Dentures
Dentures serve as removable replacements for missing teeth and the adjacent tissues in your oral cavity. Crafted by skilled dentists, these artificial teeth are designed to seamlessly fill the spaces left by lost or absent natural teeth. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there exist multiple approaches, and it is your dentist’s expertise that will guide you toward the most suitable option for your unique needs.
Complete Dentures
In cases where the loss of all natural teeth has occurred, whether due to gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, the impact on both appearance and overall health is significant. Dentures play a vital role in enhancing your life by facilitating improved eating and speech, surpassing the challenges of living without teeth.
When all natural teeth are lost, there is a potential for facial muscles to sag, potentially leading to an older appearance. Dentures are a valuable tool in restoring the shape of your face and aiding in a more youthful look. They can be meticulously crafted to closely resemble your original teeth, preserving your unique appearance. Not only do complete dentures contribute to your facial aesthetics, but they also have the potential to enhance your smile, instilling newfound confidence and a sense of well-being.
Types of Dentures
- Conventional Dentures: These full removable dentures are crafted and placed in your mouth after the removal of remaining teeth and once your oral tissues have adequately healed. This process typically spans several months.
- Immediate Dentures: Ideal for those who prefer not to be without teeth, immediate dentures are inserted on the same day as the removal or extraction of remaining teeth. Before extraction, your dentist takes measurements and creates jaw models, allowing you to have dentures without the wait. However, these dentures often require relining or remaking after your jaw has healed.
- Overdentures: In certain cases, some of your remaining teeth, usually in pairs, can be retained to preserve jawbone integrity and provide essential support for dentures. An overdenture fits over these prepared natural teeth, or in some instances, implants can serve the same purpose.
- Implant-Supported Overdentures: When no natural teeth are present, dental implants are strategically placed in the jawbone. Implant-supported removable dentures are then affixed to these implants, offering superior retention and stability.
It’s important to note that new dentures may feel unusual for the first few weeks until you become accustomed to them. Minor irritation or soreness is not uncommon during this adjustment period. You might also notice temporary changes in saliva flow. However, as your mouth adapts to the dentures, these issues typically resolve.
Removable Partial Dentures
A partial denture can take the form of an acrylic partial denture or a combination of a metal framework and acrylic that securely attaches to your remaining natural teeth. In some instances, crowns are placed on select natural teeth, serving as stable anchors for the partial denture. These removable partial dentures offer an alternative to fixed bridges and implants, effectively replacing some of the missing teeth by utilizing the support of your remaining natural teeth.
Removable partial dentures can be classified into three categories: semirigid, flexible, and rigid. The choice of rigidity depends on individual patient needs and preferences.
Dos and Essential Care
- Regular Follow-Up Appointments: It’s crucial to schedule regular follow-up appointments after the insertion of your dentures. This allows for periodic checks and necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. If you encounter any issues, such as irritation or soreness, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from us at “Aryas Dental and Implant Clinic.”
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Even with full dentures, maintaining good oral hygiene remains essential. Every morning before inserting your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush and massage your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. This stimulates tissue circulation and plaque removal.
- Denture Hygiene: Regularly clean your dentures to eliminate food particles and plaque. Rinse your dentures before brushing to remove loose debris. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser to clean all denture surfaces.
- Comprehensive Oral Cleaning: While brushing, thoroughly clean your entire mouth to remove plaque and reduce the risk of oral irritation and bad breath.
- Proper Storage: When not wearing your dentures, store them safely in a bowl of water.
- Nighttime Care: Remember to remove your dentures and place them in a bowl of water before going to sleep, ensuring their longevity and maintaining oral health.