DENTURES WOODSTOCK

A denture is a detachable replacement for missing teeth and nearby tissues. It is comprised of acrylic resin, sometimes in combo with a variety of metals.

Varieties of dentures

Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills out the gaps created by missing teeth and helps prevent other teeth from changing position.

Candidates for full dentures have depleted most or all their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some original teeth remaining. A denture enhances chewing capacity and speech, and gives support for facial muscles. It will substantially boost the facial appearance and smile.

Complete or full dentures are made when all your natural teeth are missing. You can have a full denture on your upper or lower jaw, or both.

Complete dentures are considered “conventional” or “immediate” based on when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth. Immediate dentures are put in without delay after the removal of the lingering teeth. To make this attainable, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient’ s jaws during a preliminary visit.

An advantage of immediate dentures is that the individual does not need to be without teeth during the recovery time period. Unfortunately, bones and gums can dwindle with time, especially during the duration of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums diminish, immediate dentures may necessitate rebasing or relining to fit properly. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues have improved. Healing may take approximately 6-8 weeks.

An overdenture is a removable denture that fits over a few of lingering natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth need to be prepared to provide sturdiness and support for the denture

Partial dentures are commonly a solution when many teeth are missing.

Extractible partial dentures usually consist of substitute teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are linked up by metal framework. Removable partial dentures connect to your original teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more aesthetic than metal clasps and are almost invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth could improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are typically required with attachments. Partials with precision attachments generally cost in excess of those with metal clasps.

How are dentures produced?

The denture procedure takes about one month and five visits: the initial diagnosis is made; an imprint and a wax bite are prepared to determine vertical dimensions and appropriate jaw placement; a “try-in” is placed to guarantee proper color, shape and fit; and the patient’ s complete denture is placed, following any modest adjustments.

To start with, a mold of your jaw is made using specific materials. Additionally, measurements are made to show how your jaws connect to each other and the amount of space is between them (bite relationship). The color or shade of your normal teeth will also be identified. The impression, bite and shade are provided to the dental lab so a denture can be customized for your mouth.

The dental workshop produces a mold or model of your jaw, positions the teeth in a wax base, and etches the wax to the specific form wanted in the final denture Usually a “wax try-in” of the denture will be handled at the dentist’ s office so any realignments can be done before the denture is completed.

The denture is finished at the dental lab using the “lost wax” approach. A mold of the wax-up denture is made, the wax is removed and the remaining space is stuffed with pink plastic in dough form. The mold is then heated up to harden the plastic. The denture is then buffed and ready for wear.

Getting used to your denture.

For the initial few weeks, a new denture may feel troublesome or bulky. However, your mouth will eventually become acclimated to using it. Putting in and taking out the denture will require some training. Your denture should effortlessly fit into place. Never drive the partial denture into position by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps.

At first, you may be asked to wear your denture at all times. Although this may be temporarily unpleasant, it is the quickest way to recognize those denture components that may need realignment. If the denture places too much pressure on a specific area, that spot will become sore. Your denture can be adapted to fit more pleasantly. After making corrections, you may have to take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning.

Start by eating supple foods that are divided into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep adequate, even pressure on the denture. Avoid sticky or hard foods, including gum.

Care of your denture.

It’s ideal to stand over a folded hand towel or a sink of water when gripping your denture, just in case you mistakenly drop it. Brush the denture (preferably with a denture brush) daily to extract food deposits and plaque, and keep it from becoming permanently stained. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can damage the denture. Look for denture cleansers with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Pay special focus to cleansing teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. Plaque that becomes caught under the clasps will increase the risk of cavities.

Hand soap or gentle dishwashing solution to clean dentures is also acceptable. Other types of home cleansers and lots of toothpastes are too rough and should not be used for cleaning up dentures. A denture could lose its appropriate shape if it is not kept damp. At night, the denture should be set in soaking solution or water. However, if the denture has metal attachments, they could be tarnished if placed in soaking solution.

Even with complete dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Each morning, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush before you place in your dentures. This gets rid of plaque and promotes circulation in the mouth. Choosing a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important for retaining a healthy mouth.

Adjustments

With time, readjusting the denture may be necessary. As you grow older, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can retreat or shrink, producing a loose-fitting denture. Loose dentures can cause numerous problems, including sores or infections. Dentures that do not fit adequately can be corrected. Avoid using a diy kit to adjust your dentures, as this can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold otc often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture.

If your denture no longer fits correctly, if it damages, cracks or chips, or if some of the teeth becomes loose, see your dentist as soon as possible. In many cases, dentists can make needed adjustments or repairs, often on the exact same day. Complex repairs may require that the denture be sent out to a special dental laboratory.

Over time, dentures will have to be realigned, re-based, or re-made because of normal wear. To reline or re-base a denture, the dentist uses the existing denture teeth and renovates the denture base or makes a new denture base. Dentures may need to be switched out if they become loose and the teeth show signs of substantial wear.

Common concerns

Eating will take a little bit of practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth concurrently to avoid the dentures from tipping. As you become familiar with chewing, add other foods until you go back to your normal diet.

Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be careful with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells.

Some people worry about how dentures will affect their speech. Consider how your speech is affected when you have a number of your natural teeth missing.

Articulating certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help. If your dentures “click” while you ‘re speaking, speak more slowly. You may find that your dentures sometimes move when you laugh, cough or smile. Shift the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing. If a speaking problem persists, get in touch with your dentist.

Denture adhesives

Denture glues can provide additional holding for well-fitting dentures. Denture adhesives are not the solution for old, ill-fitting dentures. An inadequately fitting denture, which causes constant irritation over a long period, may trigger the development of sores. These dentures may need a reline or need to be replaced. If your dentures start to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, consult with your dentist immediately.