All You Need to Know About Dentures

What are Dentures?

In simple terms, a denture is a type of replacement for natural teeth. What makes it different from other kinds of dental replacement is that dentures are not attached to the jawbone or natural teeth permanently. The main reason behind this is that dentures are meant to replace lots of teeth all at the same time. The only easy way to replace a lost tooth is through using a form of anchor. If multiple teeth placed in the same row are missing, the only viable option remains to be dentures. This is the reason why they are fitted on a mouth that is missing most or all of the teeth.

History

A variety of materials has been used to replace teeth throughout history. Pieces of bone and animal teeth are among the earliest of these primitive teeth replacement materials. Archaeologist found two such rudimentary false teeth wrapped in gold wire in the ancient Egyptian tomb of El Gigel. Over the last century, artificial teeth have been made from some natural substances such as porcelain, ivory, and even platinum. These materials were carved by hand in an attempt to mimic the natural tooth both in function and appearance.
The use of modern technology has offered significant advances in the improved techniques used for affixing them in the mouth and the material used as well. Lightweight metal alloys, synthetic plastic and resins have made teeth more natural looking and durable. Dentists have been able to come up with better designs that are more comfortable and efficient. In the 1980s technology was developed to come up with dentures that are permanently anchored to the jawbone. These new type of dentures are called dental implants and are prepared by specialised dentists.

Types of Dentures

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used to fill the gap when only a few teeth are missing. According to the Australian Dental Association, partial dentures can be attached to the natural teeth in several ways, the most common one being the one that uses metal clasps that grip the natural teeth. The other option preferred by dentists is a partial denture that adheres with precision attachments that are less noticeable. Also, partial dentures can be attached to crowns on natural teeth.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures can either be immediate or conventional. Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum has begun to heal. This always happens eight to twelve weeks after the teeth have been removed. Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures can be positioned in a patient’s mouth as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the patient will not have to go without teeth during the healing process. However, during the healing process, the gums and bones shrink over a period of time. This is especially during the healing process after the removal of the teeth. Therefore, this possess as a disadvantage compared to conventional dentures since the dentist will have to make a lot of adjustments for the dentures to fit properly. Immediate dentures should be taken as a temporary solution until the dentist can make conventional dentures.

Fixed Dentures

Fixed or permanent dentures perform the same function as removable dentures, but they are permanently fixed in place. They are considered to be better than removable dentures regarding retention, stability and aesthetics. Also, there are easier to wear and eat. There are several types of fixed dentures that include dental implants, dental crowns and dental bridges. All of these are made from durable material and with proper care they can last for many years providing you with that perfect smile.

– Dental Implants

Implants are generally made from titanium as titanium is compatible with human bones and tissue. The implant is fixed to the jaw bone. They are generally screw shaped, and there are covered with ceramic so that they can look just like a natural tooth. It requires a dental surgeon to fix the implants into the jawbone. There are then allowed a specific amount of time for them to heal. The dentures are then fixed at a later date after the implants have healed. You will be required to make some multiple visits to the dentist to confirm the colour, shape and fit of the denture to ensure that it is firmly secured in place.

– Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that is fixed permanently on a tooth that is partially removed or broken due to damage. It is also used when a tooth is weak and cannot withstand mastication. The number of visits to the dentist will depend on the type of crown and the position in the mouth.

– Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are fixed permanently and are attached to the existing neighbouring teeth. The dentist has to take the size of the existing gaps and make a dental bridge that will fit and be comfortable. The cost can vary depending on the number of bridges and the position of the mouth where the bridges are to be placed.

Do I Need Partial or Complete Dentures?

If almost all of the teeth in your mouth are missing, it is common for the dentist to recommend the removal of the remaining ones. This only makes sense when there are only, let’s say, three or four teeth remaining in the mouth. For a dentist to fill a complete set of dentures to a patient, the specialist will first need to take a cast of the mouth. After taking the measurements, a conventional set of dentures is prescribed. It is important to give the gum and the bone time to heal so that permanent denture can be added. On the other hand, partial dentures fit only a part of the teeth. The missing teeth are filled with artificial ones that are attached to a flexible plastic frame. There are some patients whose partial dentures are fixed and constant, and they are not removed at night as it is the case with complete dentures. If you have been asked to consider dentures as an option of teeth replacement, ask your dentist for more advice on which type of dentures is best for you.

Why Might I Need Dentures?

Well, your dentist is likely to prescribe dentures if you are missing a number of teeth on both rows. Dentures are the only viable option where there are large gaps in more than three teeth since there is no enough anchor to be able to support dental crown of fillings. The choice of either to have partial or complete dentures entirely depends on how many teeth are missing and where the gaps are located in the mouth.
If you are an older adult, years of wear and tear of the teeth may have caused them to deteriorate. Using dentures to replace them can be a very effective way to eradicate persistent root infection, alleviate pain and generally live an easier life as far as dental health is concerned. However, with the help of new technology dentists are well trained to do everything possible to save the natural tooth. At Carrum Downs Dental Group, our dentists will always do what it takes to save your teeth. So, dentures are only prescribed as a last resort. This means if we dentist recommends dentures that are usually the last option left.
Fortunate enough, dentures have come on leaps and bounds over the decades. Today, they are extremely sophisticated, when worn in the right way, they cannot be distinguished from the natural teeth. They can function just like natural teeth including activities like eating and chewing. You should not look at this option of teeth replacement as something to be dreaded. For older people, it can significantly improve their quality of life.

Procedure for Getting Dentures

The procedure involves an initial consultation with the dentist. The dentist will perform a check up to see if your mouth is suitable for dentures. He/she will discuss your expectations of the procedure as well as your medical history. If there’s need for some teeth extraction, it will be done in the dental clinic. Instances where there are no teeth, then the dentist will assess the condition of the gums to ensure that the gums are healthy and fit for some dentures. The following is the procedure followed when your dentures are being fitted;

– Tooth extraction
The dentist will give you a brief description of how the procedure will take place and the expectations. He may also give advice for the period afterwards to make you comfortable, in case you need a tooth removal.

– Impression
The dentist will make a mould using dental putty which you will be asked to bite on. The mould is used as a blueprint to ensure that the dentures are tailored to your individual needs.

– Bite moulds
Wax blocks are used to check that your biting action is comfortable. The shape and colour of the new tooth is chosen at this point.

– Wax models
The new tooth is then set in wax giving a better idea of how the final denture will work and look.

– Fitting
Finally, the denture is fitted, and the dentist will give instructions on how to care for it.
If you have an immediate denture, then it will be fitted immediately. Since it is fabricated in the first visit to the dentist before the tooth is removed. You are expected to visit your dentist severally in order to check the healing progress.
If you have a standard set of dentures, you will have to wait up to 8 weeks to give your mouth time to heal. Once it is healed then fitting will be done. If you have a fixed denture, then it will be cemented in place.
When going for some consultation to the discussion on how the new denture feels or look, it is essential to take someone along for support. Carrying along your old photos can help to choose a set that matches your natural teeth.

How Are Dentures Created

• Step 1

The manufacturing process starts with a preliminary impression of the patient’s mouth. This is usually done in wax. The impression is used to prepare a diagnostic cast. While making this impression, the dentist applies pressure to the soft tissue so as to stimulate biting force and extend the borders of the mould to the adjacent toothless areas in order to allow the dentures to better adapt to the gum.

• Step 2

Once the dentist obtains a preliminary cast, the final cast is from stone like product known as gypsum. The final mould is inspected and approved before the dental specialist can use it to manufacture the teeth.

• Step 3

After casting the mould, it is then filled with acrylic resin to form the denture. The mould is prepared with an agent before adding the resin to make sure that the hardened acrylic can be removed easily once the process is finalised. A sheet of separating film between the model and acrylic acid is also helpful in this regard. The specialist will then mix the appropriate resin compounds in liquid form. The resin is then dried to harden to a durable finish.

• Step 4

The resin mixture is then packed into the mould, while a vertical vise packs it tightly. The model can be inspected at this point to ensure that it’s properly filled, and if it is necessary, the additional resin can be added. Instead of vice packing, some certain types of acrylic may be poured into the mould. However, this specific method is more prone to air bubbles than hand packing.

• Step 5

Once the resin is packed to the satisfaction of the dental specialist, it is then heated to initiate the chemical reaction that causes the resin to harden. This process may take up to eight hours.

• Step 6

After the heating process is complete and the mould has cooled, the mould is now broken apart to remove the denture.

• Step 7

The model is then fitted to the patient’s mouth to ensure that it properly fits and the bite is good. If it does not fit, the specialist will smooth the surfaces to ensure that it fits properly.
At this point, the denture can be used as a removable type. Implants require additional procedures before they can be used. The dental surgeon must drill appropriate holes in the jaw bone and attach an anchor. The holes are allowed up to six months for them to heal. After the healing process is complete, the dental surgeon will then perform a minor surgery to expose the implants. He will use a small metal rod to hold the crown or bridge. The replacement tooth is finally attached to the rod, where it is firmly held in place.

Material Used For Making Dentures

Denture bases are made out of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) resin which is also known as acrylic resin. To improve mechanical properties, the conventional resin has been modified by rubber reinforcement. However, the high cost of rubber reinforcement restricts their routine use. There is a broad range of materials that can make dentures. Some of them include Acrylic resin, porcelain, modified acrylic resins and composite resins. The most commonly used material is Acrylic resin because they are less liable to chipping or fracture.
Porcelain is also a common material used to make dentures. It has excellent colour stability, superior aesthetics and high abrasion resistance. However, porcelain produces a clicking sound when it gets into contact with each other.

How Long Can I Wear Dentures For?

Dentures are generally worn during the daytime. Usually, they are removed at night and left overnight in a cleaning solution. This does not only disinfect the dentures and keep them free from bacteria, but it also allows the mouth time to carry out its maintenance process. For example, at night when we sleep, the gum tissue is allowed time to rest and the tongue and saliva work to clear the mouth and free it from dirt and debris. You must remove your dentures at night for the maintenance of good oral health. Your dentist will give you proper advice on how long you should wear the dentures and how long you should allow them time to rest. It is also advisable to wear a new set of dentures at night so that the dental specialist can know which part of the dentures requires adjustments. If you spend overnight with your dentures and find that a part of your mouth is tender, it means that the dentures require an adjustment.

Maintenance

The good news is, taking proper care to dentures is surprisingly easy. They do need to be taken out at night, but they should be allowed to rest in a glass of cold, clean water. A majority of people who wear dentures prefer to leave them on cleaning solution. This is usually not very necessary, but it is a great way to ensure that the false teeth stay clean and good condition.
You should regularly brush your dentures just as you would do to natural teeth. If it’s your first time to do this, it will feel a bit odd, but it will soon become a part of your daily routine. Use a towel or a bowl while brushing so that you can minimise the chances of them cracking. The chances are that they may crack when they are dropped from a descent height over the sink. If you have weared dentures for some time and they have developed a deep stain that you can’t remove by regular cleaning, you can ask your dentist to give them a deep cleaning.
To keep your tongue and gums healthy, use a soft bristle brush to clean your mouth twice a day. This will help eliminate bacteria. Just because you are wearing artificial teeth does not mean that you will avoid regular appointments to the dentist. They are very vital for your proper oral hygiene.

Advantages of Wearing Dentures

– Chewing, Swallowing and Speaking
The main advantage of wearing dentures is that it allows people without natural teeth to be able to chew, swallow and speak.
– Maintains Facial Structure
If one of more teeth are missing in a row, there is usually a temper with the facial structure of the patient. This means dentures can make people without teeth to feel good about themselves.
– Alleviates Pain
If someone has been suffering from painful teeth, the dentist can recommend the removal of such teeth if they cannot be saved through other teeth replacement processes.
– Sturdy, Flexible, and Easy to Maintain
Among all teeth replacement options, dentures are very easy to maintain. They are also flexible and sturdy and come with very few downsides

Disadvantages

– Replacement after Every Five Years
There are not many disadvantages only that they require replacement after five years. This is due to inevitable changes of aging and changes within the mouth.

Contact Us Today!
If you are looking forward to having dentures, contact us at Carrum Downs Dental Group for quality services. Our specialists are well-trained to create a custom-made denture that properly fits your mouth. If you have any questions about your dentures or they have stopped fitting you well, please contact us at Carrum Downs Dental Group. We are here to meet all your dentures needs.