If you’re missing one or more of your teeth, it can be difficult to eat some foods and may also affect the quality of your speech. Thankfully, tooth loss can be reversed with the use of dentures. Denture technology has drastically improved in recent years, creating durable and long-lasting dentures that look and feel like your natural teeth.

The most common type of denture is a complete denture which is used to replace all of your natural teeth. It consists of a plastic base with a false gum line that holds multiple artificial teeth. This type of denture is removable and can be relined to allow for changes in the shape of your gums over time.

A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Conventional types are made after all of the teeth have been removed and the tissue has healed, which could take up to 6 weeks. During this time, the patient will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and placed immediately after the removal of the teeth, which prevents the patient from going without teeth for a significant period of time. However, conventional dentures are generally more stable and comfortable in the long run.

While root canal therapy Dentures Forest Grove OR has a high success rate, it is not 100% effective. Tooth decay can sometimes reach a point where the root canal can’t be repaired, and the only way to save the tooth is to remove it. Occasionally, this can lead to bone and gum resorption, which can change the alignment of the jaw. This is why regular dental visits are so important, even for denture wearers.

For patients who have lost some of their natural teeth, bridges can be created to fill the gap left by the missing tooth. The anchoring teeth are prepared by having a thin portion of enamel removed to make room for a crown, and molds are taken of the remaining teeth. The bridge is then fabricated at a lab and is anchored in place with the crowns, which are permanently cemented to the anchoring teeth.

Getting the most out of your dentures

Your new dentures should be handled with care and cleaned like real teeth. They should be brushed daily to remove plaque and food particles, and they should be rinsed with warm water (not hot) or a denture cleaning solution. They should also be kept in a moist environment and stored in a safe location to prevent them from being accidentally misplaced or crushed. A regular visit to our Forest Grove OR dentist will help keep your dentures in good condition.

A smile with a full set of healthy teeth is more than just attractive. It can be the source of self-confidence and a sense of well-being. With the right cosmetic treatment, our Forest Grove cosmetic dentist can literally redesign your smile — making it more beautiful, healthier and more youthful. The skills, experience and commitment of our cosmetic dentists combine science and artistry to create a smile that’s a joy to behold.