When it comes to replacing missing natural teeth, dentures are a reliable and time-tested option. Dentures are removable appliances which are used for replacing one or more missing natural teeth.
What are Different Types of Dentures?
There are different types of dentures depending on their design and the number of teeth replaced:
- Partial Dentures: These dentures are used for replacing only a few missing teeth in a jaw. They are either made from metal alloys, or from polymeric acrylic resins. The removable partial dentures contain metallic extensions known as the clasps which engage into the crown portion of adjacent healthy teeth and prevent the denture from dislodging. Partial dentures rely on the underlying jaw bone, oral soft tissues and neighbouring healthy teeth for their support and retention.
- Cobalt Chrome Dentures: Tend to be more comfortable and stable than acrylic dentures. However due to the metal frame, they are less aesthetically pleasing. Chrome dentures require support from your remaining teeth to hold the denture in place. This can cause extra stress and wear on those teeth over time.
- Flexible Dentures: Are made of a nylon fibre impregnated with resin. These dentures are often much more aesthetically pleasing and less plastic than other denture materials. Flexible dentures can be used to replace single teeth with a small ‘clip-like; denture or multiple areas.
- Complete Dentures: As the name suggests, these dentures are used when there is no tooth left in a jaw, or when the remaining teeth need to be extracted before preparing the dentures. Since there is no tooth remaining in the jaw, complete dentures rely solely on the oral soft tissues and jaw bone for their retention and stability. Dentists sometimes use adhesive to improve the retention of complete dentures.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: These are also known as implant-supported overdentures. These dentures rest directly on a dental implant, unlike the conventional dentures and therefore, possess superior strength, durability, and aesthetics. The best thing about implant supported overdentures is that only one implant can be used for replacing up to 3 or 4 adjacent missing teeth. Click here for more information on implant retained dentures.
Your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recedes.
To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be necessary to adjust your denture or possibly remake your denture. Never attempt to adjust a denture yourself and do not use denture adhesives for a prolonged period because it can contribute to bone loss. When in doubt, consult your dentist.
How are Dentures Prepared?
The process for fabrication of dentures is performed in multiple steps and it usually involves more than one appointment. First, your dentist will perform an examination of your teeth to determine the types of dentures which will be suitable for you. Next, your dentist will make an impression or scan of your teeth and send it to the laboratory.
The next appointment, your dentist will record the position where your upper and lower jaws meet. Afterward, the artificial teeth are added into the denture plate at the laboratory. In the next visit, your dentist will perform a try-in of your denture in which the teeth are embedded in wax. If everything goes well, you will get your brand-new dentures in the next appointment.
- Brush with warm soapy water and denture brush. Clean over a sink-full of water to reduce risk of dropping and breaking it.
- Never use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including abrasives toothpastes, because they may scratch the surface of the denture.
- If you wear a partial denture be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth.
- Leave your denture in a sterilizing solution according to manufactures’ instructions (some are safe for overnight, others only a few hours)
- Only a small amount of denture fixative is required – a small dot in three points on the fitting surface of the denture.
- A whole tube should last 6 weeks, any quicker and your probably using too much. The less you use the better the results to form a stable fit, too much will lift the denture off the ridge and make it feel too bulky.
- Unless you have had a denture fitted on the same day as you have had teeth taken out your dentist will recommend that you remove your denture each night. Research has shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during either the day or night allows the gum tissue to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. This promotes better long-term health of the gums.