Dentures
Over time, people’s teeth tend to naturally deteriorate. When a tooth has
deteriorated substantially, it often needs to be extracted. And when multiple
teeth are extracted, dentures may be the most appropriate solution. Dentures can
create a natural and healthy looking set of teeth. As well, a properly fitting
set of dentures can greatly enhance your smile and sense of self-esteem.
Complete and Partial Dentures
Many types of dentures exist, including complete and partial dentures. Complete
dentures are used when few of the original teeth remain. The dentist begins by
removing any remaining teeth so the dentures can be fitted. He or she then makes
a mold of the gums and sends it to a dental lab where customized dentures are
constructed. Patients are typically fitted with temporary dentures until the
permanent set of dentures have returned from the laboratory. Partial dentures
are prepared in much the same way as a complete set, and are utilized when only
a few teeth are missing..
Over Dentures
If the roots of a patient’s remaining teeth (the tissue and gums) are strong,
the dentist may suggest over dentures. Over dentures fit on top of the remainder
of teeth in the mouth. With over dentures, the remaining teeth are resculpted
and covered with metal caps to stop future decay. The advantage of over dentures
is that they do not have to be relined as frequently as a complete set of
dentures because the jawbone and gums recede less. In addition, over dentures
create less occlusion (bite) problems than complete dentures.
Once Your Dentures Have Been Placed
At first, your dentures will feel uncomfortable because the gums and tissue are
not accustomed to contact with man-made relining material. Once placed, patients
should wear their dentures continually for the first few days to reduce the
amount of swelling that may occur in the mouth. This swelling typically recedes
in two to three days. Until patients become accustomed to their new set of
teeth, the dentures may feel loose and awkward while chewing food. Eating soft
food may also be necessary for the first few days. Reading aloud helps to
overcome any speech impediments that may occur from the new dentures. Typically,
lower dentures take longer to get used to than upper dentures. The underlying
jawbone may take several months to completely heal and become accustomed to the
dentures. Once this occurs, the dentist removes the dentures and creates a
permanent lining for your teeth (a denture lining is the soft material that
cushions the contact between the denture and the gum tissues).
The Life of your Dentures
Proper care and cleaning will increase the life of your
dentures. Although they typically last five years,
proper care and minimal jaw recession can extend the life of dentures up to 25
years. Dentures should be cleaned daily with a normal or specially-made denture
toothpaste. Once the swelling has reduced, it is advisable to leave one or both
dentures out at night to allow the gum tissues to breathe. In order to prevent
dentures from warping, they should be left in water overnight. Over time, the
lining of the dentures may change, owing to the wear and tear of daily use. In
the case of tissue/bone shrinkage, worn down teeth, or breakage, dentures may
come loose and need to be remade.


