Dentures

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Dentures

Dentures are removable oral appliances that replace missing teeth.
There are many types of dentures –

Complete
Partial
Implant-supported dentures
Over Dentures
Flexible Dentures
Cast Partial Dentures
Unbreakable Dentures
BPS Dentures
Suction Dentures

With proper care and maintenance, the average lifespan of a denture is five to ten years.

What happens during a denture consultation?

We will examine your mouth, including your jaws, gums and any remaining teeth. They’ll also take dental X-rays to check the thickness of your jawbone.

To ensure that you’re eligible for dentures.

The denture that’s right for you depends on several factors, including:

How many teeth you’re missing.
How long your teeth have been missing.
Whether you prefer a removable or nonremovable appliance.
The density and volume of your jawbone.
The relationship between your upper and lower jaws.
Your personal preferences.

How are dentures made?

Fabricating a denture requires several steps:

Taking dental impressions
Making a dental model.
Customizing the denture.
Polishing the denture.

What happens during a denture fitting?

Your dentist will place your new dentures in your mouth and check the fit. They’ll carefully look for any areas that put excess pressure on your gums and make any necessary final adjustments to your denture.

It’s important to know that it usually takes several visits to achieve the desired fit. This is because the soft tissues in your mouth will need time to adjust to your denture.

Risks / Benefits

What are the benefits of dentures?

Dentures offer a number of benefits, including:

Improved chewing function.
Enhanced appearance.
Improved speech function.
Better nutrition (due to improved chewing function).

What are the drawbacks of dentures?

Dentures also have their share of challenges — especially traditional removable dentures. For instance, many traditional denture wearers complain that their appliances shift, wobble or slip out of place when they’re speaking or chewing. In addition, your jawbone gradually shrinks following tooth loss, leading to facial collapse (like sunken-in cheeks).

Recovery and Outlook

How long does it take to get used to dentures?

The answer to this question is different for everyone. It can take time — weeks or sometimes months — to get used to your new dentures. Keep in mind you may need several adjustments during the first couple of weeks to achieve your desired fit.

How long do dentures last?

The average lifespan of a denture is 5 to 10 years. Most people will need replacement dentures at this point.

How can I take care of my dentures?

Proper care and maintenance helps keep your dentures in good condition. Here are a few general guidelines to make sure your appliance lasts as long as possible:

Remove your dentures at the end of every day.
Clean your dentures using a denture brush and paste.
Soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution.
Brush your gums, tongue, inner cheeks, roof of your mouth and any remaining teeth twice a day to remove plaque and debris.

What are some alternatives to dentures?

There are two main alternatives to dentures: dental implants and dental bridges.

Dental implants

Dental implants are the most common alternative to dentures. Dental implants stimulate the nerves in your jaw and halt bone loss (just like natural teeth roots do). Your nerves send signals to your brain, and in return, your brain sends nutrients to your jaw, keeping it strong and healthy.

Dental implants are typically more expensive than dentures, but they can last a lifetime with proper care.

Dental bridges

Dental bridges are an effective alternative if you still have several healthy teeth. Bridges work best for people with one to three missing teeth in a row.

A dental bridge consists of crowns with artificial teeth in between. A dentist fixes the crowns to your natural teeth on either side of the gap, and the artificial teeth fill in the space to complete your smile.

Is it OK to sleep with dentures in?

Most people sleep without their dentures because it’s more comfortable and it gives the tissues in their mouth a rest. Whether you sleep with or without them, it’s important to take them out for at least eight hours every day.

Leaving your dentures out for at least eight hours a day:

Gives your gums a break.
Reduces harmful oral bacteria.
Keeps your jawbone as strong as possible.