If you have lost all of your natural teeth, whether it is from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, full dentures can replace your natural teeth - and your smile.  Replacing missing teeth can boost your confidence and enhance your appearance .

A full denture, also called a complete denture, replaces natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips.  Without support from the denture facial muscles sag, making a person appear older, as seen below.

A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient's mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months. 

An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed, so that the patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

Getting used to your dentures

New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks.  They may feel loose, while the muscles in your cheeks and tongue learn to hold them in place.

Eating with denture takes a little practice.  Start with soft foods cut unto small portions, chewing slowly and using both sides of your mouth at the same time will prevent the dentures from moving out of place.

Speaking will also require practice.  Reading out loud and repeating difficult words in front of a mirror will help.  If they sometimes slip out of place when you laugh, cough, or smile, you can reposition them gently by biting down and swallowing.

Caring for Your Mouth

Even if you wear full dentures you still need to take good care of your mouth.  Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures.

Dental Appointments

Even after you have lost your teeth, regular oral examination from your dentist are necessary.  The mouth and oral tissues are subject to many serious diseases and should be examined on a routine basis.

Call us today at 724-437-5010 for an evaluation if you would like to discuss more information about dentures.