DENTURES
& DENTURE REPAIRS
A denture is a removable prosthesis
made to replace missing teeth. Generally
dentures are made out of acrylic
resin and can be combined with various
metals. Dentures improve chewing
ability and speech, and provide
support for facial muscles.
The
denture fabrication process takes
approximately one month and roughly
five appointments. After the initial
diagnosis is made, impressions are
made to determine proper jaw position.
An appointment to "try-in"
your new denture will be scheduled
to assure proper color, shape and
fit. The final denture is then placed
and any subsequent visits for needed
adjustments are made.
There
are three basic types of dentures;
full dentures, partial dentures,
and overdentures. Full dentures
replace all the teeth, while partial
dentures fill in the spaces created
by missing teeth and prevent other
teeth from shifting and changing
position. Full dentures are made
when all of your natural teeth are
missing or extracted, and like partial
dentures can be worn on the upper
or lower jaw or both.
Full
dentures can also be called “conventional”
or “immediate” depending on when
they are made and when they are
inserted into the mouth. Immediate
dentures are inserted immediately
after the extraction of any remaining
teeth. To make this possible, the
dentist takes impressions and makes
models of the patients’ mouth during
a preliminary visit.
An
advantage of immediate dentures
is that the patient does not have
to be without teeth during the healing
process after the extractions. Bone
and gum tissue will shrink over
time, especially in the first six
months after tooth extractions.
Immediate dentures may require occassional
"relinings" to maintain
proper fit. A conventional denture
can be made once the tissues have
stabilized, usually nine months
to one year following tooth extractions.
Ridge preservation theraphy at the
time of tooth extractions will minimize
the change in fit of the immediate
denture.
Partial
dentures consist of replacement
teeth attached to acrylic bases,
which are connected by metal framework.
Partials attach to your natural
teeth with metal clasps or precision
attachments. Precision attachments
are generally more esthetically
pleasing than metal clasps and are
nearly invisible. Crowns on your
natural teeth may be advised to
improve the fit of a partial denture
and they are usually required with
attachments. Partial dentures with
precision attachments generally
cost more than those with metal
clasps.
............
How
long will it take until I feel comfortable
with my dentures?
For
the first few weeks, a new denture
may feel awkward or bulky. Your
mouth will eventually become accustomed
to wearing it. Inserting and removing
the denture will require some practice.
Never force the denture into position
by biting down (this could bend,
warp, or break the prosthesis).
Start out with soft foods that are
cut into small pieces. It is important
to chew evenly on both sides of
the mouth to keep even pressure
on the denture.
Some
people worry about how dentures
will affect their speech. Pronouncing
certain words may require practice.
Reading out loud and repeating troublesome
words will help. If your dentures
occasionally slip, reposition the
dentures by gently biting down and
swallowing.
The
best way to get used to your new
denture is to wear it all the time.
Although this may be temporarily
uncomfortable, it is the quickest
and easiest way to identify denture
parts that may cause any kind of
irritation to the gums. If your
denture applies too much pressure
on a particular area, that spot
will become sore. A quick adjustment
can be made to ease the pressure
and get you feeling more comfortable.
What
is the best way to care for my denture?
Brush
the denture with a denture brush
daily to remove food debris and
plaque, and to keep it from becoming
permanently stained. Avoid using
a brush with hard bristles, which
can damage the denture. It’s best
to use denture tablets or water
to soak your dentures at night,
but hand soap or mild dishwashing
liquid is also acceptable to clean
them. Other types of household cleaners
and many types of toothpaste are
too abrasive and should not be used
on dentures. Please remember, that
even with full dentures you still
need to brush your gums, tongue,
and palate every morning before
you put in your dentures. This removes
plaque and stimulates circulation
in the mouth to keep your mouth
healthy.
Oral
health care and dentures:
•
Daily remove and brush the denture
carefully with a brush and toothpaste,
both specifically designed for denture
cleaning.
• Avoid the use of harsh abrasive
cleaners on your denture.
• Avoid cleaning and/or sterilizing
your denture in boiling water, or
damage to the denture is likely
to occur.
• If a partial denture is in place,
remove it before brushing the natural
teeth.
• Once removed, keep the denture
in a safe place, out of the reach
of children.
• Once removed, soak the denture
in a proper cleansing solution or
water.
• Have your teeth cleaned every
6 months by an oral health professional
All
denture users require some time
to get accustomed to the denture.
Features to get accustomed to are
teeth alignment, speech and facial
expression. The length of time to
get used to a new denture is patient
specific but could take up to eight
weeks to fully adapt to the new
appliance.
SAME
DAY DENTURE RELINES / REPAIRS
If
you would like to make an appointment
with one of our doctors regarding
a denture or would like further
information please do not hesitate
to contact us and one of our friendly
staff will assist you with your
enquiry.
