Dentures and Partial Dentures in Fond du Lac

Missing teeth can impair your appearance and ability to eat and speak normally; as a result, it can also impair your self-esteem and social and work or school lives. Every time you smile with missing teeth, it can make you feel self-conscious. However, there’s no reason why you need to continue to deal with that. If you live in or around Fond du Lac and you have two or more adult teeth missing, Mauthe & Associates DDS, SC can help you get replacements that return all those things you thought you lost without your natural teeth. Call now to meet with a dentist to discuss your options for dentures in Fond du Lac.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about these dental appliances as you consider them as a possible solution for your missing teeth.

Complete vs. Partial Dentures

All types of dentures are custom-made by your dentist or in a lab from models your dentist makes of your mouth. If you have no teeth left in your mouth, the dentist will make complete dentures; if you still have some teeth left, the dentist will make partials.

A complete set of these appliances replaces all the teeth along the upper or lower arch. If most of your teeth are missing along one of those arches, the dentist may recommend having the remaining teeth removed in order to place a complete set; otherwise, the dentist may recommend a partial set that leaves the remaining teeth where they are and, even supports them in remaining in place.

You could have either complete sets or partials made for your upper or lower jaw or both. Both complete sets and partials are made with a supporting structure holding synthetic teeth, but the supporting structure differs for each type.

Complete Dentures

Complete sets use a flesh-colored acrylic or plastic base that supports a full set of artificial teeth. A complete set of upper dentures (or “uppers”) covers the roof of the mouth, or the palate. A thin saliva layer between the gums and the denture creates a seal to help secure the denture in place. This explains why a dry mouth may cause these appliances to loosen. Since sufficient space is required for the tongue to move normally, a complete set of lower dentures (or “lowers”) are horseshoe-shaped and held in place using the cheek muscles and the tongue.

Complete appliances are made to be comfortable to wear, but in our office, we can help make them even more comfortable by adding a layer of durable yet soft denture reline cushioning between the appliance and your natural gums.

Partial Sets

Partials hold one or more artificial replacement teeth in place by a plate or framework, ordinarily of metal and flesh-colored plastic or acrylic, that attaches to crowns (or implants, in the case of All-on-4® dentures) placed on the existing, natural teeth either side of the empty space where your missing teeth once were situated. In both cases, the supporting structure is designed to fit snugly on or over the gums.

Partials are similar to dental bridges, which is an alternative option for people who still have some strong and healthy natural teeth remaining. As the name suggests, bridges connect teeth across a gap between them. Fixed bridges are cemented in place, though bridges can be removable too.

Do They Look and Feel Natural?

While even the most affordable, quality dentures will never look or feel quite like your original teeth, after you take some time to grow accustomed to them, you can find that you sometimes forget you’re even wearing them.

At our office, your dentist will work closely with you throughout the process of getting your dentures in Fond du Lac, making sure you understand the full procedure and breaking-in period as well as how to care for your new appliances after receiving them and ensuring they continue to remain comfortable, fit snugly and stay in top condition. On occasion, your affordable, quality dentures may need adjusting, repairing or outright replacing.

Do You Need Dentures in Fond du Lac?

There are several indications you may benefit from this type of dental appliance. If the fact you're missing some or all of your teeth is impacting your speech, eating, self-confidence or social or professional life, you may find dentures offer an appealing solution. If you have questions about these dental appliances or want to initiate the process of getting them for yourself, call us now and we’ll put you in touch with a dentist in Fond du Lac who can help you. We can even discuss with you how you can get help covering what dentures cost.