Dentures
Portland, OR
Dentures provided by Dr. Sheryl Weissman
in Portland, OR at Weissman Dental
 Dentures are common restoration prostheses and one of the oldest ways to replace missing teeth. While a full upper and lower set of removable dentures that can slip or fall out of your mouth may come to mind, dentures have come a really long way. Not only are they more natural looking these days, they also are much more stable. In addition, there are two main types of dentures: partial dentures and complete dentures, both of which can be supported by your remaining natural teeth or by dental implants. At Weissman Dental, we proudly offer both types of denture restorations.
When Are Dentures a Good Idea?
Prior to choosing dentures to replace your missing teeth, it’s important to consider what other type of procedure(s) could be more appropriate for your situation. If you’re only missing one tooth, a dental bridge or dental implant might be a better choice. However, if you’re missing multiple teeth, dentures can provide an effective, cost-efficient restoration solution.
Partial Dentures vs Complete Dentures
If you’re not missing an entire arch of upper and/or lower teeth and the teeth adjacent to the gaps left by missing teeth are healthy or salvageable with a crown, we will recommend partial dentures. These are typically made of an acrylic resin or nylon polymer, but they can also be created using a metal such as a chrome-cobalt alloy. We will attach these new replacement teeth to a base made of gum-colored plastic which we will connect to your existing teeth with a ceramic or metal frame. These clasps can connect to crowns over your natural teeth or directly to your natural teeth. These types of dentures are usually removable, which is how they differ from dental bridges by definition.
If you’re missing a full arch of teeth (an entire set of upper or lower teeth), we will recommend complete dentures, which will replace the whole section with a single custom-made appliance. The base of a complete denture is typically made from polymethyl methacrylate, a type of natural-looking acrylic designed to fight bacteria. These teeth and gum replacements are custom-made and made to resemble your natural teeth as closely as possible. It may take multiple visits to perfect the fit of complete dentures.
Are Dentures Uncomfortable?
While no dental prosthesis will ever feel as good as your natural teeth, dentures are at the very least more comfortable than they used to be. Partial dentures are less bulky than complete dentures because they take up less space in your mouth and attach to your natural teeth. On the other hand, complete dentures often take getting used to as you adjust to eating and speaking with them. This is because they are held in your mouth by suction, but you can alter the amount of adhesive for meals that involve stronger chewing forces. While both types of dentures are often removable, there are also implant-supported complete or partial dentures that are not.
The type of dentures that are right for you will greatly depend on the condition of your existing teeth, the health of your gums and jawbone, and your overall health. If you believe dentures could help restore your smile and provide valuable chewing and speaking benefits, give Weissman Dental a call at (503) 274-2222 to schedule a consultation. |
