Dentures
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Crowns and Removable Partial Dentures
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larger view of this case.
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Crowns and Removable Partial Dentures
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larger view of this case.
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Over time, people's teeth tend to naturally deteriorate.
When a tooth has deteriorated substantially, it often needs to be
extracted. And when multiple teeth are extracted, dentures may be
the most appropriate solution. Dentures can create a natural and
healthy looking set of teeth. As well, a properly fitting set of
dentures can greatly enhance your smile and sense of self-esteem.
Complete and Partial Dentures
Many types of dentures exist, including complete and partial dentures.
Complete dentures are used when few of the original teeth remain.
The dentist begins by removing any remaining teeth so the dentures
can be fitted. He or she then makes a mold of the gums and sends
it to a dental lab where customized dentures are constructed. Patients
are typically fitted with temporary dentures until the permanent
set of dentures have returned from the laboratory. Partial dentures
are prepared in much the same way as a complete set, and are utilized
when only a few teeth are missing..
Overdentures
If the roots of a patient's remaining teeth (the tissue and gums)
are strong, the dentist may suggest over dentures. Overdentures
fit on top of the remainder of teeth in the mouth. With over dentures,
the remaining teeth are resculpted and covered with metal caps to
stop future decay. The advantage of over dentures is that they do
not have to be relined as frequently as a complete set of dentures
because the jawbone and gums recede less. In addition, over dentures
create less occlusion (bite) problems than complete dentures.
Once Your Dentures Have Been
Placed
At first, your dentures will feel uncomfortable because the gums
and tissue are not accustomed to contact with man-made relining
material. Once placed, patients should wear their dentures continually
for the first few days to reduce the amount of swelling that may
occur in the mouth. This swelling typically recedes in two to three
days. Until patients become accustomed to their new set of teeth,
the dentures may feel loose and awkward while chewing food. Eating
soft food may also be necessary for the first few days. Reading
aloud helps to overcome any speech impediments that may occur from
the new dentures. Typically, lower dentures take longer to get used
to than upper dentures. The underlying jawbone may take several
months to completely heal and become accustomed to the dentures.
Once this occurs, the dentist removes the dentures and creates a
permanent lining for your teeth (a denture lining is the soft material
that cushions the contact between the denture and the gum tissues).
The Life of your Dentures
Proper care and cleaning will increase the life of your dentures.
Although they typically last five years, proper care and minimal
jaw recession can extend the life of dentures up to 25 years. Dentures
should be cleaned daily with a normal or specially-made denture
toothpaste. Once the swelling has reduced, it is advisable to leave
one or both dentures out at night to allow the gum tissues to breathe.
In order to prevent dentures from warping, they should be left in
water overnight. Over time, the lining of the dentures may change,
owing to the wear and tear of daily use. In the case of tissue/bone
shrinkage, worn down teeth, or breakage, dentures may come loose
and need to be remade.
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