DENTURE CARE
The best starting point to see if affordable dentures are an option for you is to visit with Dr. Barlow. He is a specialist with many years of training who focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth, including affordable dentures for even the most complex cases. He will also be able to help determine if another treatment option might be more suited to your particular situation.
Dentures may replace all or only some of the teeth. The dentures that replace all the teeth are known as complete dentures and they rest on the gums that cover the jawbones . Dentures that replace some but not all of the teeth are known as partial dentures. They attach to the teeth that are still present and also cover and rest on the gums and bone where the teeth are missing. Dental implants can also be used to restore and stabilize partial dentures as well.
​
Denture fees vary widely based on many factors including the complexity of your particular treatment and the time required to accomplish the treatment. Payment terms also vary according to individual requirements.
• Immediate Dentures
Patients who are seeking dentures can arrive with teeth and
leave with teeth. Our immediate dentures can restore your
smile in a single visit. An impression is taken of your mouth,
which is used to create an accurate and fully functional set
of dentures. We help you choose the shape and color in your
dentures that are made in our office. Your remaining teeth are
extracted after you’ve been administered an anesthetic to
ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. The dentures
are placed immediately after extraction. Dr. Barlow will see you 24 hrs. following extraction and delivery of dentures.
Dr. Barlow will continue seeing you throughout the healing process and continue to make any adjustments to the dentures as needed.
• Implant-supported Dentures
Dental implants are titanium posts that require surgery and are implanted into the jawbone to secure the denture.
​
• Locator/Snap-On Dentures
These implant-supported dentures use 2-4 locators to snap your dentures into place and hold them throughout the day.
​
• All-On-4 Dentures
Dental implants are also used to support All-On-4 dentures, but once placed the denture stays in your mouth as a permanent appliance.
​
• Keeping Your Dentures Clean
Moisten the brush and apply a non-abrasive soap or denture paste (regular toothpaste is too abrasive). Brush every surface, inside and out, scrubbing gently. A variety of over-the-counter denture cleanser products may be safely used (by following the manufacturer’s instructions) to remove most stains.
Do not use bleach on your dentures unless your dentist gives you special instructions on using bleach. More stubborn stains may require removal by your dental practice.
It is not possible to whiten dentures like natural teeth, because dentures are made of plastic. To minimize staining, properly clean your dentures daily to remove food and plaque bacteria.
Do not brush your dentures with normal toothpaste. Even though the plastic is strong, it is not as strong as the enamel of teeth and may be scratched by using toothpaste to clean your dentures.
You should use a dish washing liquid and a special denture brush to clean your dentures by hand every day. After rinsing them thoroughly, soak your dentures in water-based cleaning solution overnight.
• Repairing Broken Dentures
The best solution is to make an appointment with our Murray office and have the cracked denture repaired professionally. It may seem easy to fix, but it is important that the repair is done correctly to prevent problems with chewing and to avoid any sore spots. The denture may be too old and may no longer fit closely to your gums, and you may need a new denture.
Yes, you can wear your dentures at night but it is preferred that they be removed. You should remove your dentures at night and this will give your gums and bone a chance to relax from the pressure of the denture during the day.
If you need to wear your dentures for social reasons or to prevent your jaws from over closing, you should find time during the day to properly clean your mouth and your prostheses. You should never wear your dentures 24 hours a day without preforming proper oral hygiene.
Most patients need to learn how to use dentures properly and as a result, it takes a little time to get used to them. After a while, you should be able to eat fairly normally, but it may take more time to get comfortable with harder foods or sticky foods.
Using a small amount of denture adhesive (no more than three or four pea-sized dabs on each denture) may help stabilize the dentures and help hold them in place while you learn how to get comfortable with them and may make the learning process easier. Dentures and chewing gum do not usually work well together, no matter which brand of chewing gum you decide to try.
