What are dentures?
Dentures are detachable appliances designed to fit comfortably on the gums. They have artificial teeth that resemble natural ones and are secured by a base. Dentures offer an affordable solution for replacing missing teeth and can be utilized for either partial or complete teeth replacement in the upper or lower jaws. In contrast to permanent solutions like bridges and dental implants, dentures can be taken out for cleaning and maintaining oral hygiene. They also offer the added benefit of being removable, even during sleep.
Types of Dentures
There are two primary types of removable dentures: full and partial. The ideal type for you depends on the quantity and condition of your remaining natural teeth. If you still possess some healthy natural teeth, a partial denture may be a suitable choice. However, if you've lost all your upper or lower teeth or they require extraction, a full denture could be the most appropriate solution for you.
Full Dentures
Complete dentures, also known as full dentures, are an appropriate choice for replacing either the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. However, it's crucial to understand that there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for dental treatments. The design, fabrication, and fitting of full dentures are tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.Conventional Full Denture
Once all remaining teeth have been removed and the surrounding tissues have sufficiently healed, this 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 the benefit of having teeth immediately after extraction, eliminating the need to wait for complete healing. Although this prevents the patient from being toothless, it may require adjustments and a reline as the tissues heal. In some instances, a conventional denture might be needed to ensure optimal comfort and fit.Overdenture
An overdenture is a full denture that is enhanced for stability and support through unique attachments. These attachments are fastened either to the remaining natural teeth or to specific dental implants.Implant-Supported Dentures
The denture that connects to a certain number of strategically positioned implants in the upper or lower jaw is known as an implant-supported denture. These implants function like tiny surgical posts, providing exact attachment spots for the denture, thereby significantly improving stability and retention.Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can be an effective solution for replacing missing teeth when some sturdy teeth remain. They are typically held in place with clasps or precision attachments on the teeth next to the spaces where teeth are missing.
Removable partial dentures can fill the gaps left by single or multiple missing teeth, restoring the appearance and function of a full smile. They also stabilize the remaining teeth and bite, preventing the remaining natural teeth from shifting.
The design and fabrication of partial dentures vary based on each patient's specific needs. Thanks to advances in dental materials and technology, there are more options than ever for partial denture wearers. The supportive framework of a partial denture can be made from a variety of materials, including cast metal, flexible resins, and hybrid materials.
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, we are committed to creating healthy and beautiful smiles. You can trust us to design and create a denture that looks good, fits comfortably, and serves you well for many years.
What To Expect When You Receive Your New Denture
At Lakeview Family Dentistry, our foremost priority is to ensure the well-being and comfort of our patients. We are committed to fostering excellent oral health and maintaining transparency with our patients throughout their dental journey.
Adjusting to wearing a new denture
Adapting to a new denture, particularly a full one, may require some time. It's common to need minor tweaks as you start to talk, eat, and perform daily activities with your new teeth. A few adjustments may be necessary for the denture to fit perfectly and feel comfortable. If you experience any discomfort, try to wear the denture for at least a day before your adjustment appointment. This will allow us to precisely identify and alleviate the area causing irritation.More saliva than usual
New dentures may cause your mouth to generate more saliva initially. However, this is a temporary response and there's no cause for concern. Over time, your saliva production will slowly revert back to its usual rate.Speaking with ease
Initially, you may find it challenging to speak clearly with new dentures, but this feeling will disappear in a few days. It's important to keep speaking as you usually do to get used to your new teeth. To make this adjustment easier, consider practicing by reading aloud from books or a computer.Getting used to eating with a denture
For those who are just starting to wear dentures, there might be a period of adjustment when it comes to eating. The transition can be more challenging with a full denture compared to a partial one. It's advisable to begin with soft foods and refrain from chewing on one side only. Over time, your tongue, lips, cheeks, and soft tissues will get used to the denture, making the process of eating much simpler.Taking care of your dentures
Here are some suggestions for keeping your dentures clean and healthy:
- Rinse and brush your dentures daily after meals to avoid stains and bacterial buildup. Use a brush specifically made for dentures for best results. Also, soak your dentures in water when not in use and once a week in a denture cleaner recommended by your dentist.
- Remember to brush any remaining teeth and your gums to keep them clean and healthy. If you have an upper denture, make sure to rinse and gently clean the roof of your mouth as well.
- Remove your dentures before sleeping. This gives your gums and jawbone a chance to rest, reducing the chances of irritation, infection, and bone resorption.
Added stability
In some cases, full dentures might need additional support methods due to the state of the underlying tissues and other elements. While denture adhesive is typically sufficient, full dentures that are supported by implants or clipped with attachments offer improved stability and retention.Follow-up care
Maintaining oral health and overall well-being necessitates regular checkups and care. These visits involve not just assessing the fit and state of your dentures, but also a comprehensive examination to evaluate the condition of any remaining teeth and the health of all the soft and hard tissues in your mouth and its surrounding areas.Relines
The supporting tissues for the denture can change over time. As these tissues shrink or remodel, the denture may become less comfortable and stable. If this happens, a reline procedure might be recommended to resolve these problems.We, at Lakeview Family Dentistry, are dedicated to providing excellent care. If you have any additional questions or concerns about your new dentures, feel free to contact our office.