Serving The Woodlands, TX And Surrounding Areas
9191 Pinecroft Dr Suite 180 The Woodlands, TX 77380
Dentures, Partial Dentures & Denture Repairs
Dentures, Partial Dentures & Denture Repairs in The Woodlands, TX
Overview
Removable dentures replace missing teeth and the gum tissue that surrounds them. The denture can be complete or partial. Complete dentures are used when all teeth on either the upper or lower jaw are missing. Partial dentures are used when one or more teeth are remaining in the upper or lower jaw.
Immediate Dentures vs. Conventional Dentures
Complete dentures can be either "conventional" or "immediate." Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal. Dr. Stewart usually estimates that a conventional denture will be ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed, so you won’t have to be without teeth during the healing period. But because bones and gums shrink during the healing period after tooth removal, a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly. Immediate dentures should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.
What is the development process?
The denture development process takes a few weeks and several appointments. Once the Dr. Stewart determines what type of appliance is best for you, the general steps are to:
- Make a series of impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them.
- Create models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the denture to be made. You will "try in" this model several times and the denture will be assessed for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.
- Cast a final denture
- Adjustments will be made as necessary
Life with Dentures
New dentures may feel slightly odd or loose for a few weeks until the muscles of the cheeks and tongue learn to keep them in place and you get comfortable inserting and removing them. Also, it is not unusual for minor irritation or soreness to occur and for saliva flow to increase when you first start wearing dentures, but these problems will diminish as the mouth adjusts.
Talking
After getting dentures, you may have difficulty pronouncing certain words. If so, practice by saying the difficult words out loud. With practice and with time you will become accustomed to speaking properly with dentures.
If dentures "click" while you're talking, contact us. Dentures may occasionally slip when you laugh, cough, or smile. Reposition the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. If any speaking problem persists, schedule a visit to resolve the issue.
Eating
Eating with new dentures will take a little practice and may be uncomfortable for some wearers for a few weeks. To get used to the new denture, start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. As you get used to new dentures, add other foods until you return to a normal diet. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells. And, avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard. You should also avoid chewing gum while you wear the denture. Also, don't use toothpicks while wearing dentures.
Teeth Whitening for New Patients
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Phone
Business hours
Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thur: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Weekends: Closed
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