Dentures & Partials in Austin
Eat & Speak Normally Again!
Living with missing teeth can be extremely difficult, but luckily they can be replaced so that you can continue living a full life. Whether you have an entire arch missing or just a few gaps here and there, Parkfield Family Dental can fill in that empty space with dentures or partials.
If you expect to be dealing with extensive tooth loss sometime in the near future, contact our Austin denture and partial specialists as soon as possible to schedule a consultation.
What Are Dentures & Partials?
Dentures are the most well-known kind of prosthetic teeth. Usually when the term is used, it’s referring to full dentures. These are used when all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing. In many cases, a few teeth are remaining and need to be removed before you can get your new teeth; after that, you’ll usually wait a few months for your mouth to heal, but sometimes you can get immediate dentures that are inserted right away. Most dentures rely on either natural suction or adhesive to stay in the mouth.
If there are still plenty of healthy teeth in your mouth that are worth saving, partials (or partial dentures) will usually be recommended instead. Each partial is customized to replace missing teeth in specific areas. They’re often considered a removable alternative to dental bridges. Unlike traditional dentures, partials usually rely on a metal clasp to remain in place.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures & Partials?
Obviously, anyone suffering from multiple lost teeth is a potential candidate for dentures or partials. Partials will usually be the first choice if only a few teeth are missing, and dentures are used for more extensive cases. Age isn’t a factor; patients of any age can get them.
There are a few cases where the patient’s overall health will need to be taken into account. For example, if you’re diabetic, you might need to take your dentures out more often to avoid irritating the gums. In general, your gums and jawbone need to be healthy enough to support your false teeth, and you also have to be willing to practice good denture maintenance.
Life with Dentures or Partials
Having a full set of teeth can make all the difference. You’ll be able to chew and eat a wide variety of foods, making it easier to maintain good nutrition. It’s also a lot easier to smile in front of people you’re meeting for the first time when you don’t have any gaps to worry about. You might have trouble pronouncing certain words at first, but this problem can be overcome with practice.
It’s important to make sure your new teeth stay clean and stain-free. Always remove and rinse them after eating. You should also remove them to clean them at least once a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a nonabrasive denture cleanser. Don’t forget to scrub the grooves that fit against the gums to get rid of any adhesive that might be there.
Dentures FAQs
In terms of replacing missing teeth, dentures in Austin are a cost-effective, functional, and natural-looking option. Countless patients have rebuilt their smiles with dentures. However, you might have some apprehension about going through with this treatment. That’s perfectly normal. To help ease your mind, Dr. Tijerina has taken the time to answer some frequently asked questions about dentures in this section.
Can I sleep while wearing my dentures?
While it’s possible to sleep with your dentures in your mouth, there are a couple of reasons why we do not recommend it. For one, it’s a good idea to let your gums rest after holding the denture in place all day. Otherwise, you could develop sores on your gums. Secondly, you should never let 24 hours pass without cleaning your dentures in some way. Since you’re not going to use your dentures to chew, talk, or smile while you’re sleeping, it creates the perfect opportunity to cleanse them of bacteria that could cause oral infections.
Make sure that you never let your dentures dry out. If they do, their shape could start to change, and they might not fit as well as they should. This can also happen if you store them in hot water. To keep them in good condition, soak them in room-temperature water or denture cleanser when you’re not wearing them.
How often will I need to replace my dentures?
Unfortunately, no denture is designed to last forever. The average lifespan of your replacement teeth is between five and eight years. After tooth loss, your jawbone and facial structure naturally change shape, resulting in your dentures fitting differently than they once did. To help them function as they should, you’ll have to periodically get your dentures adjusted or replaced.
Do I still need to visit my dentist twice a year if I have dentures?
It’s a common misconception that you no longer need to see your dentist in Austin every six months if you’ve lost all of your natural teeth. Even if you have a full denture, you still need to visit us regularly for checkups. At these appointments, we can ensure your dentures still have proper function and your gums are healthy enough to support them. For patients with partials, we can give your remaining teeth a professional cleaning and check for cavities in those teeth.
How much do dentures cost?
The cost of dentures can vary greatly from patient to patient. Some of the factors that might influence the price of your new teeth are:
- What type of dentures you need
- The materials used
- Whether you require preparatory work like tooth extractions
Our team will collaborate with you and your insurance provider to maximize the benefits you have available and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. We can also arrange a low-to-no interest payment plan through the third-party financing company CareCredit.
Call us at (512) 213-6778 today for more information about our dentures and partials in Austin.
