Dentures
Specialty Dentures
A denture is a prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth. When a person is missing either some teeth or other tissue from their mouth, a dentist might prescribe a set of dentures for aesthetic purposes as well basic uses such as chewing or speaking.
If someone is missing all of their teeth they will be given a complete set of dentures, however a partial set of dentures is usually given to someone who still has some remaining teeth. Partial dentures are used to fill spaces of missing teeth and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. Complete dentures can be made for someone who is missing all the teeth on either their lower or upper jaw, but still has their teeth on the opposite jaw.
Immediate dentures are dentures that are inserted immediately after teeth are removed, however they may need to be readjusted after the gums have healed. While the gums are healing from the removal of teeth, they often shrink, along with the bone, causing the immediate dentures to no longer fit the subject properly. Most of the gum shrinkage will occur during the first six months after the removal of teeth. Once the gums have healed properly, which usually takes from six to eight weeks, a set of more permanent conventional dentures can be made which will better fit the person’s mouth. In preparation for immediate dentures, a dentist will take measurements and make a model of a person’s mouth during a preliminary visit before the teeth are removed.
Some partial dentures are removable, and are attached to a base that will blend in with the gums. These dentures will attach to your mouth with small metal clasps or precision attachments, which, while more expensive than metal clasps, are virtually unnoticeable and more elastic. Crowns, which are often required for partial dentures, further, improve the fit of removable dentures.
Overdentures are removable dentures that fit over teeth or an implant. In most cases, the remaining teeth must be prepared to better secure overdentures.
How are dentures made?
Installing a set of dentures is usually a month long process, which can be accomplished in five visits to the dentist. After the initial diagnosis, an impression of the jaw is made and the relation of your jaw as well as the bite relationship are measured and analyzed. This information, along with information on the color or shade of the patient’s teeth, is sent to the laboratory in order to make a custom set of dentures.
At the laboratory, a wax model is made to that will fit the patient’s mouth exactly and the model is sent back to the office so the patient can try on the denture model. After a proper fit is ensured, a mold is made of the wax model and plastic is used to make the final denture.
Care of your denture
Dentures need to be cleaned daily with a denture brush to ensure the removal of food particles and plaque and prevent staining. It is important to use a denture cleaner that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. If a partial denture is being used, the teeth that the denture is attached to need to be cleaned as well to prevent tooth decay. Mild dishwashing liquid and hand soap are also acceptable to use when cleaning dentures, but toothpastes and other household cleaners are too abrasive and should not be used. When cleaning dentures, it is advisable to stand over a sink of water or a folded towel in case the dentures are dropped.
It is important to keep dentures moist as they could lose their proper shape if allowed to dry. When not wearing dentures, for instance at night, place dentures in water or a denture solution. It is important to remember that if the dentures have metal clasps, these clasps could become tarnished in a soaking solution.
While wearing dentures, it is still important to brush the gums, palate, and tongue to prevent the build up ofplaque and maintain healthy circulation in the mouth. Proper nutrition is also important for a healthy mouth.
Denture Adhesives
While denture adhesives can improve retention in a set of properly fitting dentures, if the dentures do not fit well, irritation can begin to set in, which could lead to sores developing. Poorly fitting dentures might need to be relined or perhaps replaced, so any time dentures begin to cause discomfort or feel loose, it is important to see a dentist immediately.
Getting Used to your Dentures
While in the beginning new dentures may feel awkward, a person’s mouth will begin to grow accustomed to the dentures. Inserting and removing dentures will at first take some practice, but eventually, dentures should fit easily into position. It is important to never bite down on partial dentures to position them as this could cause damage to the clasps that hold them in place.
When first given dentures, it is important to wear them extremely frequently to discover and area on the dentures that might need readjustment. Dentures can be adjusted to ensure a better fit and relieve pressure, which can lead to the development of a sore. After adjustment, dentures may need to be removed dentures at night and replace them in the morning.
Common Concerns
When first starting to wear dentures, it is advisable to eat soft foods and avoid sticky or hard foods. Gum should be avoided while adjusting to dentures. When eating, chewing evenly on both sides of the mouth will keep an even amount of pressure on the dentures and prevent them from tipping. As the dentures become more familiar, slowly add foods until you return to your normal diet.
When adjusting to dentures, certain words may prove difficult to pronounce and will require practice. Practice by reading aloud, and repeating any difficult words. While speaking, slow down if the dentures begin to “click.” Sometimes, when coughing, laughing, or smiling, dentures may come slightly out of position. Gently bite down and swallow to reposition dentures. If problems speaking continue, it is best to consult a dentist.
Adjustments
Over time, the shape of your mouth will change naturally, which will necessitate an adjustment to dentures to ensure a proper fit. It is important to see a dentist for any adjustments as do-it-yourself kits can cause irreparable damage and many over-the-counter types of glue contain chemicals that should not be used on dentures.
As time goes by, dentures may need to be re-based, relined, or replaced. For relining and re-basing, the existing teeth can be used, however if the dentures show significant wear or if they loosen, they will have to be replaced.
It is important to see a dentist immediately if dentures become loose, chip, crack, break, or if one of the teeth become loose. Often, repairs can be made the same day in the dentist’s office; however more complicated repairs will be done in a dental laboratory.