Dentures and Removable Tooth-Replacement Options
What is a Denture?
Dentures are removable dental prostheses used to replace missing teeth. Depending on their design, they may be supported by the remaining teeth, oral tissues, dental implants or a combination of these structures.
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace some or all missing teeth. Options include acrylic, metal-framework and implant-retained dentures. Suitability depends on the remaining teeth, gums, bone, bite and patient preferences.
How many types of dentures are there?
There are 3 main types:
Partial dentures
Complete or full dentures
Implant Supported Dentures
What are dentures made of?
- Plastic.
Dentures made entirely of plastic - Cobalt Chromium.
It has a a skeleton made of cobalt chromium with mesh holding the plastic portion of the denture. Cobalt Chromium is a strong, durable metal therefore palatal coverage with this metal need not be thick. Thus, patients find Cobalt Chromium denture more comfortable and also able to feel “temperature” of food .
Chrome Denture
Flexi Denture
Important of replacement of missing tooth and/or teeth. What happens if I do not
The effect of missing teeth varies between individuals and depends on the number and location of the missing teeth, the condition of the remaining teeth and the patient’s bite. Possible effects may include changes in chewing, speech, tooth position or support for the lips and cheeks. In some cases, no immediate replacement is required.
Options to Replace
Depending on the clinical situation, options may include no immediate replacement, a removable denture, a dental bridge or an implant-supported restoration.
Advantages of Dentures
- Fast
- Dentures generally involve a different treatment process and cost structure from fixed bridges or implant-supported restorations.
- A removable denture may be designed without preparing adjacent teeth for conventional bridge retainers, although modifications to supporting teeth may sometimes be recommended.
- Dentures may provide support for the lips and cheeks where teeth and supporting tissues have been lost. The amount of support achievable varies.
Disadvantages of Dentures
- Requires some time to get used to
- Difficulty speaking for first-time users
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Can cause foods to taste differently
- May not be retentive
What is the process of denture treatment?
- Pre-treatment evaluation and Treatment Planning.
- Examination & Diagnosis
- X-ray ( OPG full mouth diagnosis)
- Impressions
- Denture treatment commonly involves several appointments for assessment, impressions or digital records, bite registration, trial stages where required, fitting and follow-up. The number and timing of appointments vary.
How soon can I eat and function after my dentures get fit?
Patients can usually begin using their dentures after fitting, but adaptation takes time. Softer foods and smaller portions may be advisable initially. Soreness, altered speech or reduced chewing efficiency can occur during the adjustment period.
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How long to wait after extraction? How long do I have to wait until I get my teeth?
Timing depends on healing, the location and number of extracted teeth, the denture design and whether an immediate, transitional or definitive denture is planned.
- Immediately
- Patients whose work and social life are affected should consider getting dentures as soon as possible. This is especially so for patients with missing or extracted front teeth.
- Dentures can be issued straight after extraction. An impression needs to be taken earlier for fabrication of the denture.
- After 1 to 3 months of proper healing, provisional dentures need to be replaced with new, better fitting dentures
- 1-3 months
- Full healing of gum and bone impressions are taken for fabrication of the new dentures. New dentures are issued 1 to 2 visits thereafter.
- Reline and rebase by addition of plastic/acrylic to existing provisional dentures is possible, but will not be able to fit the resorbed bone ridge perfectly.
Is it Painful?
Denture impressions and fitting are generally non-surgical. Some patients experience pressure, gagging, temporary soreness or irritation. Persistent discomfort should be reviewed.
How to take care of my dentures?
Unless specifically advised otherwise, dentures are commonly removed during sleep to allow the oral tissues to rest. Clean them daily using methods recommended for the denture material and avoid hot water that may distort some bases.
- Brush your dentures twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food and plaque.
- Wash your dentures with a denture cleaner, mild hand soap, or an ultrasonic cleaner. Never use household products to clean dentures (e.g. toothpaste or any harsh, abrasive cleaner) as these can damage your dentures.
- When not in use, your dentures should always be kept soaked in water at room temperature (not hot as heat can alter its shape) or in a denture-soaking solution as recommended by your dentist. If your dentures have metal parts that may tarnish, ask your dentist for advice on how to store them.
- Never wrap your dentures in a paper towel because they could easily get disposed of.