Full & Partial Dentures – FAQs

Q1. What kind will I need?

Before you decide, let’s first look at these three cases:

• Replacing one or two teeth – In this case, dental bridges (or an implant bridge) are a great option. However, if the patient chooses to use dentures, then a flexible or a snap-on piece may be used instead. Flexible or snap-on fixtures are convenient and comfortable to use. It works by hugging the gum contours therefore it doesn’t bruise the gums and can last for a long time. Nevertheless, the location of the missing teeth should definitely be considered first before deciding on going for the flexible or snap-on type.

• • Molars – Molars are teeth that are located at the lower back of the jaw. Since this area receives more chewing stress, using flexible fixtures are not advisable. Instead, a bridge should be used.
• • Upper front teeth or bottom teeth – unlike the molars, the top front and bottom teeth do not receive much chewing stress. However, when fixing this area, aesthetic appearance is our utmost priority. That is why using partials with well-matched colors will work perfectly well in this case.
• • One or two back molars – did you know that it isn’t necessary to replace your missing wisdom tooth? Why? It’s because even without it, a person can still have normal chewing, eating and talking ability. Even their smile won’t be affected by it. However, if two or more other back molars are affected, then that’s a different issue. In this case, it’s best to get an implant supported prosthetic. Moreover, a partial fixture may also be used.

• Replacing more than two missing teeth – in this case, it’s highly advisable to use a flexible partial or an implant supported one.

• Complete tooth replacement – if the patient would need to replace his or her entire set of teeth (upper or lower jaw or both), then a complete or a full denture is required. The full set may be flexible or implant supported. However, you should know that implant-supported types are more expensive. Take this into consideration before you make a decision.

Q2. Which type of partials is the best?

Partial sets are recommended to patients who need to replace one or two missing teeth. If the missing teeth are molars, then it’s highly advisable to use implants because they can support more chewing stress, prevent bone loss, would cause less eating limitations; and of course would look and feel natural just like normal teeth.

A flexible partial or an implant denture can be used to replace teeth in the frontal part of the jaw. Molars are not included. Keep in mind that implants require sufficient healthy bone on the affected area for it to be used. The reason for this is that the implants would be supported directly by the patient’s jaw bone, similar to a normal root. In addition, implants would take at least three to six months for it to develop its peak strength.

Q3. Why should they be soaked in water?

Traditional artificial teeth that are made from acrylic should be stored (soaked) in water, or a special soaking solution when not worn. This will prevent the acrylic from drying and warping up. Keep in mind that warped ones will NOT fit well, therefore making it practically unusable. Inside the mouth, the prosthetic are moistenend by the wearer’s saliva. However, when it’s removed (especially at night), it must be soaked in water to keep it hydrated.

Q4. How are they supposed to fit?

They are supported by the closest teeth to which it’s attached using metal clasps or snaps. Flexible partials have invisible fine plastic tentacles instead of clasps. Complete or full denture sets rely on the suction between the wet gum and the inner surface. The patient’s palate may also be used as a suction surface for an upper complete set. However, if they no longer fit perfectly, an adhesive may be used as a temporary solution, while your new replacements are being prepared.

Q5. Overbite

For patients who are suffering from underbite, crossbite and overbite, false teeth may be used to correct any minor bite issues. However, they have a slight disadvantage. Over a period of time, using these frequently may result to a bite fault. Nevertheless, if this happens, our expert dentist will surely diagnose the reason and provide a suitable solution to correct the problem.

Q6. When are they recommended?

There are many reasons why a person may lose one or two teeth. This includes poor oral hygiene, disease or an accident. If a tooth must be extracted, it is highly advisable to get a replacement to restore the patient’s overall dental health. A bridge is typically used to replace one or two missing teeth. However, if you’re missing more than two, then this option would be highly suitable. In general, it’s always best to consult your dentist first.

Q7. Why do they hurt?

In the first few days, your new teeth will cause pain because of the extracted teeth and sore gums. Don’t worry because your gums will eventually heal. In addition, your new set may also cause uneasiness since you still need to adjust and get used to wearing them. Moreover, it will hurt whenever there is a shortage of saliva in the patient’s mouth, or if they no longer fit you properly. If they get damaged or cracked, they will also cause pain, in the same way as a warped prosthetic would. Furthermore, these may also develop slight fitting problems over time as the jawbone shrinks. Nevertheless, it’s always best to consult your dentist as soon as you feel any slight pain and discomfort.

Q9. How are they made and fitted?

Fitting them involves a simple and step-by-step process:

1. Examination – your dentist will visually examine your teeth and will use x-rays to see what kind of dental issues you may have and as well as whether your bite is correct or not. Also, the dentist will make sure whether this option would be the best solution for your case.
2. Afterwards, the dentist will choose the color and the size to be used for the artificial teeth.
3. Then impressions of the patient’s mouth will be made and recorded. This data will be sent to the laboratory. On the other hand, a digital impression may also be taken if the clinic has an intraoral camera and software.
4. Using a temporary denture, the dentist will check whether the size would fit by checking your bite and smile. Minor adjustments will be done if necessary.
5. Finally, they will be created by the lab and sent to your dentist once it’s finished. Then, your dentist will fit your final denture during your next appointment. He or she will check whether it fits you properly. Nevertheless, minor adjustments will be made by your dentist if necessary.

Q10. Can I eat anything while wearing them?

They are used to restore the patient’s oral function as well as smile. However, they are still not a part of your body and have certain limitations, especially when it comes to eating. This means you still need to watch what you eat to prevent it from getting cracked or damaged. Below is a list of food that you need to be careful with:

• Be careful in eating the following types of food:
  • Acidic foods – such as fruits and citrus juices
  • Sugary foods – don’t eat too many sweets
  • Dehydrating foods – they are made of acrylic and dehydration is bad for it. Therefore, you should be careful or if possible, avoid drinking too much alcohol, tea and coffee.

• Please avoid eating the following types of food:
  • Nuts and seeds – they could be damaged by eating this type of food. Also, please do avoid eating fruits with seeds such as guava, etc.
  • Hard-to-chew foods – this includes popcorn, dry food, and even underdone steak.
  • Hard candy – this includes jawbreakers, etc.

Q11. When do they need to be relined?

Fixtures, in general, will be in constant need of relining, especially when they start to cause pain while wearing. The reason is the gradual shrinking of the jawbone which is a natural process that is triggered by the absence of teeth in their sockets. That is why it is highly advisable to get replacement teeth through implants to avoid the occurrence of “resorption”. As the gums continue to shrink, the rigid acrylic base becomes loose, and unusable. Therefore, consult your dentist immediately as soon as you notice that they no longer fit you perfectly.

Q12. What about dentures for seniors over 60?

It is quite normal for patients around the age of 60 (or even younger), to wear full or partial removable false teeth. As we age, our physical as well as dental health declines gradually. Furthermore, our body’s resistance to common diseases also decreases over time. At present, there are a growing number of seniors who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, which causes them to neglect their oral hygiene. As a result, a large number of active adults now have various gum diseases that eventually result in tooth (or teeth) loss. Therefore, a lot of seniors are now getting full or complete denture sets. This would be ideal for them since most of the senior population already has weak and deficient jaw bones caused by osteoporosis. This means they’re no longer qualified for implant bridges and probably choose the traditional or flexible kind.

Q13. Proper Care

Similar to our natural teeth, you also need to take care of them if you want them to last long. Good maintenance will lengthen their lifespan, which will make things more convenient and easy for you.

Here are some tips on how to take care of them:

1. Never forget to remove them after eating. Brush and rinse them thoroughly and also rinse your mouth before putting them back in. Remember that eating exposes them to all kinds of food particles and bacteria.
2. Remember that fixtures are made of acrylic, which is a fragile material because it’s brittle. They can easily break or get cracked so always make sure to store them somewhere safe, soaked in water or in a special solution. Also, handle them carefully using a towel.
3. Maintain good oral hygiene in your mouth. Though you might not have a complete set of teeth, it’s still important to keep your mouth clean through brushing, flossing, rinsing and using mouthwash every now and then. Remember that any food particles left under the base would cause an infection in your gums.
4. Keep them soaked in water or in special soaking solution after removing it in the night before going to bed. Failure to do so will dry and warp them up. Once this happens, they’ll no longer be usable because of its wrong fit.
5. Always rinse them before putting them on, especially in the morning.

Q14. Is this procedure covered by insurance?

Yes. Getting dentures or fixtures is usually covered by most of the insurance plans available. However, whether they are covered by your particular insurance or the extent of their coverage depends on the specifics of the patient’s insurance plan. We strongly advise our patients to get in touch with their insurer to know the full details of their insurance plan before getting their artificial teeth as well as other major dental treatment/s they would need. Remember that every insurance plan is unique. We will also have to confirm whether we can accept your insurance plan towards the full price and up to what extent.

Where can I get dentures in Frisco, TX?

Are you interested in replacing your missing teeth? Check out our Denture Care Center for more information about us and our services. You may also drop by our clinic in Frisco, TX and let us help you find the best solution for your dental needs. Our dental care specialists are ready to answer all of your inquiries. We are located in the greater DFW, Texas, just minutes away from The Colony and Prosper.