Whether you are considering getting dentures, currently have them, or know someone who has, you’re bound to have some questions about them. What follows is information about dentures, how to care for them, and how they may enhance your dental health. We want to assist you in discovering answers to all of your denture questions and, if required, determine whether they are suited for you.
What Are Dentures
Dentures are removable dental prosthetics that you can use to replace lost teeth and improve your smile. If you lost all of your natural teeth due to gum disease, dental decay, or an accident, replacing them would improve your appearance and health. It is because they make it easier to eat and communicate than without teeth—things that many people take for granted.
When you lose all of your teeth, your facial muscles may droop, giving you an older appearance. Dentures can assist in rounding out the shape of your face and profile. They create dentures to mimic your teeth closely, so your look is not much altered. It may potentially enhance the appearance of your smile.
What Are They Made Of
Previously, the artificial teeth that comprised them were composed of porcelain or plastic, but more contemporary dentures are often constructed of a strong resin. Denture teeth are considered more brittle than natural teeth and can readily fracture or crack if dropped or improperly neglected. This material also wears out considerably faster than actual teeth, necessitating the replacement of dentures every five years or so.
The denture’s supporting framework, which holds the artificial teeth in place and mimics the natural gum line, is frequently comprised of the same resin used for the teeth or a more flexible polymer material that fits tightly on the natural gum line.
How Are They Made
Denture creation takes roughly two months and multiple sessions. Once your dentist or prosthodontist (a dentist who specializes in tooth repair and replacement) has determined which type is ideal for you, the basic procedure is as follows:
- Take imprints of your jaw and measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space there is between them.
- Professionals should create models, wax molds, and plastic patterns in the precise shape and location of the denture to be produced should be made. Before the casting of the final denture, you will “try on” this model numerous times and evaluate it for color, form, and fit.
- Make any required changes.
Types of Dentures
Partial
When the surrounding of your natural teeth is not strong enough to support constructions such as dental bridges, or when more than one or two teeth are lost, partial dentures are sometimes utilized instead of other tooth replacement treatments.
You can fit the partial dentures to the gum line area, where they will sit and secure to neighboring natural teeth to prevent them from slipping out of position. However, they are not permanently fixed, and you may remove them at any moment for cleaning or sleeping.
Complete
Complete dentures are dentures that replace all of your natural teeth. They can be fitted to your bottom or top gum line and are maintained in place by suction and an oral adhesive. They are readily detachable, much like partial dentures.
Immediate
They insert this removable denture the same day they remove the remaining teeth. During a preliminary appointment, your dentist will take measurements and create models of your jaw. You do not need to remain toothless throughout the healing phase, but you may need to have your denture relined or reconstructed when your jaw has healed.
Conventional
This complete removable denture is created and fitted to your mouth after the remaining teeth have been extracted and tissues have healed, which can take many months.
Overdenture
Overdenture may maintain some of your teeth to protect your jawbone and offer stability and support for your denture. After your dentist has prepared your remaining natural teeth, an overdenture fits over them. Furthermore, implants can also do the same role.
Implant-Supported
As the name suggests, these types of dentures are held in place by dental implants. A dental implant is a permanent device attached to the jawbone and can replace any number of teeth. They are made of an implant, a metal post (typically titanium), and a bespoke crown that appears just like a natural tooth.
You can attach implant-supported dentures in various methods, but they must be cared for and handled the same way as regular dentures. It’s more typical to have them done on the lower jaw because the upper has fewer issues with fitting firmly, although both are popular.
Fitting Dentures
A dentist or a skilled clinical dental technician generally fits dentures. They use impressions of the mouth to acquire measurements for the dentures. Dentists install dentures as soon as they extract your teeth to reduce the period spent without teeth. They may also insert dentures once gum irritation or damage has been cured.
A trial denture is sometimes made from the initial impressions obtained from the jaws, allowing the patient to determine whether the dentures are suitable before the final denture is completed. Professionals can change the color and form of the last denture set.
Looking After Them
Dentures may initially feel uncomfortable, but you’ll grow used to them quickly.
You may need to wear dentures always at first, including while sleeping.
If you should remove your dentures before bed, your dentist or clinical dental technician will advise you.
Removing your dentures at night is not always essential, but it can help your gums relax while you sleep.
If you take your dentures out, keep them wet – for example, in water or a polythene bag with moistened cotton wool inside or in an appropriate overnight denture-cleaning solution.
It will prevent the denture from drying out and altering its form.
Denture Cleaning
It is essential to clean them regularly to eliminate plaque and food deposits.
Unclean dentures can create problems such as poor breath, gum disease, tooth decay, and oral thrush.
Clean them as frequently as you would your natural teeth (at least twice daily: every morning and night).
You must:
- To eliminate food particles, clean your dentures with toothpaste or soap and water before immersing them.
- Soak them in a bubbly solution of denture-cleaning tablets to eliminate stains and germs.
- Brush them again like your regular teeth (but not too hard).
- It can break if dropped, so clean them over a basin or water-filled sink.
Oral Hygiene
When you wear dentures, keeping your mouth clean is just as vital.
Brush your remaining teeth, gums, and tongue with fluoride toothpaste every morning and evening to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental disorders.
Denture Adhesive
You shouldn’t need to apply denture fixative if your dentures fit correctly (adhesive).
However, if your jawbone has shrunk dramatically, glue may be the only method to keep your dentures in place.
Your dentist or clinical dental technician will tell you if this is the case.
Some people initially feel more confident with their dentures if they apply glue. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and avoid using too much.
Brushing the denture with soap and water will remove the adhesive.
You may need to remove adhesive remnants in the mouth with a wet kitchen roll or a clean damp cloth.
Eating with Dentures
When you initially start wearing dentures, consume soft foods in small portions and chew carefully on both sides of your mouth.
You should avoid chewing gum and sticky, firm, or sharp-edged foods.
You can gradually resume your former diet by eating different sorts of food. It would be best if you never used toothpicks.
How to Preserve Your Dentures
Permanently remove your dentures before bed to avoid damaging them, dislodging them, and allowing your gums to relax. To prevent them from drying out and becoming deformed, immerse them entirely in warm, but not hot, water. You should only use the denture-soaking solution if they do not contain any metal components, as the answer might tarnish the metal.
Are They Necessary
Most people require dentures because they have lost their teeth due to decay or an accident and have trouble chewing, eating, or speaking. In most cases, the whole set of teeth lining both the upper and lower jaws may be extracted and replaced with dentures.
Furthermore, people sometimes use dentures to remedy aesthetic concerns that are producing poor self-esteem. For example, you can use them to conceal an unattractive grin or to restore lost facial form.
Can You Repair or Adjust Dentures
Following the delivery of your dentures, you may require one or more follow-up sessions to have them adjusted. Never try to change or fix them on your own. Never bend any component of the clasp or metal attachments by hand; doing so might weaken the metal construction. “do-it-yourself” repair kits can damage dentures, and over-the-counter glues may contain dangerous chemicals.
Dentures that don’t fit properly can cause discomfort and ulcers in the mouth and gums. If a denture breaks, cracks, chips, or one of the teeth becomes loose, contact your dentist immediately. They may frequently perform the necessary modification or repair on the same day. Your denture may need to go to a specialized lab for specific, more intricate maintenance.
How Does It Feel to Have Dentures
New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you get used to them. They may feel loose initially while your cheek and tongue muscles learn to hold them in place. Minor discomfort or pain is not uncommon. You may also notice a temporary increase in saliva flow.
These issues should go gradually away when your mouth adjusts to the dentures. Following the insertion of a denture, dentists usually require follow-up consultations so that they can evaluate and correct them properly. If any condition persists, especially discomfort or pain, see your dentist.
Even if you wear complete dentures, you must maintain appropriate oral care. Brush your tongue, gums, and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush every morning before inserting them to improve circulation and help eliminate plaque.
When to See Your Dentist
If you have dentures (even if they are complete), you should continue to see your dentist regularly so that they may check for any concerns.
If you take appropriate care of them, they should endure for several years.
However, when your gums and jawbone decrease, your dentures may no longer fit as well as they once did and may become loose or worn.
Consult your dentist as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
- When you talk, your dentures clack.
- They are slipping, or you believe they no longer fit correctly.
- They are bothering you.
- They are visible.
- You have gum disease or tooth decay symptoms, such as bleeding gums or poor smell.
If you did not change poorly fitted or old dentures, they can cause significant discomfort and lead to oral ulcers, infections, or eating and speech difficulties.
Talk to Your Dentist Right Away
If you’re still unsure if the denture is ideal for you, or if you have any other questions or concerns, speak with your dentist at your next regular dental exam to explore your options. Check out Choule’s Family Dentistry if you’re seeking a dental practitioner that specializes in dentures and can best handle your individual needs.
And keep in mind that anyone might end up requiring dentures! Hockey players, car accident victims, and persons with genetic abnormalities may all need some form of oral prosthesis. Thus the concept that it is only for the elderly is no longer genuine. Don’t be afraid to ask if you or someone you know might need them, regardless of age.