DENTURES
What
are Dentures?
A
denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding
tissues. Two types of dentures are available – complete and
partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth
are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural
teeth remain.
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Complete / Full Dentures
Complete
dentures can be either "conventional" or "immediate."
Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has
begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement
in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
Unlike
conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance
and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a
result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during
the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time,
especially during the healing period following tooth removal.
Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with
conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments
to fit properly during the healing process and generally should
only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures
can be made.
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PARTIAL DENTURES
A
removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement
teeth attached to a pink or gum-coloured plastic base, which
is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place
in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural
teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent)
bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth
on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to
them. This "bridge" is then cemented into place. Not
only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing
teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision
partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather
than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more
natural-looking appliance.
A partial denture is a removable appliance replacing one or
more missing natural teeth and associated tissues. It is supported
by the natural remaining teeth and gums. It replaces what is
lost and preserves what is left.
Basically removable partial dentures come in two types - an
acrylic or metal base. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
The type suited to your particular requirements can be assessed
in consultation with our dentist.
A
partial denture offers improved appearance and function. It
helps maintain the remaining natural teeth, improves the restores
appearance, speech and certainly the ability to chew.
Assessment
Assessment
of a patient requiring a partial denture may vary according
to the age of the patient, the patient's attitude, habits and
expectations. Oral hygiene, the condition and position of the
remaining natural teeth, as well as the position of the opposing
teeth in the mouth, also need to be considered.
A
recent check up of your remaining natural teeth by a Dentist
is advised prior to the construction of a new partial denture.
Tissues
covered by a denture normally do not maintain the same bone
density level, and tends to gradually shrink or recede.
It
is therefore imperative that your partial denture be reassessed
or replaced at regular two yearly intervals.
Natural
teeth are continually wearing down due to masticatory forces.
These are the forces that are applied when you eat.
Conservation
of the remaining natural teeth is enhanced and wear and tear
is minimised, by disturbing those forces of chewing and grinding
evenly to all teeth, including any artificial teeth. A partial
denture plays a large part in minimising the wearing down of
natural teeth.
A
partial denture situated around the natural teeth and opposing
a full denture usually results in the full denture being more
successful and stable. This is due to the better balance and
distribution of all the opposing forces involved in chewing,
swallowing and speaking.
To become accustomed to your partial denture more quickly, it
may help to cut food into smaller portions, and to master chewing
on the premolar (first double teeth) and molar regions (back
teeth) first and then on both sides of the mouth at the same
time. Consuming non sticky food also helps.
Retention
Retention
of a partial denture is normally obtained by attachment to a
natural tooth or teeth on each side and by stainless steel or
metal clasps.
Friction
against the remaining natural teeth and adhesion from saliva
are all aids used to gain retention and stability.Metal
clasps are precise fitting and will not wear or affect your
natural teeth. Clasps do however collect plaque which damages
the enamel on the teeth. Proper oral hygiene is therefore paramount.
Night
time
Dentures
invariably occupy more space in the mouth than natural teeth.
Wearing the appliance continuously enables the tongue and tissues
to more quickly gain tolerance of the new denture. Wearing your
denture at night may be dictated by personal preference however
it is recommended that dentures are removed at night.
Cleaning
Proper
oral hygiene is just as critical for artificial teeth as it
is for natural teeth. It is especially important that the gums
around and between the teeth, are kept thoroughly clean, to
prevent the build up of plaque or tartar, and to prevent odours.
Whenever
possible clean and brush your denture after each meal to remove
debris, with particular attention to the tissue fitting surfaces
of the denture and areas around the clasps where food will tend
to gather.
Ideally,
regular soaking in a commercial denture cleaner and the use
of a soft denture brush with denture paste prevents the build
up of tartar deposits that tend to collect and build up around
the teeth, gums and clasps.
It
is advisable to never use harsh bristle brushes or abrasive
materials. Use warm water only, as boiling water may distort
the denture.
To
prevent accidental damage by dropping the denture, chipping
the teeth or fracturing the denture base, it is advisable to
hold the side or the part of the denture you are actually cleaning
over a sink containing a towel or face washer. All care must
be taken to avoid disturbing, breaking or bending the metal
clasps or retainers, as the fit needs to be precise. If a break
occurs, immediately consult our dentist.
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DENTURE REPAIRS & ADDITIONS
If
a partial denture requires repairing, never attempt to repair
it yourself, or use household adhesives. Always contact our
dentist as the type of repair required may vary greatly. The
stress of chewing puts enormous pressure on the teeth and denture
base. If natural teeth are subsequently lost or extracted, it
is normally possible to add additional artificial teeth to your
partial denture, as a temporary measure.
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METAL DENTURES
Metal
or cobalt chrome alloy dentures have superior physical properties
and generally occupy less space in the mouth than acrylic dentures.
They are stronger, have a greater resistance to fatigue and
are less likely to break under normal conditions.
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ACRYLIC DENTURES
Acrylic
or plastic base dentures are a quicker solution for temporary
dentures. They can be used for almost all cases, but they are
not necessarily the best for the majority of cases. They are
a light weight and easier material to repair, but are weaker
and can fracture more easily due to the forces of chewing, therefore
they generally require a thicker and more extensive coverage,
making the denture more bulky by design.
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ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO DENTURES?
Yes,
dental implants can be used to support permanently cemented
bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually
greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble
the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative
to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants. Consult
your dentist for advice.
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DOES INSURANCE COVER THE COSTS OF DENTURES?
Most
dental insurance providers cover some or all of the cost of
dentures. However, contact your company to find out the specifics
of what they will cover.
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WHAT DO NEW DENTURES FEEL LIKE ?
New
dentures may feel a little odd or loose for a few weeks until
the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place
and you get comfortable inserting and removing them. Also, it
is not unusual for minor irritation or soreness to occur and
for saliva flow to increase when you first start wearing dentures,
but these problems will diminish as your mouth adjusts to the
new denture.
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WILL DENTURES MAKE ME LOOK DIFFERENT?
Dentures
are made to closely resemble your natural teeth so there should
be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures
may even improve your smile and fill out your facial appearance.
