What are dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances specifically crafted to comfortably fit on the gums, featuring artificial teeth that closely resemble natural ones and are supported by a base. Offering a cost-effective solution for replacing missing teeth, dentures are versatile and can be employed to replace a few or all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaws. In contrast to fixed alternatives such as bridgework and dental implants, dentures can be taken out for cleaning, facilitating the maintenance of oral health. Additionally, they can be removed during sleep.
Types of Dentures
There are two main types of removable dentures: full dentures and partial dentures. The most suitable option for your smile depends on the number of natural teeth remaining in your mouth and their overall health. If you still have some strong natural teeth, a partial denture can offer an effective solution. However, if all your upper or lower teeth are missing or need extraction, a complete denture may be the best choice for you.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are a suitable option for replacing either the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. It's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in dental treatments. The design, creation, and placement of full dentures depend on the individual requirements of each patient.Conventional Full Denture
After the removal of all remaining teeth and sufficient healing of the surrounding tissues, this specific denture is created and inserted. Crafting a full denture after complete healing ensures a precise and comfortable fit.Immediate Denture
An immediate denture allows patients to have teeth right after extraction without waiting for complete healing. While this offers the advantage of not being toothless, it may need adjustments and a reline as the tissues heal. In certain cases, a conventional denture may be necessary for the best comfort and fit.Overdenture
An overdenture is a complete denture made more stable and supported by special attachments. These attachments are either secured to the remaining natural teeth or to specialized dental implants.Implant-Supported Dentures
This type of denture is referred to as an implant-supported denture because it connects to a specific number of implants strategically placed in the upper or lower jaw. These implants act as small surgical posts, offering precise attachment points for the denture and greatly enhancing stability and retention.Partial Dentures
In situations where some sturdy teeth remain, partial dentures can offer an effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Partial dentures typically achieve adequate retention and stability with clasps or precision attachments on the teeth adjacent to the edentulous areas (the spaces formerly occupied by the missing teeth).
Removable partial dentures can fill the void left by individual missing teeth and multiple ones to restore the look and function of a complete smile. At the same time a partial denture fills the gaps left by missing teeth; it also stabilizes the dentition and bite and prevents unwanted drifting of the remaining natural teeth.
As with full dentures, partial denture design and fabrication vary based on a patient’s specific needs. With advances in dental materials and technology, partial denture wearers have more options than ever before. Today, a partial denture’s supportive framework can be fabricated from various materials, including cast metal, flexible resins, and hybrid materials.
At the office of Lakeview Family Dentistry, we are committed to building healthy and beautiful smiles. As your trusted partner in care, you can rely on our office to design and fabricate a denture that will look good, fit comfortably, and serve you well for years to come.
What To Expect When You Receive Your New Denture
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, our top priority 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 journey.
Adjusting to wearing a new denture
Adapting to wearing a new denture, especially a full denture, may require some time. Minor adjustments might be necessary as you start speaking, chewing, and functioning with your new teeth. It's common to need a few adjustments for a complete and comfortable fit. If you experience sore spots, try wearing the denture at least a day before your adjustment visit, allowing us to identify and address the specific area causing irritation.More saliva than usual
The initial use of new dentures might prompt an increase in saliva production, which is a natural response. This is a temporary reaction, and over time, saliva flow will gradually return to a normal level.Speaking with ease
Speaking clearly with new dentures might be challenging initially, but this sensation will diminish within a few days. Continuing to talk normally will aid in adjusting to your new teeth. To facilitate this process, consider practicing reading aloud from printed materials or a computer.Getting used to eating with a denture
Adjusting to eating with dentures may take some time, especially with a full denture. Starting with soft foods and avoiding chewing on only one side is recommended. Your tongue, lips, cheeks, and soft tissues will eventually adapt, making eating easier.Taking care of your dentures
Maintaining clean and healthy dentures is crucial:
- After eating, rinse and brush your dentures daily to prevent stains and bacteria. Use a brush designed for dentures and soak them in water when not in use, adding a denture cleaner at least once a week.
- Brush any remaining teeth and your gums to keep them clean. If you wear an upper denture, rinse and gently clean the roof of your mouth.
- Remove your dentures before bedtime to allow your gums and jawbone to rest, reducing the risk of irritation, infection, and bone shrinkage.
Added stability
Full dentures may require extra retention methods in specific situations. While denture adhesive is usually sufficient, implant-supported or attachment-clipped full dentures offer enhanced stability and retention.Follow-up care
Regular checkups are essential for maintaining oral health. During these visits, we examine the fit and condition of your dentures, conduct a thorough examination of any remaining teeth, and assess the health of soft and hard tissues in and around your mouth.Relines
Over time, changes in the tissues supporting the denture may occur, impacting comfort and stability. In such cases, a reline procedure may be recommended to address these issues.
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, we are committed to delivering top-notch care. If you have any further inquiries or concerns regarding your new dentures, please do not hesitate to contact our office.