Partials & Dentures
Partials and dentures replace several missing teeth or a complete arch using an appliance designed around your mouth and bite. At True Dental, we provide custom partials and dentures in Chattanooga, TN to restore dental function and create a natural-looking smile. Our team evaluates your remaining teeth, gums, jawbone, and bite before recommending a denture design based on your oral health and daily needs.
What Are Partials and Dentures?
Partials and dentures are custom-made dental appliances that replace missing teeth and some of the surrounding gum tissue. They can help distribute biting pressure, support the lips and cheeks, and make a complete range of foods easier to eat.
Each appliance is created from detailed impressions and measurements of your mouth. The artificial teeth can be selected to complement your facial features, skin tone, and any natural teeth that remain.
The type of denture recommended depends on how many teeth you have lost and where those gaps appear.
What Types of Dentures Are Available?
True Dental offers options for different degrees of tooth loss. Your dentist will explain how each design works and which one may be appropriate for your mouth.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture replaces multiple missing teeth when healthy natural teeth remain in the upper or lower arch. It fills the open spaces and gains support from nearby teeth.
Depending on its design, a partial may use clasps or discreet attachments for stability. The artificial teeth sit on a gum-colored base shaped to fit around the remaining teeth.
A partial denture may help:
- Improve chewing and speaking
- Fill visible spaces in the smile
- Support balanced biting pressure
- Limit movement of nearby teeth into open spaces
- Preserve healthy teeth that do not require extraction
Full Dentures
A full denture replaces every tooth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both. The appliance rests on the gums and follows the contours of the mouth.
Upper dentures generally cover the roof of the mouth, while lower dentures have a horseshoe shape that leaves room for the tongue. Careful impressions and bite measurements help create stability and a comfortable relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Dental implants can provide added support for certain dentures. The implants are placed in the jawbone, where they act as anchors for the dental appliance.
An implant-supported design may provide greater stability while eating and speaking. It may also reduce movement commonly associated with conventional lower dentures. The number and position of the implants will depend on your oral health, available bone, and planned denture design.
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. A clinical examination and diagnostic images are required before this option can be recommended.
Who May Be a Candidate for Partials or Dentures?
Partials and dentures may be considered when missing or severely damaged teeth make it difficult to maintain comfortable dental function. They may also be appropriate when a dental bridge or implant-based restoration does not suit the number or location of the missing teeth.
During your consultation, our team will assess:
- The number and location of missing teeth
- The health of your remaining teeth
- Gum and jawbone health
- Your bite and jaw movement
- Previous dental work
- Your appearance preferences
- Your ability to care for the appliance
Any active oral health concerns may need attention before impressions are taken. Your dentist will explain the recommended sequence of care and what you can expect at each stage.
How Are Custom Dentures Made?
Creating a denture generally takes several appointments. Taking time to gather accurate measurements allow the dental laboratory and dental team to develop an appliance for your mouth.
The process may include:
- Evaluation: Your dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite, and jawbone. Dental X-rays may be taken when needed.
- Impressions: Detailed impressions capture the shape of your gums, dental arch, and remaining teeth.
- Bite measurements: Your dentist records how the upper and lower jaws meet. These measurements guide the placement and height of the artificial teeth.
- Design selection: Tooth shape, size, and shade are selected with your facial appearance and remaining teeth in mind.
- Try-in: A model may be placed in your mouth, so the dental team can evaluate its appearance, bite, and tooth position.
- Placement: Once the denture is ready, your dentist checks its fit and makes necessary adjustments.
Follow-up appointments allow the team to evaluate your comfort as your mouth adapts to the new appliance.
What Should You Expect While Adjusting to Dentures?
New dentures may feel unfamiliar during the first few weeks. Your tongue and cheek muscles need time to adapt, and you may notice temporary changes in saliva production or speech.
Begin with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly on both sides of your mouth to keep pressure balanced. Reading aloud can also help you become accustomed to speaking with the appliance.
Contact True Dental if you develop persistent soreness, instability, or difficulty closing your teeth together. Do not attempt to alter the denture at home, as this can damage the appliance and affect its fit.
How Should You Care for Your Dentures?
Daily cleaning helps control food debris, plaque, odors, and stains. It also supports the health of your gums and remaining teeth.
Your dental team may recommend that you:
- Rinse the appliance after meals
- Brush it daily with a soft denture brush
- Use a cleanser intended for dentures
- Clean your gums, tongue, and natural teeth
- Store the appliance safely when it is not being worn
- Avoid hot water that could warp the material
- Attend regular dental exams
The gums and jawbone can change over time. Routine visits allow your dentist to assess your oral tissues, bite, and denture fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partials and Dentures
Can I sleep while wearing my dentures?
Many patients are advised to take their dentures out at night so the gums can rest. Follow the instructions provided by your dentist because recommendations can vary.
Will dentures look natural?
Modern dentures can be designed with tooth shades, shapes, and arrangements that complement your appearance. The gum-colored base is also shaped to resemble natural oral tissue.
How often will my dentures need adjustment?
Adjustment needs vary. Changes in the gums or jawbone may affect the fit over time. Schedule an evaluation if the appliance becomes loose, causes sore areas, or affects your bite.
