Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and enhance your smile. The loss of all teeth in an upper or lower arch would indicate the need for full dentures. If only some of the teeth are missing, partial dentures can be used in most cases.
Partial dentures are held in place by clasps that are custom-designed to attach to adjacent teeth, and they can be removed for cleaning.
Your dentures have been custom-made to fit and function as much like natural teeth as possible. With proper care–provided by you–and regular checkups and maintenance at our practice, they should last for five or more years. For the greatest comfort, performance, appearance and overall oral health, follow these denture care guidelines:
Handle your dentures carefully. If you’re examining or cleaning them, do so over a folded towel or sink filled with water so they will not get damaged if you drop them. Avoid bending metal attachments.
Never let your dentures dry out. If removed for more than several minutes, your dentures should be submerged completely in liquid—either a soaking solution recommended by the doctor, or plain water—to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape. NOTE: Soaking solutions contain harsh chemicals that can harm your mouth, so rinse dentures thoroughly in water before putting them back in your mouth.
Do not put dentures in hot water. Soaking your dentures in hot water could cause them to warp.
Leave denture repair to the experts. If your dentures are damaged, don’t try fixing them yourself. Bring them to our office immediately.
Clean your dentures properly. Regular daily cleaning of your dentures is essential. To keep them looking good, and for good oral hygiene, follow these rules…
Schedule annual denture checkups at our practice. Even if your dentures seem to be okay, a professional exam is essential. We will not only check to see if dentures still fit and function correctly and are free of damage but will also examine your mouth–gums, tongue, palate, natural teeth–to make sure the dentures are not causing sores, lesions, bone loss or other problems.
Be prepared to replace your dentures every 5–7 years. Over time, normal wear and changes in your mouth will make it necessary to have us create new dentures for you.
 When teeth are missing, underlying bone material will also be lost eventually. If dentures are worn, this bone reduction can make them uncomfortable and difficult to keep in place. Continued bone loss from the upper and lower jaws can also affect facial appearance, making the patient look old prematurely.
Other problems associated with missing teeth are:
We gladly welcome new patients. We encourage you to visit our website to get acquainted with our services, staff, doctor, and more. If you are ready to take the next step and begin receiving quality dental care, please get in touch with one of our team members today. Contact us via our online contact form or by calling us at (205) 752-1929. We look forward to seeing you soon and becoming your lifelong partner in dental health!
Care Credit financing is now available.
Care Credit
Dental implants have the look, feel and function of natural teeth. They are the most attractive, natural and comfortable replacement for missing teeth. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, and they can dramatically increase the retention and stability of dentures.
The many benefits of implants include:
At Dental Care South in Tuscaloosa, AL our dental staff strives to provide informative,  comfortable, and high quality dental treatment. Don’t put your dental care in the backseat,  and ask our Tuscaloosa dentist if full or partial dentures are right for you. If you believe you might be a candidate for full or partial dentures, don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more or make an appointment with Dr. Skalnik today!
