Dentures

Things You Should Know About Dentures

Dentures are used to replace missing, decayed or broken natural teeth. Dentures stop the effects associated with missing teeth such as giving you an older appearance and shifting your remaining teeth from their original places. There are many things you should know about dentures. For example, dentures are just as fragile as natural teeth. They can chip, break or crack.

1.   Dentures

Complete dentures are removable. The gum portion of the dentures, made of plastic, fit over the entire part of the upper or lower jaw. Each set of dentures are made specifically for the person wearing them. Thus, you can pick how you want your new teeth to look which includes the shape, color and size of the teeth. The teeth are made of porcelain or plastic.

Types of Dentures

There are different types of complete dentures called immediate, conventional and overdenture. Overdentures are a type of complete denture that fits over a small number of natural teeth or implants. Immediate dentures are temporary. They are worn from the time your natural teeth are removed until you receive your conventional dentures. 

Conventional dentures are permanent dentures, or the dentures that you use regularly. Conventional dentures are sometimes referred to as permanent dentures. However, they don't last forever. Conventional complete dentures last approximately seven years.

The Process of Receiving Dentures

• The entire process of obtaining complete dentures --- from the removal of your natural teeth to receiving the dentures --- takes about six visits to the dentist. New complete dentures may cause soreness and irritation after you start wearing them. However, the soreness should stop after a couple months. If the soreness or irritation doesn't cease then you may have to return to the dentist for adjustments.

The Cost for Complete Dentures

• According to Consumer Guide to Dentistry, complete dentures range from $400 to $8,000 depending on several factors. For example, the cost of materials, the time it takes to make the dentures and experience of the dentist all factor into the final cost of dentures. However, the final cost of complete dentures depends on your dental insurance and co-pay. The cost for complete dentures doesn't include the cost for any tooth extraction or oral surgery needed to remove natural teeth.

What Is the Process for Permanent Dentures?

1.   Preparation

There are several varieties of permanent dentures which can be used to rectify tooth loss or decay. Some types of permanent dentures are crowns, bridges, and dental implants. While full dentures that are held in place using adhesives, suction and gravity are still used, they are largely being replaced by implant procedures. The preparation work for all types of permanent dentures is similar. 

      The process typically begins with a visual examination of the teeth by the dentist. The extent of the tooth damage and the condition of the gums and ridges will help the dentist to determine the proper type of denture for the individual. An X-ray or CT scan is often performed on the jaw.In some cases, a preparatory surgery must be performed to prepare the ridges to support some types of implants.

Crowns and Bridges

In cases where a single tooth or a group of adjacent teeth are damaged, a dentist may recommend the use of a crown or crowns. Crowns are typically used to protect teeth that have been damaged in some fashion. They can be made of metal, ceramic, resin or porcelain. Receiving a crown typically requires two trips to the dentist office. The first trip entails filing down the tooth that is to receive the crown. A mold is made and typically sent to an off-site facility for manufacturing. A temporary crown is put in place until the permanent crown is ready. On the second trip, the permanent crown is put into place with permanent cement.

Tooth Bridge 3 Unit Bridge - Roseville Dentist

When a tooth or teeth are missing, a bridge can be used to replace them. A bridge is affixed to the teeth surrounding the missing tooth or teeth. This also typically takes two visits. The first visit is used for examination and taking molds. Again, the prosthetic is typically manufactured off-site. The second visit is used for fitting and cementing the bridge.

Implants

The most common type of dental implant is a titanium alloy screw that has a crown affixed to it. Some preparatory surgery to prepare the ridges, but the implant procedure is relatively simple. A very small hole is drilled into the ridge of the jaw and then widened to accommodate the titanium screw. The implant is placed and affixed with a cover. The implants and covers are left in place for up to several months to allow the bone to attach to the implant (a process called osseointegration).

Restoring dental implants video BioHorizons

      Once the bone has attached itself, a temporary crown will be installed as a template for gum growth. When the dentist has determined that the gums are sufficiently prepared, the temporary crown or crowns will be replaced by permanent crowns.

Different Types of Dentures

There are two basic categories of dentures: full plate and partial, according to the website Dentures. The different types of dentures fall into these categories and include full dentures, partial dentures, Cu-Sil and immediate dentures (temporary dentures). There are also a few specialty types of dentures such as cosmetic, permanent, implant supported, flexible, soft and removable

Full Dentures

Commonly referred to as standard dentures, full dentures have an acrylic mouth piece that adheres to the roof and gums of your mouth. Standard dentures are designed to be worn by persons who are missing both upper and lower teeth. Full dentures require a precise fitting to ensure a secure fit and the proper level of suction. Full dentures generally involve four visits to the dentist to complete the design, manufacture and fit of the dentures. 

      It takes approximately eight weeks for the gums to properly heal and stabilize, so some people consider temporary or immediate dentures in the meantime. These are manufactured prior to the removal of the natural teeth and fitted immediately after extraction. The Cu-Sil dentures are very similar to the standard denture and are basically fitted in the same manner. Cu-Sil dentures have open spaces to allow for remaining healthy natural teeth, which is the only difference between them and standard dentures.

Implant supported Upper Denture

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are designed for persons who still have some healthy teeth and are structured to be supported by these teeth or a combination of teeth and tissue. There are a few different types of materials that may be used to manufacture partial dentures, according to the website Accurate Denture Clinic. Acrylic partials are generally used as a temporary or transitional replacement of missing teeth whereas the metal/acrylic partial is more permanent. Thermoplastics allow for more flexibility and aesthetics. Partials have the benefit of stabilizing your natural teeth by preventing them from shifting into spaces left by lost teeth and are not harmful to your remaining teeth.

Permanent Dentures

Permanent dentures are basically installed into your mouth and permanently adhered in different ways. A partial permanent denture is actually bonded to surrounding natural teeth that have been fitted with crowns to allow for more stability. Another method of permanent dentures is referred to as the implant method. Regardless of how many natural teeth you have, implant dentures blend in well with variable mounting methods. 

      The basic process involves the surgical implant of titanium rods into the bone tissue of the gums and positioned according to the design of the dentures. After the gums have healed completely, the dentures are cemented to the rods.

Caring for Dentures

Proper denture care is important for both the health of your dentures and mouth. Here are some tips.

• Handle dentures with great care. To avoid accidentally dropping them, stand over a folded towel or a full sink of water when handling dentures.
  
  
• Brush and rinse dentures daily. Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food and plaque. Brushing also helps prevent the development of permanent stains on the dentures. Use a brush with soft bristles that is specifically designed for cleaning dentures. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush as it can damage or wear down dentures. Gently brush all surfaces of the denture and be careful not to damage the plastic or bend attachments. In between brushings, rinse dentures after every meal.
  
  
• Clean with a denture cleaner. Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid can be used for cleaning dentures. Household cleansers and many toothpastes may be too abrasive for dentures and should not be used. Also, avoid using bleach, as this may whiten the pink portion of the denture. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used to care for dentures. These cleaners are small bathtub-like devices that contain a cleaning solution. The denture is immersed in the tub and then sound waves create a wave motion that dislodges the undesirable deposits. Use of an ultrasonic cleaner, however, does not replace a thorough daily brushing. Products with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance are recommended since they have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
  
  
• Denture care when not being worn. Dentures need to be kept moist when not being worn so they do not dry out or lose their shape. When not worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. However, if the denture has metal attachments, the attachments could tarnish if placed in a soaking solution. Your dentist can recommend the best methods for caring for your particular denture. Dentures should never be placed in hot water, as it can cause them to warp.

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