Dentures (Removable) Partial and Complete...
With your new dentures, you'll have a beautiful smile to share with the world, restored self-confidence, and the ability to eat the proper foods for a healthier life.
What are Dentures?
Prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and which are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable, however there are many different denture designs, some which rely on bonding or clasping onto teeth or dental implants.
THE VARIOUS TYPES OF DENTURES
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are for patients who are missing some of their teeth on a particular arch. Fixed partial dentures are also known as bridges and resemble the missing teeth.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are worn by patients who are missing all of the teeth in a single arch.
Conventional Dentures
are made and placed in the patient's mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which may take several months.
Immediate Dentures
are inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. The shape of your mouth will change quickly for at least one month after the teeth have been extracted. Changes can continue for about 5 months. During this time the dentures can become loose and adjustments wll be needed. Therefore, you must be willing to return to your dentist's office for adjustments during this 4-6 month period.
Over Dentures
are removable dentures that fit over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants.
THE PROCESS
Treatment involves several appointments. You will be asked to give step-by-step approval for your new smile. We want you to be involved during the development process of your case and given the opportunity to give your input as well as to ask for professional guidance.
We will discuss the goals of your treatment and you will be asked to give your approval and acceptance of the shade, length of teeth, symmetry of teeth and gum contour before proceeding to the final delivery.
COMMON DENTURE QUESTIONS
Question: How long will dentures last?
Normally about five years. Natural teeth wear down and stain over the years and your dentures will too. The tissue in your mouth undergoes constant change, therefore your dentures will require adjusting and rebasing periodically in order to continue to fit perfectly.
It is wise to see your Dentist at least once every year so that any corrective measures may be taken and serious problems avoided. And be sure to see your Dentist at the first sign of irritation or frequent sore spots, no matter how minor you may feel it to be.
Question: Will dentures affect my appearance?
Denture technology has become a fine art. They are "personalized" to suit you and look completely natural.
During the process of making your new dentures, there will be a "try-in". The try-in is the stage where your teeth are positioned in wax so you and the dentist can preview and discuss the appearance. Changes in appearance can be adjusted at this stage, so you will be happy with the end result. The only noticeable difference may be that some pronounced facial lines will be softened, giving you a more youthful look.
Question: How will dentures affect my eating?
Adjustments take time and patience, but don't be discouraged. You will have to learn to bite and chew in a slightly different way. When biting food with natural teeth, the tendency is to pull forward. Instead of pulling out as you bite, push the food forward a little and bite completely through it. Start with small portions of food and eat slowly. Biting into an apple and eating corn on the cob are probably things you will want to postpone. You will be able to enjoy these foods later when you have mastered the art. We will be happy to help you work through any problems you encounter.
Question: How quickly will I adjust to dentures?
Dentures are a substitute for your natural teeth and will therefore feel strange at first. Nature designated several years for us to get our natural teeth. Some will feel comfortable with their dentures in a week; some take considerably longer. A positive attitude and being aware of the adjustment that is taking place really helps. At first you may feel your new teeth are too big and your mouth and lips are too full. An increase in the flow of saliva in your mouth is a normal response to the unfamiliar object. Your facial muscles and oral tissues will adapt to the dentures in a very short time and you should soon feel quite comfortable with them.
Question: How should I clean my dentures?
Ideally, your dentures should be cleaned after every meal. If this is impractical, clean them as soon after eating as possible. Always clean your dentures over a basin of water or a damp towel to avoid breakage if you drop them. Hold them gently between thumb and fingers; never squeeze them in your palm. You should use a denture brush and a good denture cleaner or soap, which you can buy at any drugstore. Avoid gritty pastes or powders and use only lukewarm water, never hot.
Question: Will dentures affect my speech?
At first you may notice minor differences in your speech. Lisping is not unusual. Don't be concerned. Soon your tongue, lips and cheeks will become accustomed to the slight alteration in the shape of your mouth. Reading aloud to yourself is an excellent exercise that will more quickly restore your normal speech.
Question: Should I remove my dentures at night?
As every case is different, your Dentist will advise you, based on your individual circumstances. There are also special precautions to take with your dentures when they are not in place. Your dentist will explain these to you.
Question: Can I use store-bought liners?
You should never attempt to reline your dentures; you could seriously damage both your dentures and your mouth. If you have problems, see your Dentist who is trained to recognize and treat these problems quickly and effectively. Adhesive powders and pastes may be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.