Dentures
Regain your confidence with dentures
Dentures are dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and help restore any lost oral function. Dentures come in full or partials. The former are used in the event that all of a person’s teeth are missing, while the latter is designed to be used in the event of a partial teeth loss.
There are other types of dentures as well, like immediate dentures which can be temporary or the base for permanent dentures. These dentures can be applied immediately after removal of the teeth, which is where they get their name from.
what are standard dentures?
Complete or standard dentures are dental prosthetics used to replace missing teeth in the event you have lost all of your teeth. They are made of a plastic base in a color that replicates gum tissue and come with a full set of acrylic teeth.
Traditionally, full dentures are held in place by creating a seal with your gums. However, denture implants can also be used to keep the prosthetic in place, though this approach is much more expensive than taking the traditional route.
What are partial dentures?
Partials for teeth or partial dentures are used in the event that only some of your teeth are missing. They can be built either using a metal framework or with a plastic base, which provide support for the number of teeth that have to be replaced. These types of dentures are held in place with special rests and clasps that are adapted around existing teeth.
what are immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures can also be complete or partial and are often used as temporary dentures. These types of dentures are designed for usage right after your natural teeth are removed. This way, you can maintain your appearance, avoid your facial muscles sagging or your tongue spreading, as well as allowing your gums to heal faster as they are protected by the dentures.
A conventional immediate denture is designed to be relined with a new layer of acrylic, thus permitting it to become a long-term denture. Interim immediate dentures are temporary and used only until the complete traditional denture is ready.
how does the denture procedure work?
The first step is to determine what the best dentures are for you, which will require a consultation. Once we’ve established the precise treatment plan, the work begins. If necessary, we will extract some or all of your existing teeth. If you wish, we can make an immediate denture before we remove your teeth so you can maintain oral function and appearance throughout the duration of the treatment.
After extraction, we will need to wait approximately 8 to 12 weeks to make sure everything heals properly. Impressions of your mouth and jaw will then be taken. We will also measure your jaw relationship and the space between your jaws.
Subsequently, a model will be created that identically mimic the position and shape of the dentures that need to be made. You will have to test the model a few times so we can make any adjustments for a perfect fit. We will then establish the shape and color for the final dentures.
Once the dentures have been cast, we will call you back in to test them. We will make any adjustments to achieve a good fit. However, you will have to wear the dentures day and night for a while to determine whether further adjustments are necessary.
what to expect after denture treatment
Ideally, you shouldn’t experience any discomfort at all. However, if you do feel the dentures aren’t fitting properly, we will make adjustments so you feel comfortable. You should keep in mind that for about six to 12 months, your gums will be shrinking as they heal from tooth loss, which means adjustments may be necessary to accommodate the new shape of your gums.
how to care for your dentures
Dentures should be cleaned regularly, just like your original teeth, to remove debris and avoid staining. You can wear your dentures throughout the day, but you should take them out at night to give your mouth and gums some time to relax.
When removing your dentures, you need handle them with care because they are delicate. Keep them in denture cleaner or water when you aren’t wearing them. However, avoid hot water because it can warp your damage or dentures. Also, make sure to rinse out your mouth every day to avoid plaque building up as well as reducing the risk of infection.
Dentures can help you regain your self-confidence and quality of life if you’ve lost some or all of your teeth. If you want to be able to enjoy chewing, eating and speaking properly again, book an appointment today so we can get to work!