures may be a good solution for you. Some signs that you may need dentures include severe and frequent toothaches, loose or shifting teeth, sensitive or swollen gums, and difficulty chewing. Patients should be aware that dentures require diligent care and dedication to good oral hygiene. The dentists at Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS will evaluate your oral health and determine whether dentures are the best option for you.

Caring for Dentures

Learn the best denture cleaning methods, like soft bristle toothbrushes, for Cu-Sil partial dentures in our blog here. If you have any questions about how to maintain and care for your dentures long-term, we are more than happy to help!

Denture FAQs

Schedule an Appointment

To find out if dentures are a suitable solution for you, schedule an appointment with Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS. Call our Cincinnati office at (513) 631-6600 or request an appointment online.