Replacement teeth or dentures can be of benefit to you whether you are missing all or just a few of your natural teeth. Dentures can be made to resemble your natural teeth so that there will be little change in your appearance. Dentures may even improve your look by giving you a more confident smile and help fill out the appearance of your face and profile.
The two main types of dentures are conventional and immediate dentures. Conventional dentures are made and inserted after the remaining teeth have been extracted and the tissues have healed, which can take several months. Immediate dentures are inserted right away after the removal of remaining teeth. Your dentist will have already taken measurements of the jaw at a prior appointment. The obvious advantage to immediate dentures is that you don’t ever have to be without teeth. However, since healing may affect the fit of immediate dentures, they may require further adjustment to fit properly.
Learning to wear your new dentures can take time. Even the best-fitting dentures may feel awkward at first.
Common changes with dentures:
Initially, you may want to eat only soft foods and liquids and avoid sticky, crusty or hard foods. Cutting food into small portions is also a good idea. As you become accustomed to chewing, you will gradually return to your normal diet.
One or more follow-up appointments are generally needed after denture insertion. Those who choose immediate dentures should leave them in until the follow-up appointment scheduled for the next day. During healing, the dentures should be left in the mouth as the denture acts much like a bandage.
After getting your dentures and having them fitted, you may require further adjustments by your dentist. You should also keep seeing your dentist to ensure that the tissue under the denture remains healthy and that the dentures fit you properly. Dentures need to be relined every five to seven years. The determination as to when to reline your dentures should be made by your dentist. Most insurance companies will pay a portion for the relining of dentures every five to seven years.
It is recommended that your dentist make even the smallest adjustment to your dentures. It is often possible to have the adjustment done while you wait. It is not recommended that any adjustments, however minor, be made at home. You can seriously damage your dentures and harm your health by trying to make adjustments yourself. See your dentist if your dentures break, crack or chip. Over-the-counter glues can potentially contain harmful chemicals and should never be used on dentures. Your dentures need care just like your natural teeth. If you experience any problems or have additional questions, you should consult with your dentist or hygienist.
Dentures are divided into two main categories: complete dentures and partial dentures.
Complete dentures are designed to replace the teeth in an entire arch when all the teeth are missing.
Partial dentures are used when there are still teeth present in the arch.
Complete and partial dentures can provide patients with a functional replacement when teeth have been lost.
Complete dentures consist of an acrylic base to imitate gum tissue, and the teeth can be made of acrylic or porcelain. The denture base is made to closely fit the contours of the arch to ensure the denture is stable during normal oral functions such as eating, speaking, or swallowing.
Partial dentures can be made with a metal framework and teeth attached in the areas where the teeth are missing. The metal framework also has clasps or arms that extend out and fit around some of the existing teeth. The combination of the framework and the arms that wrap around some of the teeth keep the partial denture stable during normal oral functions.
Our knowledgeable dentists will provide all necessary information for patient education, helping you to understand if this is the right choice for you.
