Dentures have been used as a reliable and affordable restoration alternative for many years. Far from being only for senior citizens, dentures can be a great option for any adult who wants to enjoy a complete smile. Our dentist, Dr. Vaughn Teuscher, can provide you with partial and complete dentures in Vancouver, Washington. We invite you to call Two Rivers Dentistry at 360-256-1202 today for your appointment.
Dentures replace teeth you have lost due to trauma to the mouth or had extracted due to decay or another oral health issue. Dr. Teuscher can place both full and partial dentures at our office. Full dentures provide you with a removable set of upper and lower replacement teeth, while partial dentures replace one or more teeth on the same arch. Dentures serve many purposes, including:
- Improving the appearance of your smile
- Preventing facial sagging
- Reducing the chances of developing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
- Making speech more clear
- Improving the strength of your bite and your chewing ability
- Preventing any remaining teeth from moving towards the open position
Our dentist will let you know if removable dentures are the best option for you when you come in for a consultation.
Getting Dentures at Two Rivers Dentistry
The process of getting new dentures requires you to come in for several appointments. During the first appointment, we will take several X-rays along with an impression of your remaining teeth and gums. This helps us plan your course of treatment. We then send detailed information to our dental laboratory so the technicians can create your customized dentures. When your new replacement teeth are ready, someone from our office will contact you to come in for a fitting.
A complete set of upper dentures remain in place by the natural suctioning power of the roof of your mouth. The muscles of the cheeks, lips and tongue enable lower dentures to stay in your mouth. Our dentist will attach the replacement teeth to a removable device when you receive partial dentures. It is similar to wearing a retainer.
It can take several weeks for you to become accustomed to wearing dentures. Even when you become frustrated and want to take them out, we urge you to resist the urge to do so. This will make it take even longer for you to feel comfortable wearing dentures. Dr. Teuscher or a member of his team will provide you with complete aftercare instructions, including tips on getting used to wearing your new dentures.
Care and Longevity of Dentures
To care for your new dentures, you need to purchase special cleaning tablets. Place one in a cup of water and soak your dentures in them overnight. It is also important to rinse and brush your dentures regularly. You should expect your dentures to last around five years before requiring replacement. This is due to wear from biting down, natural degradation, and changes in your gums and bone that cause them not to fit improperly. Our team will discuss all aspects of denture care once you have completed your final fitting, including what you can do to make them last longer than the average.