It is common for many people to start losing teeth as they grow older. Missing teeth can put you at risk of developing periodontal disease, shifting teeth, and losing more teeth due to decay.

Dentures are artificial teeth that can fill these spaces in your mouth and keep your smile and oral health in good shape. Dentures can be made from different materials, often hardened porcelain and acrylic resin, and are made to look as natural as possible. At Papini Dentistry, dentures can be created to fill the place of one missing tooth, several teeth, or even all of the patient's teeth depending on the nature and reason for their tooth loss.

Even if you are only missing a few of your natural teeth, you may want to think about filling out your smile with dentures. They can help you look younger while providing support to your cheeks and lips. Dentures aid in speaking, chewing and swallowing.

If you are missing one or more teeth, talk with our Woodbridge dentist Dr. Papini today to see if dentures are the right solution for you!

Types of Dentures

Dentures are typically made of acrylic resin or a combination of materials, and they can be either complete or partial, depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced.

Full Dentures: These are complete dentures that are placed in the mouth after all of the remaining teeth have been extracted and the gum tissues have healed. The process of creating conventional full dentures typically takes several weeks or more.

Partial Dentures: These are used when only a few teeth are missing. Partial dentures are designed to fit around the remaining natural teeth and are held in place with clasps or other attachments.

Each type is made from an impression of the wearer's mouth. Once the mould is made and the measurements are sent off to a dental lab to be made into permanent dentures, our Woodbridge dentist fits a temporary denture. Dentures are secured by attaching to or fitting over remaining natural teeth or implants.

The type of denture that is most appropriate for you will depend on several factors, including the number of missing teeth, the condition of the remaining teeth and gums, and your overall oral health. Our Woodbridge dentist at Papini Dentistry can help determine the best type of denture for each patient.

Denture Care

Taking care of your dentures is vital to your overall oral health. Proper care and maintenance are important to keep them looking and functioning at their best. Here are some tips on how to keep them in good condition:

• Place a small amount of liquid hand soap on the denture brush and brush all surfaces, including the clasps on a partial denture
• Brush dentures at least once a day with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid using regular toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners, which can damage dentures
• Rinse well with water after eating: Rinse dentures with water after eating to remove any food particles or debris
• Dentures can be fragile, so handle them carefully when inserting or removing them. Fill the sink with water or place a towel on the counter to cushion the dentures in case they are dropped
• Store dry in a labelled denture cup
• To re-insert dentures, wet them first with water to prevent discomfort
• Avoid using hot water which might cause damage to the denture

If you would like to determine whether or not dentures might be the right fit for you, our Woodbridge dentist, Dr. Papini would be happy to discuss options during your next visit to Papini Dentistry in Woodbridge!