Portland Tooth Loss and DenturesHere at PDX Center for Dentistry in Portland, OR we understand how hard it is to lose teeth, which is why we provide so many fabulous tooth replacement options. One of the most popular ways to replace teeth is with dentures. Dentures have come a long way since your grandparents had them. Over the years dentures have seen many updates that have made then longer lasting, more useful, more comfortable, and easier to deal with.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are a removable tooth replacement option. There are two varieties of dentures, partial and complete. Partial dentures can be used to replace anywhere from one to several consecutive teeth. Sometimes we can use partial dentures to replace several non-consecutive, missing teeth. Complete dentures allow those who are fully edentulous (without teeth) to have the full form and partial function of their teeth restored. Dentures can give you back the ability to eat and speak the way you did before tooth loss. Full dentures are usually held in place by denture adhesives that must be applied when you put your dentures in at the start of the day. They must be removed to be cleaned and while you sleep.

The Process to Receive Dentures

The process of having a set of dentures crafted is very much like that of having a bridge crafted. In the case of a partial denture, we take a mold of the area which will be used to create a replica of the teeth that we will be replacing. Partial dentures are typically held in place with clasps and wires that are connected to your surrounding natural teeth. Partials must be removed to eat and sleep. The first step in crafting a complete denture is the removal of any remaining teeth. Once remaining teeth have been extracted, and the site has been allowed to heal we can take an impression of your mouth which will be used to craft the dentures. Complete dentures must be removed to sleep.

Denture Care

Dentures require a bit more attention to detail when caring for them than other tooth replacement options like dental bridges or Dental Implants. Firstly, dentures must be removed to be cleaned. Dentures must be cleaned at least once per day. When you clean them, you should do so using a special denture brush instead of a regular toothbrush. Dentures brushes have significantly softer bristles that won’t scratch or damage the acrylic material that the dentures are made of. While cleaning your dentures, simply brush them with the denture brush on all surfaces, including the top and bottoms, not just the parts that are made to look like teeth. There is no need to use toothpaste while brushing your dentures. It would be a good idea to always clean your dentures over a folded towel on the counter, or a sink full of water. If dentures are dropped while you are handling or cleaning them, they can easily become damaged and will need to be repaired or remade. Please call us at (503) 546-9079 to schedule your appointment.