Dentures

Type of Dentures

1. Complete Dentures

Complete dentures can be either "conventional" or "immediate." Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.

2. Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is sometimes connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This "bridge" is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking appliance.

Are There Alternatives to Dentures?

Yes, dental implants can be used to support cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants.

Dental implants may also be used to support dentures, offering more stability.

Consult your dentist for advice about implants.

Will My Dentures Need to Be Replaced?

Over time, dentures will need to be relined, rebased, or remade due to normal wear and natural age-related changes to the face, jawbones, and gums or if the dentures become loose. To reline or rebase a denture, the dentist or prosthodontist refits the base or makes a new base and reuses the existing teeth. Generally, complete dentures should be used for 5 to 7 years before you need a replacement.

How Should I Care for My Mouth and Gums if I Have Dentures?

Even with full dentures, it is important to brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush every morning before putting the dentures in. This removes plaque and boosts circulation in the mouth. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture's metal clasps. Plaque that gets trapped under the clasps will raise the risk of tooth decay. If you wear a partial denture, be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth. Clean, rest, and massage your gums regularly. Rinsing your mouth daily with lukewarm saltwater will help clean the gums. Eat a balanced diet to maintain proper nutrition and a healthy mouth.

Who is a good candidate for denture?

Full dentures are recommended for people who are missing all of their teeth

Partial dentures are the ideal choice if you are missing only some of your natural teet

Benefits of dentures

Dentures provide several benefits to patients with missing teeth.

Dentures can:

• Increase your self-esteem
• Improve your appearance and smile
• Support your facial muscles
• Improve your speech
• Allow patients to eat food they wouldn’t otherwise be able to eat without teeth
• Be quickly and thoroughly cleaned

Are dentures cost effective?

Dentures offer one of the most cost-effective methods for replacing missing teeth. However, if not fitted properly, removable dentures may start to loosen and shift over time, causing discomfort while hindering speech and eating.

Why would a Dentist recommend denture?

Dentures are used when a person is missing all or most of their natural teeth. This could be the result of an injury or declining oral health. Dentures are a great way to still enjoy the benefits that come with healthy, natural teeth where chewing is a natural and fluid motion without pain or complication

Should I save my teeth or get dentures?

When your natural teeth are healthy and won't compromise your oral health, it's usually best to save them. Replacing teeth with a removable appliance—a partial or full denture—has many disadvantages. The denture can move or slide if it's not anchored, and it won't be comfortable

Do dental implants feel better than dentures?

With dental implants, you never have to worry about them falling out as they are fixed ,while speaking or laughing in social situations. Also, they feel more comfortable and look more natural than dentures. If you want to feel like you've never lost a tooth in the first place, dental implants are your best option! However if affordability is a factor to be considered dentures serve the purpose and are pocket friendly though removable prosthesis option.

Do young people also need dentures?

Most people, under the right circumstances, are perfectly suited for dentures. Obviously, if you have a full set of healthy teeth, then you are not a candidate for dentures. You may think, though, that a young person is not a candidate for dentures, that they are only for the elderly. People who have on or more teeth missing are ideal candidates for removable partial or complete denture

Are Denture Adhesives Safe?

Dental adhesives are safe as long as they are used as directed. If the denture is well-fitting and the adhesive is only used to give added stability, there should be no ill effects. If adhesives are used excessively to fill voids for an ill-fitting denture, they can be harmful to the underlying soft and hard tissues. Occasionally, in these cases, inflammation of the soft tissues can result. In addition, because of its movement on the soft tissue and underlying bone, an ill-fitting denture can cause bone loss.