What are dentures?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. When you lose all or many of your teeth, either from disease or injury, the muscles around your mouth begin to sag and appear sunken. Dentures are an affordable way to restore your smile and maintain your natural profile and youthful appearance.
What are the different types of dentures?
Dr. Kajian-Faraji and her expert team at La Jolla Dental Group offer both full and partial dentures. Full dentures are best for people who have lost all their teeth, while partial dentures require healthy teeth to attach to.
Partial dentures rest on a metal framework attached to the natural teeth and fill in the space left by missing teeth. You can think of partial dentures as a removable alternative to a bridge.
Why would I need dentures?
You may need dentures if you have lost all or many teeth due to:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Injury
It’s important to replace missing teeth in a timely manner. Not only do dentures improve the appearance of your smile, but they help you eat and speak better than you could without replacement teeth.
How do I get dentures?
First, Dr. Kajian-Faraji or a member of her team at La Jolla Dental Group performs a comprehensive exam to determine whether dentures are right for you. They may discuss other options, such as dental implants or a bridge.
If you decide to go with dentures, they take measurements and impressions of your mouth. They send these impressions to a laboratory, where your dentures are custom-made to fit your smile.
While dentures will never look or feel exactly like natural teeth, you should grow accustomed to them within a few weeks or months. It’s common for dentures to feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, but they should never cause pain.
If your dentures cause pain or irritation to your oral tissues, call La Jolla Dental Group to have them easily adjusted.
How do I care for dentures?
Just like regular teeth, it’s important to brush your dentures every day to remove plaque and food particles. You should rinse your dentures first, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle cleanser to brush them. Anytime you’re not wearing your dentures, keep them in a moist place, like a container of water.
To find out if dentures are right for you, call La Jolla Dental Group or book an appointment online.
