FAQs About Dentures

FAQs About Dentures

DenturesDid you know that 35 million Americans have lost all their teeth due to accident, gum disease or tooth decay? Also, according to the American College of Prosthodontics, 90 percent of that 35 million people wear dentures. That's a lot of false teeth, and a lot of questions and concern about these prosthetics.

At Total Dental Care, Drs. Stephen E. Dickey care about the looks and health of their denture patients and of those contemplating getting dentures. They have compiled a series of the most frequently asked questions about these oral appliances. The doctors want their Pekin patients fully informed going into the denture procedure, and to live healthy and comfortable with dentures.

FAQs about Dentures

What kind of dentures are there?

Dentures come in all shapes and sizes depending on patient need and preference. Basically, there are 2 kinds of dentures: partial and complete.

Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth. Made of lifelike acrylic and mounted on a light metal frame, a "partial" rests on existing gum tissue and is attached to existing teeth with metal clasps.

Complete dentures replace an entire arch of teeth - top, bottom or both. As with partial dentures, complete dentures are customized according to dental impressions. They fit snugly over the bone and gums. Conventional dentures are held in place by suction. Implant-supported dentures - removable or fixed - are held in place by titanium implant devices.

Will my dentures fit correctly?

The staff at Total Dental Care in Pekin ensures dentures fit correctly. When fabricated, the dental technician carefully follows the doctor's instructions and the dental impressions in order to provide a precise fit. Over time, denture patients can experience some slippage due to bone and gum recession or other issues. Then, the dentists reline or recreate the appliances.

How do I keep my dentures clean?

Brush with a paste approved by the American Dental Association. The ADA seal assures the wearer of a quality product that will not scratch denture materials. Overnight soaks leave dentures sparkling and fresh, eliminating bacteria and odors. Always rinse dentures with warm water after eating.

Will my face look better with dentures?

Dentures restore youthful appearance, correcting bite height and eliminating the facial sag and wrinkling common to people missing several or all of their teeth.

How long do they last?

With good care, dentures last 7 to 10 years and beyond.

Since I am wearing false teeth, do I still have to see the dentist?

Please see Doctor Dickey or Conroy for your semi-annual check-up. He will assess your remaining teeth for decay and look for signs of gum disease, oral cancer and any sore spots or pressure points associated with your dentures.

Learn More

If you have more questions, contact Total Dental Care. The staff loves patient teaching and will happily answer your queries. Call (309) 347-7055.

Contact Us

Total Dental Care

 (309) 347-7055

13 Olt AvenuePekin, IL 61554

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