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What are dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances that are custom-designed to fit comfortably on the gums and have artificial teeth that appear natural. They are a cost-effective solution for replacing missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaws, and can replace a few or all of the teeth. Unlike fixed options like bridgework and dental implants, dentures can be easily removed for cleaning and maintaining oral health, and can also be taken out while sleeping.
Types of Dentures
There are two main types of removable dentures: full dentures and partial dentures. The best option for your smile will depend on the number and health of your natural teeth. If you have some healthy natural teeth remaining, a partial denture may be the right choice. However, if all of your upper or lower teeth are missing or in poor condition, a complete denture may be more suitable for you.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are a viable choice for replacing the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both. It is essential to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for dental treatments. The design, fabrication, and fitting of full dentures are tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Conventional Full Denture
Once all remaining teeth have been removed and the surrounding tissues have healed sufficiently, this specific denture is crafted and placed. Waiting until complete healing has occurred ensures that the full denture will fit accurately and comfortably.
Immediate Denture
Patients can receive immediate dentures right after extraction, allowing them to have teeth without waiting for complete healing. Although this prevents them from being toothless, adjustments and a reline may be needed as the tissues heal. In some cases, a conventional denture may be required for optimal comfort and fit.
Overdenture
An overdenture is a full denture that is enhanced in stability and support through special attachments. These attachments can be connected to the existing natural teeth or to specific dental implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture is a type of denture that connects to a set number of implants strategically placed in the upper or lower jaw. These implants serve as small surgical posts, providing precise attachment points for the denture and significantly improving stability and retention.
Partial Dentures
When some strong teeth are still present, partial dentures can be a great solution for replacing missing teeth. These dentures use clasps or precision attachments on adjacent teeth to provide stability and retention in the areas where teeth are missing.
Removable partial dentures can fill in the gaps left by one or more missing teeth, restoring the appearance and function of a complete smile. They also help stabilize the remaining natural teeth and prevent them from shifting.
Just like full dentures, the design and fabrication of partial dentures are tailored to each patient's specific needs. With advancements in dental materials and technology, there are more options available than ever before. Partial dentures can be made from materials such as cast metal, flexible resins, and hybrid materials.
At Picasso Dental & Orthodontics, we are committed to creating healthy and beautiful smiles. You can trust us to create a denture that fits well, looks great, and will last for years to come.
What To Expect When You Receive Your New Denture
At Picasso Dental & Orthodontics, our top priority is to provide our patients with the best care and comfort possible. We are dedicated to promoting excellent oral health and keeping our patients informed every step of the way.
Adjusting to wearing a new denture
Adjusting to a new denture, especially a full one, may require some time. It is common to experience minor issues with speaking, chewing, and overall functionality initially. It may take a few adjustments for the denture to fit perfectly and feel comfortable. If you have any sore spots, try wearing the denture at least a day before your adjustment appointment so we can pinpoint the areas causing irritation.
More saliva than usual
Your mouth may experience increased saliva production when adjusting to new dentures, but this is a temporary reaction. Rest assured that the flow of saliva will normalize over time.
Speaking with ease
Adjusting to new dentures may make speaking difficult at first, but this feeling will diminish after a few days. It's important to keep talking as usual to help yourself get used to your new teeth. To make this easier, try reading out loud from books or a computer.
Getting used to eating with a denture
New denture wearers may need some time to get used to eating with dentures. Adjusting to eating with a full denture can be more challenging than with a partial denture. It is advised to begin with soft foods and avoid chewing on just one side. Over time, your tongue, lips, cheeks, and soft tissues will adapt to chewing with your denture, making eating more comfortable.
Taking care of your dentures
Here are some tips to keep your dentures clean and healthy:
1. After eating, rinse and brush your dentures daily to prevent stains and bacteria buildup. Use a denture brush and soak them in water or a denture cleaner at least once a week.
2. Remember to brush your remaining teeth and gums to maintain cleanliness and healthy tissues. If you have an upper denture, clean the roof of your mouth as well.
3. Remove your dentures before bedtime to allow your gums and jawbone to rest, reducing the risk of irritation, infection, and bone shrinkage.
Added stability
There are times when full dentures may need additional retention methods because of the condition of the underlying tissues and other factors. While denture adhesive is typically sufficient, implant-supported or attachment-clipped full dentures offer improved stability and retention.
Follow-up care
It is important to have regular checkups and care to maintain good oral health and overall well-being. During these visits, we will not only check the fit and condition of your dentures, but also thoroughly examine any remaining teeth and assess the health of all the soft and hard tissues in and around your mouth.
Relines
As time passes, the tissues supporting the denture may change, leading to discomfort and instability as the tissues shrink or remodel. In these situations, a reline procedure may be recommended to improve comfort and stability.
We at Picasso Dental & Orthodontics are dedicated to providing excellent care. If you have any questions or concerns about your new dentures, please feel free to contact our office.
