An Overview Of Dentures And Denture Repairs

Millions of people who are missing teeth have used dentures for decades. When people have teeth that are missing, the gaps may look odd and it can be difficult to chew and speak easily. Dentures serve as replacements that can help eliminate unsightly gaps while improving the ability to eat and speak naturally.

But, because they can be removed, accidents happen and denture repairs are often necessary. This article describes the two types of dentures available, what to expect while growing accustomed to them, and the situations that may require the help of a broken denture repair service.

Complete Versus Partial Dentures

Dentures come in two types, complete (or full) and partial. Both can be damaged and as a result, require denture repairs. The primary difference between the two types is that complete dentures are used when there are no natural teeth remaining in the mouth. By contrast, partial dentures are used when some natural teeth are still present. There are also two types of complete dentures. "Conventional" complete dentures are placed after all of the teeth have been extracted and the gums have healed. The healing process usually takes up to twelve weeks, during which the patient is without teeth. "Immediate" complete dentures are placed right after the teeth have been extracted.

The benefit of "immediate" dentures is that the patient doesn't have to cope with the ordeal of being without teeth during the twelve weeks his gums are healing. The drawback is that gums shrink while healing. This requires frequent corrections being made to the size of the "immediate" dentures.

Partial dentures are connected to a plastic base that is the same color as the gums. A metal frame that rests upon the patient's natural teeth supports them. Partial dentures actually serve two purposes. First, they fill the gap left by the teeth that are missing. Second, they stop the remaining teeth from moving or repositioning. Both complete and partial dentures can require denture repairs if dropped, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

Growing Accustomed To Dentures

Most patients report a level of awkwardness when they first begin wearing their dentures. Initially, they may think they're damaged and require denture repairs. However, the true reason behind their discomfort is usually due to the dentures being loose and unfamiliar. That is, the muscles in the mouth need time to become familiar with holding the dentures securely. Until they learn to do so, the dentures might feel as if they're slipping a bit.

What's more, some people say their tongue may initially feel restricted and can become sore from repeated rubbing against the plastic base. It may also take some time to get used to eating and speaking - at least during the first few weeks. It is common for new patients to remove and accidentally drop their dentures, damaging them in the process.

The Need For Denture Repairs

Dentures can be damaged easily, especially when dropped or mishandled. Often, the kind of damage they sustain is limited to small chips, cracks, and fissures (though it is possible to snap them). It is important to note that even the most vigilant of patients may accidentally damage their dentures. Because they play such an important role in a person's daily routine, it is a good idea to have a broken denture repair service in mind to call. Denture repairs can be inconvenient when a person is forced to wait several weeks for the damage to be fixed. Remember, accidents happen, even to the most wary.