Dentures
by Dr. Mehryar Issac Ebrahimi, DDS | Beverly Wilshire Dental Group
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances custom-made to replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. There are two main types: complete dentures, used when all teeth in an arch are missing, and partial dentures, used when some natural teeth remain and the denture fits around them. Modern dentures are custom-fitted to each patient's mouth and designed to closely resemble natural teeth and gum tissue in both color and shape.
The Benefits of Dentures
1. Restore the Ability to Eat and Speak Comfortably
Missing teeth can make chewing certain foods difficult and affect speech clarity. Dentures are designed to restore much of this function, allowing for more comfortable eating and speaking.
2. Support Facial Structure
Teeth help support the muscles of the face and lips. Without them, the face can appear sunken over time. Dentures help maintain a fuller facial appearance by providing this support.
3. A Non-Surgical Option
Unlike dental implants, conventional dentures do not require surgery, which can make them a more accessible option for patients who prefer a non-surgical approach or who may not be candidates for implant placement.
4. Customizable Appearance
Dentures are designed with attention to tooth shape, size, and shade, as well as how the denture fits the contours of your gums and face, aiming for a natural, personalized appearance.
5. Can Be Combined With Implants for Added Stability
For patients who want additional stability, implant-supported dentures combine the benefits of a removable or fixed denture with the secure anchoring of dental implants.
Common Myths About Dentures
Myth: "Dentures look obviously fake." Modern dentures are custom-designed to match the shape, size, and shade of natural teeth, along with the appearance of healthy gum tissue, often resulting in a natural-looking smile.
Myth: "Dentures are only for elderly patients." While tooth loss becomes more common with age, dentures are used by patients of various ages who have lost teeth due to decay, gum disease, injury, or other reasons.
Myth: "Once you get dentures, they never need to be adjusted or replaced." Over time, the shape of your gums and jawbone can change, which may affect how a denture fits. Periodic adjustments, relining, or eventual replacement are a normal part of long-term denture care.
Myth: "You can't eat normally with dentures." While there is an adjustment period, and certain very hard or sticky foods may need to be approached carefully, most denture wearers are able to eat a wide variety of foods comfortably once they've adapted to their new dentures.
Myth: "Dentures don't require any special care." Dentures need daily cleaning to remove plaque and food particles, and should be handled carefully to avoid damage. Regular dental checkups also help ensure the fit and health of your gums remain in good condition.
Myth: "All denture options are the same." Dentures vary widely, from conventional removable dentures to implant-supported options, and even removable partials with different types of clasps or attachments. Dr. Ebrahimi can help determine which option best fits your needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get used to wearing dentures? Most patients need a few weeks to adjust to speaking and eating with new dentures. Some initial soreness or increased saliva production is common and typically improves as you adapt.
How often do dentures need to be replaced? Conventional dentures often need to be relined, adjusted, or replaced every several years, as the shape of your gums and jawbone can change over time, affecting the fit.
Can I sleep in my dentures? Many dentists recommend removing dentures at night to give your gum tissue a rest and to reduce the risk of irritation or infection, though your dentist can provide guidance specific to your situation.
How do I clean my dentures? Dentures should be brushed daily with a denture-specific cleaner or mild soap, rather than regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive, and should be kept moist when not being worn to prevent warping.
What's the difference between complete and partial dentures? Complete dentures replace all the teeth in an arch, while partial dentures replace some missing teeth and are designed to fit around your remaining natural teeth.
Can dentures be combined with dental implants? Yes. Implant-supported dentures use a small number of implants to help anchor and stabilize the denture, which can improve comfort, fit, and chewing function compared to a conventional removable denture.
Will my dentures affect how I speak? Some patients notice temporary changes in speech when first wearing dentures, which typically improves with practice as the tongue and mouth adjust to the new appliance.
Explore Your Denture Options
At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi takes the time to understand your specific needs and goals before recommending a denture solution, whether conventional, partial, or implant-supported. If you're missing several or all of your teeth and exploring your options, we welcome the opportunity to discuss what would work best for you.
Dentures: A Time-Tested Solution for Missing Teeth
For patients missing several or all of their teeth, dentures remain a reliable, well-established option for restoring both function and appearance. At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group, Dr. Ebrahimi works closely with patients to design dentures that fit comfortably and look natural, helping restore confidence in eating, speaking, and smiling.