Understanding Your Denture Options
Different situations call for different types of dentures, and choosing the right option depends on how many teeth you’re missing and the condition of your remaining teeth:
Full Dentures
When you’ve lost all your teeth in the upper or lower arch (or both), full dentures replace the entire set. These removable appliances rest on your gums and create suction that holds them in place. The base mimics the appearance of natural gum tissue, while the teeth are crafted to match the size, shape, and color that looks right for your face. Full dentures restore your ability to chew a wide variety of foods and support your facial structure, which can collapse inward when teeth are missing.
Partial Dentures
If you still have some healthy natural teeth, partial dentures fill the gaps left by missing teeth. These devices attach to your existing teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments, creating a stable foundation. Partials prevent your remaining teeth from shifting into the empty spaces, which can throw off your bite and create new problems down the road.
Immediate Dentures
Sometimes teeth need extraction, but you don’t want to go without replacements while your gums heal. Immediate dentures are created before your teeth are removed and placed the same day as your extractions. You’ll need adjustments as your gums shrink and heal over the following months, but you avoid the gap period where you’d have no teeth at all.
The Process of Getting Dentures
Getting dentures in Greer involves several appointments to ensure proper fit and appearance. Dr. Igor Lantsberg starts with a thorough examination and takes impressions or scans of your mouth. These molds capture the exact shape of your gums and remaining teeth, providing the foundation for creating dentures that fit your unique anatomy.
Next comes the try-in stage, where you test a wax version of your dentures. This appointment lets you see how they’ll look and feel before the final version is made. You can request adjustments to the tooth color, shape, or positioning at this point. Once you approve the try-in, the lab creates your permanent dentures using durable materials designed to withstand daily use.
The final fitting ensures everything sits correctly and feels comfortable. You’ll receive instructions on inserting and removing your dentures, plus guidance on cleaning and maintenance. Some adjustment is normal during the first few weeks as your mouth adapts to the new appliances.
Adapting to Life with Dentures
The first few weeks with dentures require patience. Your mouth needs time to get used to the feeling of wearing them, and you’ll probably produce more saliva initially as your body adjusts. Speaking might feel awkward at first—practice reading aloud at home to retrain your tongue and lips to form words clearly with the dentures in place.
Eating takes some relearning, too. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, and chew slowly using both sides of your mouth to keep the dentures balanced. As you gain confidence, you can gradually add firmer foods back into your diet. Some things (like sticky caramel or extremely hard nuts) might always be tricky, but most people can eat a varied diet once they adapt.
Caring for Your Dentures in Greer, SC
Dentures need daily cleaning just like natural teeth. Remove them at night and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner—not regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive. Soak them overnight in a denture solution to keep them moist and clean. This nightly removal also gives your gum tissue time to recover from the pressure of wearing dentures all day.
Your gums still need attention even without natural teeth. Brush them gently with a soft brush to stimulate circulation and remove bacteria. Rinse your mouth thoroughly before putting dentures back in each morning.
Over time, your gums and bone structure change, which can make dentures fit differently. Regular dental visits allow the team to check the fit and make adjustments or reline the dentures as needed. Most dentures last five to seven years before they need replacement.
Regaining What You’ve Lost
Missing teeth don’t have to control how you live your life or limit what you can eat. Dentures restore the function you’ve been missing and help you feel more like yourself again. The ability to smile freely, enjoy meals with friends, and speak clearly makes a genuine difference in daily life and overall well-being.
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. Contact Twin Falls Family Dentistry in Greer to schedule your denture consultation and discover how comfortable and natural modern dentures can feel.