Dentures

Overview

Dentures are replaceable missing teeth that fit over the gum to help in normal functioning of your mouth. The false teeth are made out of acrylic or plastic or metal or nylon and are designed particularly to remove any problem caused by gaps in the mouth.

There are identically two types of dentures, complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used after all your teeth are removed and a conventional denture is created to fit in the mouth. After your natural teeth are removed, it takes about 12 weeks for the gum tissues to heal.

There is another type of complete denture, called immediate denture which is created in advance to be placed in the gaps of your mouth. Therefore, the advantage of immediate denture over complete denture is that in the case of the former you don’t have to stay without teeth for long period. Immediate dentures, however, require lots of adjustments and proper fitting during the healing time.

On the other hand, partial dentures are of two types, removable and fixed. A fixed partial denture (also known as dental implant bridge) attaches artificial teeth under the gum into the jaw area with dental implants. It may directly attach the artificial teeth to your jaw with the help of a dental crown.

Another type of partial denture, called a removable partial denture helps to fill a gap created between two healthy teeth. Removable partial dentures are attached to a metal framework that stays in place of a missing tooth.

Remember, dentures are created to match your natural teeth and therefore, except a slight noticeable change, they look absolutely natural. To sum up, dentures fill your facial look, improve your smile and restore function of your mouth. Creating dentures take time and there are various evaluations and examination processes that one has to go through before the treatment of dentures.

Before the treatment

A dentist or prosthodontist, who specializes in replacement and restoration of teeth assess your oral condition and determine the type of appliances best for you. The next step follows creating plastic patterns or wax forms of dentures in the exact position and shape that fits in your jaw. You will be required to try the dentures so that your dentist can determine its accurate shape, fit and colour. Once done, the final denture is put on casting.

After the original tooth is extracted, the patient is given a temporary denture that speeds up and helps in healing of the tissues in the area. This temporary denture, also called immediate denture is used by the patient until he/she gets a final or permanent denture.

During this period, your dentist takes a mould of your gums and natural teeth to make sure that the dentures fit accurately. Do know this that moulds feel a little uncomfortable but they give you a chance to realize if dentures can fit well. If yes, you are ready for getting dentures.

How its Performed

After undergoing any of the above procedures, it takes some time for your mouth to get adjusted to dentures.

• Once complete dentures are created, they fit in the gap of your mouth. This is the fitting process, during which a little bit of adjustment is required. If necessary, the dentist may shave certain portion of the teeth set to ensure that it fits exactly. Usually, a set of dentures last 10 years, but you may need future adjustments as the fullness of your mouth changes with age.
• The procedure of complete denture goes through two steps. In the first step, all your teeth are removed and 3-6 months are given for your gum and tissues to heal. You have to visit the dentist once again and he fits the set of teeth for you. During the healing period of 3-6 months, your dentist creates the denture out of the mould extracted from your natural teeth that he already took in the beginning. On your final visit to the clinic, the prepared denture is fitted.
• In case of partial dentures, the dentist works it out by creating a bridge out of the replacement teeth that rests on a metal frame in the mouth. This type of procedure is required when you lose one or more teeth in the upper or lower jaw. The surgery is performed by creating a bridge to replace one or more teeth. A crown is created on either side of the gap in your mouth and artificial tooth/teeth are attached to it. In precise, partial dentures help to fill in spaces that have been created by missing teeth.

Recovery

The recovery time of dentures may take several months as your new set of teeth takes some time to get adjusted with the muscles and tongue in your mouth. One may feel certain degree of soreness and irritation and constant flow of saliva in the initial weeks of wearing dentures.

Getting adjusted to the dentures and learning to eat with them requires practice that may take a few weeks. It is best if you avoid hard and hot foods or extremely sticky foods like chewing candies. Some patients may have problems with speaking properly. If you experience discomfort after several months of getting dentures, you should consult with your doctor.