Dentures Specialist

What are dentures?

Dentures are sets of artificial teeth that replace a few, many, or all your original teeth. Keeping your natural teeth is almost always a priority, but you might lose them because of decay, disease, or a traumatic mouth injury. 

After losing your teeth, dentures can make it look like you still have a full smile. Plus, modern dentures are functional enough to let you speak and eat without trouble. They might feel a little unusual at first, but you’ll soon become accustomed to the way they feel in your mouth.

During your consultation for dentures with Dr. Gaitan, he takes digital images, X-rays, impressions, and measurements. Then, he creates your custom dentures, accounting for the original shapes and sizes of your natural teeth. In many cases, dentures improve your smile’s original appearance.

Which type of dentures should I get?

Dr. Gaitan tells you which type of dentures are best suited for your case. Full dentures replace all your teeth in either the upper or lower arch. Partial dentures only replace a few teeth since you still have a few healthy teeth left. 

All dentures fit into one of these three categories:

Conventional dentures

Conventional dentures are denture sets that Dr. Gaitan places in your mouth after removing any remaining natural teeth. There is some healing time between your extraction appointment and when you get your dentures. This is usually the best choice if you only have a couple of teeth left. 

Immediate dentures

Immediate dentures are available on the same day as any extractions that take place. You might need to come back in for an adjustment once your jaw heals, but you don’t have to go without teeth as you heal.

Overdentures

Overdentures stay in place with the support of healthy remaining teeth or with the support of dental implants. You don’t need extractions to get overdentures if you want to keep your remaining original teeth. 

How do I care for my dentures?

You’ll need to practice great dental hygiene while you have dentures since you’re still at risk for oral health issues. To make sure your mouth stays healthy and your dentures stay intact, you must:

• Brush your gums and tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Rinse your dentures before brushing the dentures
• Brush the dentures with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner
• Take your dentures out to sleep if they’re removable
• Use any denture adhesives only as directed

If any questions about denture care come up, if your dentures break, or if your dentures don’t seem to fit correctly anymore, call Dr. Gaitan’s office to get answers or make an appointment. 

Missing most or all of your teeth affects the structure of your face, your ability to eat the foods you love, and your ability to speak clearly. To set up a consultation for dentures, call Ricardo M. Gaitan, DDS, or book an appointment online today.