A
denture is a removable prosthesis made to replace missing teeth.
Generally dentures are made out of acrylic resin and can be
combined with various metals. Dentures improve chewing ability
and speech, and provide support for facial muscles.
The
denture fabrication process takes approximately one month and
roughly five appointments. After the initial diagnosis is made,
impressions are made to determine proper jaw position. An appointment
to "try-in" your new denture will be scheduled to
assure proper color, shape and fit. The final denture is then
placed and any subsequent visits for needed adjustments are
made.
There
are three basic types of dentures; full dentures, partial dentures,
and overdentures. Full dentures replace all the teeth, while
partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth
and prevent other teeth from shifting and changing position.
Full dentures are made when all of your natural teeth are missing
or extracted, and like partial dentures can be worn on the upper
or lower jaw or both.
Full
dentures can also be called “conventional” or “immediate” depending
on when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth.
Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the extraction
of any remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes
impressions and makes models of the patients’ mouth during a
preliminary visit.
An
advantage of immediate dentures is that the patient does not
have to be without teeth during the healing process after the
extractions. Bone and gum tissue will shrink over time, especially
in the first six months after tooth extractions. Immediate dentures
may require occassional "relinings" to maintain proper
fit. A conventional denture can be made once the tissues have
stabilized, usually nine months to one year following tooth
extractions. Ridge preservation theraphy at the time of tooth
extractions will minimize the change in fit of the immediate
denture.
Partial
dentures consist of replacement teeth attached to acrylic bases,
which are connected by metal framework. Partials attach to your
natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. Precision
attachments are generally more esthetically pleasing than metal
clasps and are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth
may be advised to improve the fit of a partial denture and they
are usually required with attachments. Partial dentures with
precision attachments generally cost more than those with metal
clasps.
How
long will it take until I feel comfortable with my dentures?
For
the first few weeks, a new denture may feel awkward or bulky.
Your mouth will eventually become accustomed to wearing it.
Inserting and removing the denture will require some practice.
Never force the denture into position by biting down (this could
bend, warp, or break the prosthesis). Start out with soft foods
that are cut into small pieces. It is important to chew evenly
on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the denture.
Some
people worry about how dentures will affect their speech. Pronouncing
certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating
troublesome words will help. If your dentures occasionally slip,
reposition the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing.
The
best way to get used to your new denture is to wear it all the
time. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is
the quickest and easiest way to identify denture parts that
may cause any kind of irritation to the gums. If your denture
applies too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will
become sore. A quick adjustment can be made to ease the pressure
and get you feeling more comfortable.
What
is the best way to care for my denture?
Brush
the denture with a denture brush daily to remove food debris
and plaque, and to keep it from becoming permanently stained.
Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can damage the
denture. It’s best to use denture tablets or water to soak your
dentures at night, but hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid
is also acceptable to clean them. Other types of household cleaners
and many types of toothpaste are too abrasive and should not
be used on dentures. Please remember, that even with full dentures
you still need to brush your gums, tongue, and palate every
morning before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque
and stimulates circulation in the mouth to keep your mouth healthy.
Oral health care and dentures:
•
Daily remove and brush the denture carefully with a brush and
toothpaste, both specifically designed for denture cleaning.
•
Avoid the use of harsh abrasive cleaners on your denture.
•
Avoid cleaning and/or sterilizing your denture in boiling water,
or damage to the denture is likely to occur.
•
If a partial denture is in place, remove it before brushing
the natural teeth.
•
Once removed, keep the denture in a safe place, out of the reach
of children.
•
Once removed, soak the denture in a proper cleansing solution
or water.
•
Have your teeth cleaned every 6 months by an oral health professional
All denture users require some time to get accustomed to the
denture. Features to get accustomed to are teeth alignment,
speech and facial expression. The length of time to get used
to a new denture is patient specific but could take up to eight
weeks to fully adapt to the new appliance.
If
you would like to make an appointment with one of our doctors
regarding a denture or would like further information please
do not hesitate to contact us and one of our friendly staff
will assist you with your enquiry.
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