What are dentures?
Dentures are removable devices crafted to snugly fit the gums, featuring lifelike artificial teeth supported by a base. Serving as a economical alternative for addressing tooth loss, dentures are versatile in replacing either a few or all teeth in the upper or lower jaws. In contrast to fixed alternatives such as bridgework and dental implants, dentures offer the convenience of easy removal for cleaning and maintaining oral hygiene. Additionally, they can be comfortably taken out during sleep.
Types of Dentures
Removable dentures come in two main types: full dentures and partial dentures. The choice that best suits your smile is contingent on the quantity and condition of your natural teeth. If you possess sturdy natural teeth, a partial denture can offer an efficient solution. On the other hand, if you have lost all your upper or lower teeth, or they require extraction, a complete denture might be the optimal choice for your needs.
Full Dentures
Complete dentures, also known as full dentures, serve as a viable choice for replacing either the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. It's crucial to emphasize that dental treatments do not have a one-size-fits-all approach. The crafting, design, and placement of full dentures are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual patient.Conventional Full Denture
Following the extraction of all remaining teeth and adequate healing of the surrounding tissues, the specific denture is crafted and inserted. The creation of a full denture post complete healing guarantees an accurate and comfortable fit.Immediate Denture
An immediate denture provides patients with teeth right after extraction, eliminating the need to wait for complete healing. While this prevents the inconvenience of being toothless, adjustments and a reline may be necessary as the tissues heal. In certain situations, opting for a conventional denture might be required for optimal comfort and fit.Overdenture
An overdenture is a complete denture that gains increased stability and support through special attachments. These attachments are either affixed to the remaining natural teeth or to dedicated dental implants.Implant-Supported Dentures
This type of denture is termed an implant-supported denture as it connects to a specific number of strategically placed implants in the upper or lower jaw. These implants serve as small surgical posts, providing precise attachment points for the denture and significantly improving stability and retention.Partial Dentures
In cases where some robust teeth remain, partial dentures can provide an effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Typically, partial dentures achieve sufficient retention and stability through clasps or precision attachments on the teeth adjacent to the edentulous areas (the spaces previously occupied by the missing teeth).
Removable partial dentures are designed to fill the void created by individual missing teeth and multiple ones, restoring the appearance and function of a complete smile. While addressing the gaps left by missing teeth, a partial denture also stabilizes the dentition and bite, preventing the undesired shifting of the remaining natural teeth.
Similar to full dentures, the design and fabrication of partial dentures vary based on the specific needs of each patient. With advancements in dental materials and technology, wearers of partial dentures now have more options than ever before. Today, the supportive framework of a partial denture can be crafted from various materials, including cast metal, flexible resins, and hybrid materials.
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, our commitment is to build healthy and beautiful smiles. As your reliable partner in care, you can trust our office to create and fabricate a denture that not only looks good and fits comfortably but also serves you well for years to come.
What To Expect When You Receive Your New Denture
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, our primary focus is ensuring the care and comfort of our patients. We are dedicated to promoting optimal oral health and keeping our patients well-informed throughout their dental journey.
Adjusting to wearing a new denture
Acclimating to a new denture, particularly a full one, may require some time. It's common to need minor adjustments as you start speaking, chewing, and functioning with your new teeth. Complete comfort and fit might take a few adjustments. If you experience any sore spots, try wearing the denture at least a day before your adjustment visit, enabling us to identify and address the specific areas causing irritation.More saliva than usual
An increase in saliva production is a natural response to new dentures. However, this is a temporary reaction, and over time, saliva flow will gradually return to normal levels.Speaking with ease
Speaking clearly with new dentures may pose initial challenges, but this sensation will diminish within a few days. It is crucial to maintain normal speech patterns to aid in adjusting to your new teeth. Practicing reading aloud from printed materials or a computer can facilitate this process.Getting used to eating with a denture
For those new to dentures, adapting to eating with them may take some time. Adjusting to a full denture can be more challenging than with a partial denture. Starting with soft foods and avoiding chewing on one side initially is recommended. Your tongue, lips, cheeks, and soft tissues will eventually adapt, making eating easier.Taking care of your dentures
Here are some recommendations for maintaining clean and healthy dentures:
1. Rinse and brush your dentures daily after eating, using a brush designed for dentures. Soak them in water when not in use and at least once a week in a recommended denture cleaner.
2. Brush any remaining natural teeth, gums, and the roof of your mouth if you wear an upper denture.
3. Remove your dentures before bedtime to allow your gums and jawbone to rest, reducing the risk of irritation, infection, and bone shrinkage.
Added stability
In certain situations, full dentures may require additional retention methods. While denture adhesive is typically sufficient, implant-supported or attachment-clipped full dentures offer increased stability and retention.Follow-up care
Regular checkups are crucial for maintaining oral health. During these visits, we assess the fit and condition of your dentures, examine any remaining teeth, and evaluate the health of your oral tissues.Relines
Over time, changes in the supporting tissues may make the denture less comfortable. In such cases, a reline procedure may be recommended to address these issues.At Lakeview Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing excellent care. If you have any further questions or concerns about your new dentures, please feel free to contact our office.