Suppose you’re looking to get dentures for the first time or replacing an older set; it's essential to know everything that entails getting them. Failure to do so can be detrimental to your oral health. You may have questions about what dentures are, how they’re done, types of dentures, pros and cons, and ways for managing them.
This article would discuss everything you should know about dentures.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are an effective option of tooth replacement for anyone who lost multiple teeth. They’re created by your dentist using a removable prosthetic device with artificial teeth. Additionally, they’re custom-made to resemble the rest of the patients' teeth and fit seamlessly without looking out of place.
Most people have concerns about whether their age makes them good or bad candidates to get dentures. But anyone with damaged teeth can restore their confidence. Getting dentures from dentexdental.com.au and others can be done regardless of how old you are.
How Are They Made?
Dentures come in different varieties, but the dental framework is made from acrylic, nylon, or metal, depending on the type of dentures you want. For instance, if you want complete dentures, they can be made from porcelain and use acrylic or metal attachments. But if you're going to replace a few missing teeth, you may get metal clips with a nylon base.
Resin and porcelain are used in false teeth that come with dentures. However, for complete dentures, porcelain is recommended as they can be corrosive to adjoining teeth but have the texture and color of natural teeth.
The following are the steps in fabricating dentures:
- The first step comprises of the dentist taking dental measurements of your mouth. These measurements will create the appropriate size and shape of your mouth and jaws into a plaster model.
- Then, a dentist would create a model using fake teeth, and plaster is placed in an articulator to duplicate the jaw. Wax is then curved into the gum line and attached to the fax teeth.
- During the next step, the dentist creates a wax model by pouring plaster into the denture of your choice. A solution treats the application and prevents acrylic from sticking to it.
- Once the dentist completes the fabrication process, it's then fitted into your mouth. If you don’t feel comfortable, adjustments can still be made.
Types Of Dentures
Traditional dentures used to be inconvenient, awkward, and in most cases, painful. Some people experienced difficulty in chewing food and speaking well. Additionally, clients lacked confidence since most dentures looked different from their natural teeth.
But with modern solutions, dentures have evolved into natural-looking additions. You can decide on what type of dentures will be appropriate for you by consulting your dentist. There are various options, so you must be mindful of your decision.
The following are the four main types of dentures:
Implant-Retained Dentures
Although many people may still prefer traditional dentures that are detachable, implant dentures are growing in popularity. It's a one or two-stage procedure that’s done based on your consultation.
The two-stage procedure involves placing implants into the jaw bone, and the top part of the implant is exposed to allow the fixing of dentures. But the one-stage process involves a single step of placing both implants and supporting bars.
The benefits of implant-retained dentures are the following:
- They’re held more securely and they don’t come loose when you eat a particular food
- The placement of implant dentures in the jawbone makes it more comfortable for the user
- This denture maintains the facial structure and healthier mouth by preventing additional bone loss
- Unlike traditional dentures, implant-retained dentures don't cause soreness or pressure points
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace multiple teeth in either the upper or lower part of your mouth and are usually removable. They maintain the placement of the remaining teeth, which tends to shift with time.
Dentists use either plastic or metal for the base of the dentures fitted with attachments. Therefore, if you miss a few teeth, your remaining teeth will begin to move to create bite pressure in your mouth. This movement may alter your physical appearance.
Additionally, it’ll keep your jawbone, gums, and facial muscles active and engaged. And with partial dentures, you get back your great smile and confidence.
Temporary Dentures
Temporary dentures are a set of false teeth that you get for the adjustment period before getting permanent dentures. Temporary teeth are fit immediately after the extraction of your natural teeth.
Fitting occurs after the dentist takes your jaw measurements and biting impressions in preparation for your false teeth. After getting your temporary dentures, you’ll need to maintain them for four to six months until you get permanent dentures.
And as with most dental appliances, temporary dentures can be subject to food particles and plaques, which leave build-up and stains. You’ll need to clean them by placing them on a towel and using cold water, non-abrasive cleaners, and a soft toothbrush to gently clean them.
Temporary dentures fill the gaps in your mouth and minimize gum bleeding during the healing process. However, you should be prepared to experience the following:
- Soreness and irritation for some time as your mouth gets used to it
- Jaw shrinkage over time as it’ll need frequent realignment for comfort
- They tend to slip or move a bit because they aren't custom made, and you can't try them beforehand
- You’ll need them for four to six months before getting your permanent dentures
Complete Dentures
They come as strong ceramic, acrylic, or porcelain molded into the shape of your gums on an acrylic base. The base mimics gum tissue that matches your gums' shade and is as natural-looking as possible.
The upper and lower dentures comfortably rest on your gums, with the upper dentures covering the upper part of your mouth and the lower dentures leaving room for your tongue. The denturist then suctions it into your gums to avoid getting particles in your dentures.
Some advantages of complete denture include:
- Its reliability throughout the ages
- Creates ease in the eating process
- Makes a client look younger by supporting face muscles
- Your dentist can adjust it easily
- Improves your smile and boosts your confidence
- Affordable as you won't need any surgery
- Adds clarity during speech
- More comfortable compared to traditional dentures
- Complete dentures resemble natural teeth
Maintenance Of Dentures
The maintenance of permanent dentures and removable dentures can differ. For both dentures, you should:
- Avoid using any bleaching products for they weaken and change the color of the dentures.
- Use cold water to rinse your dentures. Avoid hot water as it can deform them.
- Avoid any whitening toothpaste that contains peroxide.
As for removable dentures, they require proper care to keep them free from stains and last long. You can maintain them through the following steps:
- Soak and clean them with a soft brush to remove adhesive remnants.
- Clean your tongue, palate, and cheeks using a soft toothbrush.
- Run water over them when placed on a towel to get rid of food debris.
- Soak your dentures overnight in water or mild-denture solution to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
- Rinse off denture solution, which can harm your body by causing burns, pain, and vomiting if swallowed.
- Attend every scheduled dentist checkup to keep your teeth healthy.
See to it that you’re guided by your dentist in maintaining your dentures. In case of any complication, never self-medicate as it can make your condition worse. Having dentures is a long-term investment for your oral health, so be wise about it.
Bottom Line
If you suffer the loss of some or all your teeth, your next decision may be to get dentures. But for a first-timer, the process of getting dentures may be overwhelming. You’ll need to know everything about dentures before consulting your dentist to get an overview. In this way, you’d have an informed decision regarding the procedure.
You can choose between four options depending on the number of teeth lost. You can go for implant-retained dentures that can replace a few lost or all teeth and are long-lasting. But if you are to get permanent dentures, be ready to use temporary dentures for six to eight months as your jaw heals.
However, if you lost a few teeth due to an accident or decay, you may opt for partial dentures that replace the lost ones. These types of dentures blend in with the rest of your teeth to give you a natural look.
Dentures will restore your smile by giving your mouth a great shape and boosting your confidence. You will also get back the ability to chew and improve speech. Additionally, you can get dentures at a budget-friendly price, depending on the type of denture recommended.
So, whether you want to replace some of your teeth or need a whole new set of dentures, the above information will guide you through different options available in the market. Consider the ideas mentioned here as you plan and prepare.