What are dentures?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They are typically made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.
Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.
Complete dentures are either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional denture is placed in the mouth about a month after all the teeth are removed to allow for proper healing, whereas an immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed.
A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the appearance of your face and smile.
How does the denture process work?
We can make a full conventional set of dentures when all teeth have been lost or all extraction sites have healed (up to eight weeks or longer.) After the initial diagnosis is made, the denture process takes about one month and five separate appointments.
Then,
- an impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position
- a temporary “try-in” is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit
- your final denture is placed, following any minor adjustments
New denture wearers need time to get accustomed to their new “teeth” because even the best fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While most patients can begin to speak normally within a few hours, many patients report discomfort with eating for several days to a few weeks.
How do you care for your dentures?
A denture is fragile, so it is very important to handle it with care. Remove and brush your dentures daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically for cleaning dentures, using either a denture cleanser or toothpaste.
Don’t sterilize your dentures with boiling water because it will cause it to become warped. If you wear a partial denture be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth. When not in use, soak it in a cleanser solution or in water.
Are there any alternatives to dentures?
Dentures are no longer the only way to restore a mouth with few or no teeth. Strategically placed implants can now be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost tends to be greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the “feel” of real teeth.
Dental implants are becoming the alternative of choice to dentures, but not everyone is a candidate for implants. Schedule an appointment if you would like a consultation to find out more about your options.