Dentures Specialist
Dentures can restore a patient's smile and give them confidence again. Dr. Oanh Le, D.D.S. offers patients in San Mateo, CA custom Dentures that look completely natural.
Dentures Q & A
What Are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are made for people who are missing some of their teeth, but who still have healthy teeth left in the mouth. The healthy teeth can act as a support system for the partial dentures, which will fill in the holes. If the gaps in the mouth aren't filled, the remaining teeth will start to shift. This can cause root damage and may result in severe teeth alignment issues over time. Partial dentures can keep the natural teeth in place by filling in the gaps. Partial dentures are mounted on a flexible base that suctions to the gums. The prosthetic teeth mounted in the base are made from acrylic or porcelain, and they have a natural appearance that allows them to blend in perfectly with the already-existing teeth.
What Are Full Dentures?
Full dentures are a complete teeth replacement option for people who have lost all their teeth, or who have undergone full-mouth teeth extraction. Without teeth, it can be extremely challenging to eat, talk, smile, and do other basic things on a daily basis. Full mouth dentures allow a patient to have a full mouth of natural looking teeth again. The base of the full mouth dentures suctions to the roof of the mouth (top dentures) or the lower gumline (bottom dentures.) The prosthetic teeth are a permanent part of the base. Full mouth dentures are made based on a model of the patient's mouth. This allows for the closest possible recreation of the patient's natural smile.
What is the Lifespan of Dentures?
The lifespan of dentures can vary by person and situation. Most people have their dentures for at least a decade, and sometimes longer. Dentures may need to be relined every few years to ensure the best fit. More rarely, dentures may need to be entirely rebased, especially if a patient's mouth starts to shift enough to create a poor fit.