Dentures

bridges

Dentures

Natural-looking dentures from Kari Family Dentistry can help give you a confident, healthy, beautiful smile, especially if you have lost most or all of your natural teeth. Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. Full dentures consist of complete replacement of all teeth in the upper and lower arch. They are also referred as maxillary complete dentures and mandibular complete dentures. Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges.

 Dentures are necessary for:

  • Chewing and speaking ability
  • Attaining structural and functional balance
  • Aesthetics, especially if you have lost the front teeth

Complete denture fabrication involves a five-step process in our New Hudson clinic and can be done in about two weeks’ time. Treatment includes:

  1. Preliminary impression
  2. Custom-made final impression
  3. Recording vertical dimension of occlusion
  4. Wax trial with teeth setup
  5. Final delivery of complete dentures

Are dentures right for you?

Dentures are not for everyone. If you're interested in learning more about dentures and want to know if they are the right choice for you, please contact our New Hudson dentist, Dr. Kari. She will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and can determine the best course of treatment for your ongoing dental health.

At-Home Denture Care

Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily maintenance to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside of your mouth. Keep your dentures clean and your smile healthy:

  • When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break.
  • Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar buildup, so it's important that you brush your dentures twice a day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. Between brushings, it's important to rinse your dentures after each meal.
  • Use a gentle denture cleanser to clean your dentures. Many toothpastes, household cleaners, and mouthwashes can be too hard on your dentures. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for your dentures, or ask Dr. Kari about which products may be best for you.
  • When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape, or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require certain soaking solutions, so be sure to ask Dr. Kari which solution is best for you.
  • Even if you have a full set of dentures, it's important to keep your gums and tongue clean. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue every day.
  • If your dentures do break, please contact Kari Family Dentistry and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Broken dentures that don't fit properly can cause irritation to your gums and mouth.

Most importantly, remember to continue scheduling regular dental checkups with Dr. Kari every six months to make sure that your dentures fit properly and the rest of your mouth stays healthy for many years to come.