Your Guide to Dentures in Forest Glen
If you are about to get dentures in the Forest Glen neighborhood in Chicago, you likely have some questions about them and the process involved. In this short guide, we will provide an introduction to dentures, the different types available, and their uses. We hope you’re able to find some of the answers you are looking for here, and if not, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures consist of artificial gums and teeth that are molded to your mouth’s shape, and their role is to replace natural teeth. They can be either partial or full dentures, replacing either the bottom or top gum line. They can also be used when only some teeth are missing, and they can be designed to match the color and shape of your existing teeth.
In the past, dentures were made out of plastic or porcelain, but now dentists use hard resin as a base material. This resin is known to be more fragile than natural teeth, and as such, it is easier to chip or crack them if they are not properly cared for. It is also a material that wears down more quickly, with most dentures being replaced in five-year intervals.
Dentures also have a supporting structure that is made of a similar resin. This structure resembles the patient’s natural gum line and holds the dentures in place. It can also be made out of a flexible polymer material.
Besides the clear benefits of replacing missing teeth, improving your smile, and assisting with chewing, dentures also help preserve the structure of the mouth. Often times, people adopt unhealthy diets because of their missing teeth, so dentures can improve your overall health by allowing you to eat more nutritious foods. Dentures are also used when certain teeth are too badly damage to support a regular filling. Issues such as severe cracking and multiple teeth with rotten roots can be remedied using dentures.
Full and Partial Dentures
Full dentures are also known as “complete dentures”, and they are designed to replace all your natural teeth. They can be fitted on both the bottom and top gum lines, and they are held in place by an oral adhesive or through suction. This, however, does not make them hard to remove at the end of the day.
Partial dentures, on the other hand, are designed to sit on the gum line and fasten to the adjacent natural teeth. This makes them very easy to take out. As mentioned previously, they can be made to match the exact color and shape of your current teeth, making for a seamless integration.
Overdentures and Immediate Dentures
We’ve discussed permanent dentures so far, but there’s also a different kind known as “immediate dentures”. If you have heavily damaged teeth that need to be removed, the dentist can create a set of dentures designed to be placed over the gum line while it heals. This process can take up to six months, and during this time, your gum line will go through swelling, and your jaw line will change as well. Immediate dentures can be easily removed and refitted, which makes them ideal during this period. Once the mouth is completely healed, you will receive your set of permanent dentures.
Overdentures are often used if traditional dentures become too uncomfortable, or if there are some natural teeth left. They will either be fitted over the roots of these remaining teeth, or they can be held in place by dental implants. Overdentures are also easy to remove, and for some patients, they are much more comfortable to use.
Forest Glen Area Dentist Specializing in Dentures
If you live in the Forest Glen neighborhood of Chicago and would like to discuss your denture options with a local dentist, Dr. Ziols is here to help. For decades, residents of the Forest Glen area have turned to Dr Ziols for dental care needs. Contact Smile Innovations to schedule an appointment!