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Denture Archives - Page 2 of 2 -

Category: Denture

  • Denture treatment : Restore your smile

    Denture treatment : Restore your smile

    Denture treatment – Restore your smile

    There was a time when people thought of dentures as a last resort. They thought of them as a kind of failure option for people who could not take proper care of their teeth. Dentures used to be rough, uncomfortable, and ill-fitting and were not appealing to the eye. Fortunately, things have changed in a great way over the years. Today dentures are very comfortable and pretty much similar to the natural teeth when worn in the right way. All of these are as a result of the advancement of technology in the field of dentistry.

    Dentures can replace missing teeth and restore your smile. If you have lost your teeth, whether from injury, gum disease or tooth decay, replacing your missing teeth will benefit your facial appearance. When you lose your teeth, your facial muscle can sag making you look older than you actually are. Dentures help in filling out the appearance of your face. If you are considering to get dentures or already have them, the chances are that you have some questions on how they are going to help you restore your smile. This article will discuss more about denture treatment and how it can restore your smile.

    What are Dentures?

    Dentures are artificial teeth and gums created by a dentist to replace removed or lost natural teeth. Dentures are different from other tooth replacement options because they are not permanently attached to the jawbone or the natural teeth. This is because dentures are primarily designed to replace lots of teeth at the same time. Dentures can either be full or partial dentures. Complete dentures are worn during the day and taken out for cleaning at night. Partial dentures work in the same manner,but for them to work, they have to be clipped on other natural teeth for support. Both these options are very common,and they come with their own unique pros and cons.

    What are Dentures Made of?

    Traditionally, dentures used to be made out of plastic or porcelain. Today, modern technology has enabled dentists to make them out of hard resin. The material used to make dentures is known to be more fragile compared to the natural teeth. Therefore, it is important to handle them with care since they can crack or chip when dropped. This material also wears off quicker compared to the natural teeth and must be replaced after a certain period. The supporting structure that holds the artificial teeth in place that looks like the gums is also made out of resin.

    Types of dentures

    Complete dentures

    Complete dentures also known as full dentures are dentures are removable dental appliances meant to replace missing teeth. Complete dentures are beneficial when the patient has lost all his/her teeth. It can take a dentist a total of 8 to 12 weeks to complete a full denture treatment.

    Immediate dentures

    Immediate dentures are placed on the same day after the remaining teeth have been extracted. During your preliminary visit, your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw. You do not have to be without teeth during your healing period. However, your dentures may need to be readjusted or remade after the healing process.

    Partial dentures

    Partial dentures are removable dental appliances that consist ofartificial teeth that havebeen attached to a plastic acrylic base coloured like gums. Partial dentures are used on patients who have lost one or more teeth but not all of them. Dentures mostly use partial dentures when the adjacent teeth are not strong enough to hold a dental bridge. Partial dentures can be used on both the upper and lower jaw and remain secure on either location during their use. Partial dentures are a great addition to a smile of anyone who has lost their teeth due to different reasons. This is because it helps fill the spaces left and prevents the remaining tooth from shifting due to pressure.

    Custom dentures

    Custom dentures are made of more expensive teeth, which makes them appear more natural looking. One can see the new denture before it is completed. Your dentist customises the denture for your smile. Therefore, it is natural looking,and it suits your needs.

    Over dentures
    Overdentures might be for you if regular dentures make you feel uncomfortable when wearing them or you have a few existing teeth left. Your dentist will fit the overdentures to your existing natural teeth. This will make them fit you more comfortable and will still be easy to remove.

    Implant supported dentures
    With implant supported dentures, your dentist uses an implant to support the denture securely. The dental implant offers great support for a solid foundation, allowing the denture to stay securely in position. The implant is also natural looking and lasts for long too.

     

    Snap in dentures
    These are the most effective choice for dentures when it comes to stability. Snap-in dentures are held securely in place with the help of dental implants or anchors onto the existing natural teeth. Snap-in dentures are considered as unique due to the locator attachments embedded within the tissue side of the denture. These locator attachments are snapped onto the locator receptors or onto the implants. Therefore, it means that they are convenient and removable just like partial dentures. Usually, dentists use these dentures when a patient does not have any teeth but still has enough bone to support an implant.

    Do I Need Partial or Complete Dentures?

    If most of your natural teeth are missing, it is most likely that your dentist will recommend that you remove the remaining few. This makes sense when there are only, say two or three teeth remaining in the entire mouth. It is possible for the dentist to design dentures that will accommodate the remaining few teeth but this will end up being expensive,and the remaining teeth will not be as important. So it will only make sense for the dentist to remove the few remaining teeth and fit the patient with a complete denture.

    On the other hand, partial dentures work the same way as complete dentures work,but they don’t replace all the teeth in the mouth. For some patients, partial dentures may be fixed,and for other it can be removable in a way that they can remove at night and have them cleaned. If your dentist recommends dentures as the best teeth replacement option for you, he/she will advise you on the best option.

    Denture Treatment Procedure

    Pre-denture healthy visit
    While acquiring new dentures, you will need to make the first visit to your dentist. During this visit, the dentist will assess the health of your gums if they are ready for the new set of artificial teeth. To do this, your dentist will give you a complete examination which includes x-rays. This is to make sure that they are no unseen challenges that may emerge later with your jawbone. At this stage, the dentist might recommend some additional procedures such as removing any excess flabby tissues to ensure a perfect fit of the dentures. The dentist might also reshape the jawbone for a tighter fit. The dentist will also use this visit to remove any remaining teeth (that is if there are only a few remaining).

    During this visit, the dentist will begin the process of making the mould of the upper and lower gums. The dentist prefers to undertake this process when you have absolutely no teeth so that he/she can make a perfect impression for your gums. Finally, your dentist will discuss with you some important elements such as the shape, size and shade of your new set of teeth.

    Denture Length and Plane Adjustment
    The second visit will be used for the dentist to decide the length of the teeth based on the patient’s mouth. Your dentist will make a correct alignment between the upper and lower jaw to ensure that the dentures are of an ideal fit. The dentist will make sure that the bite is perfect so that they will be no clicking when you are talking.

    Denture Wax Try-in
    This visit is meant for trying in the new dentures. This visit will allow the dentist to know if the dentures are fitting comfortably or they need some few adjustments. If there are some adjustments required, you will have to wait for a few more days while the dentist is working on them.

    The fourth visit is now the final one. During this visit, you will leave with your dentures installed so that you can continue with your daily activities such as eating and speaking just as you used to. The dentures will also significantly improve your appearance and restore your smile.

    Denture Adjustment Period

    It will naturally take you some time to adjust and adapt to the new set of dentures for eating, speaking and feel. Initially, your new set of artificial teeth will feel a little lose or odd for some few weeks. This is until the muscles in your tongue and cheeks learn how to keep the dentures in place. After the muscles have adjusted, you will now be able to remove and insert them without any difficulties. It is common for you to feel some minor irritation and soreness during the initial days. The saliva flow in your mouth might also increase. However, these problems will start diminishing as soon as you start adjusting to the new dentures.

    Learning to eat may also give you some difficulties during the initial days,and it might feel uncomfortable. Most likely, your dentist will recommend that you start eating some soft foods as you adapt. After you have adjusted, you can now go back to eating your favourite food just as you used to as part of your normal diet. However, there are some foods that you should avoid such as some hard and crunchy foods. You might also want to avoid any foods that are sticky such as chewy candies and gum.

    Some patients may also find it a bit difficult to speak while wearing dentures. It will take some practice to learn how to speak well with dentures on. If the speaking problem persists for quite some time, you should consult your dentist. In addition, if you experience discomforts for a long period, you should consult your dentist as well. Your dentures may be requiring some adjustments.

    Benefits of wearing dentures

    Restore Your Smile

    Dentures are a great solution to missing teeth. They offer the patient with a new set of teeth that are comfortable and natural looking. They also help restore a beautiful smile. A smile is an awesome way to communicate and meet different new people. It is said a smile alone can be able to communicate a thousand words.

    Pain-free meals

    Eating your meals with missing or damaged teeth can be extremely painful. In fact, some people with missing or damaged teeth have to avoid certain foods completely. Fortunately, your dentist can design custom-made dentures for you that fit like a glove. So eating is once again made a pleasant and satisfying experience.

    Prevents bone loss

    When adults lose their teeth, it often leads to bone loss. And to maintain density, the bones need stimulation. In this case of the jaw bones, stimulation is brought by the constant movement of teeth. If teeth are missing, the jaw starts to deteriorate and reduce in size. Depending on the number of the missing teeth, the face structure can collapse hence altering one’s appearance and making one look much older than his or her age. Dentures offer support to sagging facial muscles and structures, thus adding years to the one’s appearance.

    Natural speech

    A lot of people experience speech problems after their teeth are extracted or fallen out. Gaps from the missing teeth can create embarrassing speech impairments accompanied with certain phonetic sounds. Dentures will end your struggle with communication by restoring the fullness of your natural smile. With dentures, you do not have to worry about repeating yourself or being misunderstood when missing teeth change your diction or pronunciation.

    Protect tooth alignment

    If you are missing some teeth, a partial denture can be used to fill them in. This helps to protect the alignment of the remaining teeth. When one chews with missing teeth, the remaining teeth can drift into the gaps and lead to misalignment. Overtime, this may result in more tooth loss. Dentures prevent this by filling in the spaces and keeping the bite stress evenly spread.

    Specific to you

    Your dentist will customise your dentures in a way that they will measure exactly as your mouth. He or she will make take a mould of your mouth and come up with dentures that can comfortably fit you. Dentures are never similar to all patients. This means that you will be able to get the most realistic and comfortable fit possible.

    How to properly take care of your dentures

    Taking proper care of your teeth is essential for both the health of your dentures and mouth. Here are some of the tips for taking proper care of your dentures.

    Handle with care

    Dentures can crack or fracture if you drop them. Therefore, dentists recommend folding a towel over the sink or putting a bath mat on your floor to soften the fall in case you drop them. Also, dentures can warp if they are put in hot water. So, remember not to leave them in a bowl of hot water or hold them under a running faucet of hot water. Always ensure to use cold or lukewarm water when submersing your dentures.

    Brush your dentures at least daily

    Gently remove and clean your dentures on a daily basis. It is recommended to soak and brush your dentures with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive cleanser to clean out plaque and food remains. If at all you use denture adhesive, clean the grooves that fit against your gums to remove any remaining adhesive. Never use denture cleanser inside your mouth.

    Brush with a denture brush and not a regular toothbrush

    A denture brush is a soft bristled brush that is tapered to clean those hard to reach places. Its bristles are softer than normal toothbrushes and cannot scratch the plastic of your dentures. When you use a normal toothbrush, it may leave tiny, almost invisible scratches in your dentures which will become harbours for bacteria.

    Give them a break

    Always take out your dentures at night before retiring to bed so that your mouth tissues can recover from wearing them during the day. In case taking out your dentures at night is not an option for you. Then ensure that you remove them for 6 to 8 hours at another time of the day. After removing them, you can soak them in warm water if they have metal clasps. If they do not have metal clasps, you can soak them in either a special denture cleanser or a half-vinegar, half-water solution. Soaking helps in removing plaque, tartar, bacteria and stains.

    How Long Will Dentures Last?

    Due to the fact that dentures are made out of artificial material and are not attached on top of the existing enamel, they do not deteriorate with time. Actually, the main reason why most people replace their dentures is because of the changes that occur in their mouth. This is the natural part of aging,and your dentures will need some readjusting to remain secure and comfortable.
    If you visit your dentist on a regular basis, he/she will be able to spot the need for readjustment early before you start experiencing irritation and tenderness. Dentures can last for a number of years if they were made out of quality material and if they are well taken care of. Listen and implement all the advice your dentist gives you on how to take proper care of your dentures. If you do that, your dentures will last longer and will allow you to continue with your life in a normal way.

    How to Clean Your Dentures

    Irrespective your type of dentures, all dentures require cleaning on a daily basis. Even if dentures are made up of artificial material, they are still prone to plaque, tartar and bacteria and can be the cause of harm to your gums.
    To properly clean dentures, remove them and run some clean water on them to remove any dislodged food particles underneath the structure or along the gum line. You can then brush the dentures all over using some mild soap or denture cleaner with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also acquire a denture brush for the same purpose from your dentist. Be sure not to use the regular toothpaste used in natural teeth, electric toothbrushes or mild soap as these may be too abrasive to the dentures. They may damage the material thus wearing it off.
    While your dentures are out of your mouth, make sure that you clean your gums and any natural teeth remaining with a soft and wet toothbrush with some fluoride toothpaste. If you feel like your brush is too rough, you can wipe your gums using a wet cloth. Just wrap the cloth on your finger and gently rub the surfaces of the gums making sure that you cover all the surfaces.

    Bottom Line

    Many people shy away from getting denture implants due to the misconception about comfort associated with the dental appliance as well as an unattractive appearance. However, dentures that have been custom made specifically for you are less likely to have such problems. Dentures used today are not similar to the ones our grandparents used to wear. Dentists today can access modern technology in dentistry and come up with dentures that look just like your natural teeth. As such, patients are pleasantly amazed at the benefits that come with dentures. They enable you to restore your beautiful smile among other benefits.
    Your dentures are an investment for your future. Make sure that you get a qualified dentist in the field when you are ready to start the journey with dentures.

  • 5 Things to expect when getting a Denture

    5 Things to expect when getting a Denture

    5 Things to expect when getting a Denture

    Dentures are the best non-invasive replacement for your fallen teeth. If you happen to lose your teeth due to some unfavourable conditions, then your dentist will place an artificial tooth to replace the natural one. With today’s advancement of technology in dentistry, dentures can be made to look, feel and function just like natural teeth. However, there is still not a substitute for healthy, natural teeth and cannot be able to perform to the same standards as natural teeth.

    When you receive your new dentures, your speech will be altered and you might experience some difficulties in eating. Involuntary actions such as yawning, sneezing and coughing might unseat your dentures. You will require some patience and learning so that you can be able to effectively use them. Here are some few things that will help you know what to expect when you receive your dentures.

    1. Speaking

    Speaking may appear strange to you and even sometimes prove difficult. This is because your tongue has to learn exactly where the teeth are. To help you adjust, try and read aloud to yourself during the first days. Make sure you occasionally take some sips of water as you read aloud as this may make your mouth dry. Don’t feel embarrassed while talking in front of people as most of them will not notice any difference with your speech. As you continue practising, your tongue will adjust and you will start speaking normally.

    2. You Will Develop Some Sore Spots

    You may find that your mouth develops some sore spots during your first days of wearing dentures. This is a very common occurrence. The main reason behind this is that your new dentures will settle into your gums and will need some time to reshape into the shape of the new dentures. Normally, this process takes about seven to fourteen days. Visit your dentist once you form a sore spot for adjustments. Make sure you continue wearing the dentures even if you feel the soreness so that the dentist can know where to adjust.

    3. You Might Temporary Lose the Sense of Taste

    Most patients report that their sense of taste has been affected after wearing dentures for the first time. Most people think it’s because the palate has been covered by the dentures. However, this is not the case, in fact, the taste buds are not located on the palate but on the tongue. The main reason why some people experience this is because the feeling of food been squashed on the palate is no more. The other reason is that as much as the taste buds are fully functional, the message they send to the brain is interrupted by other messages from sensory nerves notifying the brain that there is a strange thing in the mouth.

    4. Certain Foods Restriction

    You will be restricted on eating some certain types of foods while wearing dentures. During the first days, you will only be required to take soft foods such as mashed potatoes and pudding. Such foods are gentle to your gums and will not exert much pressure on them.

    5. You Will Need to Clean Your Dentures on a Daily Basis

    To avoid build-up of stain and other materials, you will need to clean your dentures. Be sure to use a soft toothbrush instead of a hard-bristled because it can damage your dentures. Also, use non-abrasive toothpaste as recommended by your dentist.

    Bottom Line

    Whether you are receiving full or partial dentures, replacing your teeth is of utmost importance. After all, your facial muscles will begin to sag without teeth. Schedule an appointment with us at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic if you are considering to have dentures as your preferred tooth replacement option. After receiving them, you will need to schedule aregular dental appointment for realignment and adjustment after at least six months.

  • All You Need to Know About Dentures

    All You Need to Know About Dentures

    There was a time when people thought of dentures as a very last resort, as a part of failure option that has been designed for people who could not maintain proper dental hygiene. There were uncomfortable, rough, ill-fitting and also did not have a nice appearance. Fortunately, today things have drastically changed. Now, when worn correctly, dentures cannot be distinguished from the natural teeth. All of these is as a result of continued evolution of dental treatment and dentistry. Denture quality is improving every other day, and it is no longer uncomfortable to wear them. Due to the fact that they are numerous reasons why people might require replacement teeth, this is good news for patients. The use of dentures is more common among the elderly, as a life time of constant wear and tear, teeth can easily become too damaged to keep them.
    However, this is never a guaranteed outcome. If you take exceptional care of your natural teeth, the chances are that you might be able to keep them all your life. Taking proper care of your teeth means regular brushing and flossing (at least twice a day), taking a healthy diet and visiting the dentist for at least once after every six months. Nevertheless, a majority of us end up requiring dentures when we age. If your dentist recommends for you this type of treatment, it is best to be informed and knows exactly what the whole process involves. Is it easy to keep the dentures clean? Can I wear them all day? How do I provide proper maintenance to them? Well, if you ever ask yourself such questions, worry no more. This is a comprehensive guide to the denture and will inform you of everything you ever wanted to know.

    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.

     

  • Tooth Replacement Options: Dental Implants, Bridges and Dentures

    Tooth Replacement Options: Dental Implants, Bridges and Dentures

    Tooth replacement is not something a majority of people would love to undertake, but gum diseases, physical trauma as well as teeth decay can lead to loss of teeth. The consequences of losing teeth are more than just aesthetic: they go to a great extent to affecting the way one speak and eat. In addition, the jawbone that does not seem to have anything to anchor itself on tends to shrink back reducing the future possibility of teeth replacement options. Also, the jawbone into which replacements might be placed is reduced, affecting the shape of an individual’s face. Patients have several tooth replacement options to choose from. Some of these tooth replacement methods include dental implants, bridges and dentures. Dental Implants are a standard of excellence by which other methods of tooth replacement are judged. Dental implants are not only stable but also longer lasting compared to other methods.

    Dentures are removable devices and are much cheaper. This means that patients can be able to remove their dentures at the end of the day for cleaning. Dentures are comfortable and enhance the aesthetic appeal of an individual. Bridges are common teeth replacement option undertaken by millions of people all over the world. The procedure specifically involves grinding away the healthy adjacent teeth then adding a bridge across the teeth to support a crown. Replacement teeth are durable and should last for years, so a patient must pick the right treatment that suits him or her. The following is a detailed review of different tooth replacement options that a dentist may suggest to patients depending on their specific needs.

    Dental Implants

    Many patients choose dental implants as a tooth replacement option to replace a single tooth, several or even to support a full set of dentures. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth. Dental implants are an ideal option for people who generally have good oral health and have lost a tooth or teeth due to various reasons like injury, periodontal disease or any other reason. They are in most cases made of titanium which is a strong and lightweight metal or any other material that is compatible with the human body. A majority of people find dental implants to be an ideal method and feel very comfortable with them. However, dental implants cannot apply to everyone. For dental implants to be installed, the patient must undergo a surgical process, due to this reason the patient must have good health in general. Either the patient must have adequate jawbone so as to be able to support the implants or undergo surgery to build up the specific areas needing the implant. The patient should also be ready to commit to a proper oral care and regular visits to the dentist.

    The basis of modern dental implants is a process known as osseointegration in which compatible material to the body such as titanium is allowed to fuse with the jawbone. First, the implant fixture is placed so that it can osseointegrate before placing a dental prosthetic ( bridge, tooth or denture). The healing process of a patient may slow if the patient is suffering some chronic diseases such as leukaemia or diabetes. Patients suffering from this conditions may not be good candidates for dental implants. Other factors that may also slow the healing process includes the use of tobacco. Before a patient can receive dental implants, the dentist will recommend if that is the best option for him or her. While placing the implant, the dentist evaluates the amount of stress that will be impacted on it during normal functioning like eating. Initial planning of the position and number of the implants is paramount to the long-term health of the prosthetic. This is because there can be some significant forces created during chewing. The final prosthetic can either be removable or fixed. Removable prosthetic is that which the patient can be able to remove while fixed prosthetic is that which is permanent and the patient cannot be able to remove. In each of this cases, an abutment is attached to the implant fixture. The risk and complications that may arise during the procedure are divided into two; those that may arise during the surgery and those that may arise after. Those that may arise during the surgery include nerve injury and excessive bleeding. Those that may arise after includes failure to osseointegration and infection. If the patient has good overall health, the success rate of dental implants ranges from 93 to 98 percent and can support biomechanical loads for up to 5 years.

    What is involved in a Dental Implant?

    There are different types of dental implants. Depending on the type, treatment can either take a single day, several months or somewhere between. The dentist will outline a treatment plan that is the best and most likely to be successful for the patient. There are three major phases involved:

    – Placement of The Implant

    In this phase, the dentist places the implant through surgical methods into the jawbone. The first step is soft tissue reflection. This step involves placing an incision over the crest of the bone so as to split the thicker attached gingiva. The edges of the tissue that are referred to as flap are pushed backwards so that the bone can be exposed. The next step is drilling under high speed. During this step, the dentist makes pilot holes with precision drills at a high but regulated speed so as to prevent pressure necrosis or burning of the bone. The oral surgeon then drills the pilot hole at low speed to expand it to fit the implant. The dentist then places the implants and allows them time to adapt to the tissue.

    – The Healing Process

    What makes the implant to be strong is the fact that bone actually grows around it and helps in holding it in place. This process may take some time, and some patients may have to wait until the implant has completely healed so that they can replace the teeth. This can take several months. There some patients that can have both the implant and teeth replacement on the same day.

    – Replacing The Missing Tooth or Teeth (Prosthesis)

    The final phase is where the dentist now places a custom-made bridge, crown or dentures to fit the patient’s mouth and the implants. Once attached, the replacement tooth or teeth will appear just like the natural teeth, and it will be very hard to tell the difference. Prosthesis always takes some time to heal, but in the meantime, the dentist can give a temporal bridge or crown. This can help the patient speak and eat normally until the permanent replacement is ready.

    Advantages of Using Dental Implants

    – Maintains The Integrity of The Remaining Teeth

    On top of functioning and looking just like the natural teeth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without necessarily affecting the neighbouring teeth. Other replacement option relies on the support of the neighbouring teeth.

    – Maintain Bone Health

    The jawbone is better preserved since the implant will replace the tooth root. Implant integrate with the jawbone, assisting to keep the jawbone intact and healthy. With some other methods, some of the bone that surrounded the tooth previously starts to deteriorate.

    – Long-Term Benefits

    In the long-term, implants are comfortable aesthetic and functional. With some other methods, the gum may begin to deteriorate around this area and leave physical defect. This can lead to collapsed and unattractive smile.

    Maintenance

    After dental implants have been placed, the patient is expected to carry out normal dental care procedure similar to natural teeth. The patient should brush and floss just as it’s in natural teeth. It is also advisable that the patient visits the dentist on a regular basis since it can suffer periodontal disease. The proclaim on crowns is expected to crack, discolour or need repair after approximately ten years, however, this largely depends on the material used.

    Bridges

    Dental bridges just like dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. Dental bridge bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by permanently joining an artificial tooth to the adjacent teeth or dental implants. A bridge is made up of two or more dental crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap. These two or more anchoring teeth are known as abutment teeth. Types of bridges may vary depending on their fabrication and the way they anchor to the adjacent teeth.

    Consultation and Treatment Planning

    Once the dentist has carried out the appropriate examination and has resolved that the patient will receive dental bridges as the best replacement method for the missing tooth or teeth, the dentist will advise on different materials. The availability of material will depend on a number of factors. Some of them include; where the bridge is purposed to be placed, patient’s insurance cover and some other factors the dentist will outline. Bridges can today be fabricated from a combination of metal and porcelain, gold and porcelain, or with some metal free materials such as alumina or zirconia. In the planning stage for an ideal restoration, the dentist will take some X-rays and impressions of the treatment area and preoperative photographs as well. Depending on the number of consecutive teeth the patient is missing, the bridge could be three or more units, two crowns cemented to the teeth on either side of the space (knowns as abutments), plus one or more fake teeth to fill the space (known as pontics). The dentist will take additional impressions after preparing the abutment teeth.

    Candidacy and Procedure Details

    During a patient’s first visit, the dentist is expected to examine the current state of the patient’s gums and how healthy they are to evaluate if the patient is a candidate. Qualified candidates are then given a local anaesthetic so that the dentist can be able to prepare the required teeth to support the bridge. If by any chance the support teeth are in bad shape in that they are badly broken down or decayed, the dentist will first be required to build them back before they can support the bridge. Next, the dentist will take an impression of the prepared teeth with a material which is putty-like that is used to come up with a model of the teeth. A skilled lab technician will use this model to fabricate the bridge so that it can accurately and comfortably fit the patient. It is important that the dental bridge fits the patient well so as to avoid any future dental health complications such as tooth decay. The patient will have to wait for the restoration to be fabricated, during this time the dentist will fit him or her with temporary to protect teeth and gums from damage until the permanent bridge is ready. This means that for the procedure to be complete, the patient must return to the dentist for a second visit to have the bridge fitted and cemented.

    Recovery and Post Procedure Care

    After cementing the bridge into place, the dentist will provide the patient with a list of to do and not to do things when it comes to dental hygiene so that the restoration can last longer along with the health of the teeth and gums. The patient will also be given a special floss threader that will allow proper flossing in the areas supporting the bridge and between the underlying gums tissue.

    What are The Benefits of Dental Bridges?

    – They restore the ability to talk in a proper manner

    – Restore a beautiful smile

    – Prevents the remaining teeth from getting out of position

    – Properly distributes the force in the patient’s bite by replacing the missing teeth

    – Maintains the shape of the face

    Types of Dental Bridges Available

    There are four types of dental bridges that a patient can choose from. This include:

    – Traditional Dental Bridges

    These are the most popular among the available options. These bridges include one or more pontics and are held in place by dental crowns. These dental crowns (also known as abutments) are cemented onto the teeth which are adjacent to the missing tooth. These bridges can only be used when the patient have natural teeth on the both side of the missing tooth. One good thing about the traditional bridges is that they are strong enough in that they can be able to replace molars. The dentist will be required to prepare the adjacent teeth by removing their enamel so that he can create room for the crown which will be later cemented on top.

    – Cantilever Bridges

    Cantilever bridges are very similar to the traditional bridges only that an abutment supports cantilever bridges only on one side instead of both sides. This means that if there is only one side available to the missing tooth, the replacement can still be possible. Just like traditional bridges, the dentist will need to remove the enamel of the adjacent support tooth so that it can support the bridge. This method is, however, not very common nowadays and is only recommended for teeth located at the back of the mouth where there is no much pressure to damage them.

    – Maryland Bridges

    Also known as Maryland bonded bridges or resin-bonded bridges, they are considered as a conservative alternative to traditional dental bridges. Maryland bridges consist of pontics held in place by porcelain or metal framework. The framework is bonded onto the back of the two adjacent teeth to the missing tooth. The adjacent teeth don’t need to be filled since the bridge is not held in place by crowns. While Maryland bridges have lots of advantages, they also do have their downfall. They have limited strength compared to traditional bridges so they may not stay in places where the teeth are subjected to a lot of pressure like the molars.

    – Implant-Supported Bridges

    Implant supported bridges can be used when the patient has more than one teeth missing. These bridges are supported by dental implants instead of being supported by frameworks or crown. One implant is usually placed for every missing tooth, and this continues to all the teeth the patient has lost. However, if placing one implant for every lost tooth is not possible, the bridge may consist of pontic suspended between two implant supported crowns. These bridges are the most comfortable just as the natural teeth because dental implants secure them. Patients are expected to provide good dental hygiene that includes normal brushing and flossing so that the bridge can last longer.

    Dentures

    Dentures, which are also knowns as false teeth are a removable prosthetic device made to replace missing teeth and adjoining tissues. They are supported by the surrounding hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Complete dentures are made to replace all the teeth while partial dentures replace only a section and prevent other surrounding teeth from shifting position. Complete dentures are divided into two that is convectional and immediate. A convection denture is used when the dentist have removed all the teeth that were available in the mouth and have left the sites for a period of time to heal. On the other hand, immediate dentures are placed as soon as the teeth are removed.

    Who Needs Dentures?

    People who qualify as good candidates for complete dentures have either lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is ideal for those people who have only lost a section of their natural teeth, and there are some remaining. As mentioned above, a denture improves speech of a person, chewing ability and provides support for facial muscles. The use of dentures can in a great way enhance an individual’s smile and facial appearance.

    How are Dentures Acquired?

    The process involved in receiving dentures takes about one full month. Usually, there are about five or more dentist appointments needed so as to complete the process. The denture process starts with the initial diagnosis. This part involves making of an impression and wax bite in order to determine the proper jaw position and the dimensions. This tries to take the proper jaw shape, fit and colour for the final denture. Once the dentures are ready, and the patient has started using them, they need time to be accustomed to them because even the best fitting denture will feel awkward at first. The ability to speak in a normal way resumes shortly after the placement of the final dentures. Additionally, in order to become accustomed to chewing food with the new dentures, it is recommended to first start with easy-to-chew soft foods. To ensure that the denture fits properly, it is best to visit the dentist on a regular basis.

    Benefits

    Denture comes with a number of benefits, some of them include:

    – Aesthetics

    Dentures give the face a natural appearance and also supports the cheeks and lips and rectify the collapse appearance brought about by tooth loss.

    – Mastication

    The chewing ability is restored by placing edentulous areas with dentures.

    – Self-esteem

    Improves speech and looks boosts an individual’s self-esteem since they possess the ability to interact socially.

    – Pronunciation

    Since replacing missing teeth enables a person to speak better, there is an improvement in pronouncing words containing fricatives and sibilants.

    How to Provide Proper Care to Dentures

    – Remove and brush the denture daily using a denture cleanser and toothpaste. Use a brush that is specifically meant for brushing dentures.

    – Avoid the use of hot water when sterilising the dentures because the use of hot water can cause the dentures to lose initial shape.

    – While not wearing the denture, it is advisable to soak it in water or denture cleanser.

    – For patients using partial dentures, first, remove them before cleaning the natural teeth.

    – Store the denture in the same place so as to avoid misplacing it.

    Should Denture be worn at Night?

    While most patients are advised to wear their dentures continually even at night especially within the first two weeks, it is best to remove them during the night. Research haves it that removing dentures at night allows the gum to rest and stimulate normal cleansing of the mouth by the tongue and saliva. By doing this, the patient promotes better long-term health of the gums.

     

  • All You Need to Know About Denture Repairs

    All You Need to Know About Denture Repairs

    It is unfortunate that a majority of people fail to give their dentures proper care. According to recent research, almost 60% of people using dentures don’t provide proper care to them. What is even worse is, when most people discover that their denture needs some repair, they usually put off denture repair for a later date. This article will walk you through all what you need to know about denture repair.

    What is Denture Repair?

    First things first, what is denture repair? Well, to put it in simple words, denture repair is a fix of the denture itself, part of it or the framework. Although there are many different types of denture repair, the most common one is tooth repair. This is essentially when a single tooth is either replaced entirely or fixed.

    Why Is My Denture Breaking?

    – Dropping or Banging

    Dropping or banging is the most common reason why dentures break. Most denture users have a tendency of banging their dentures on the tap or dropping in the sink while cleaning. Studies have shown that denture may not break instantly when dropped, but the repetitive impact can weaken a spot which eventually leads to denture breaking.

    – The Age of The Denture

    The more a denture gets old, the more prone it becomes to breakage. The main reason for this is that, as it ages the fit become looser as also your mouth changes. Often, this causes rocking of the dentures while being worn. Such repetitive flexing weakens the plastic making it break.

    Other reasons that lead to denture breaking include denture not fitting well, heavy grinding or clenching among others.

    Why is Denture Repair Important?

    When a small crack appears in a denture tooth, most people may think denture repair is not necessary. However, the truth is that denture repair is very much necessary even if it’s just a simple crack. This is because it may indicate progressive damage. What you see as a small crack now, may lead to a broken tooth tomorrow. For this reason, denture repair and more specifically tooth repair are important.

    If some denture problems are neglected and left alone, further complications may surface. In most cases, the denture itself may break into two parts. This is why it is important to repair your dentures even if it’s a single tooth. In most cases, problematic dentures may cause pain to the user, and may even result to further dental problems. Delaying denture repair will not only cause more damage to the denture but also to you as the user.

    Looking For Someone to Repair Your Denture on The Spot? Dentist in Carrum Down Can Help.

    While the prosthetic appliance is built in a way that it can withstand the rigorous of everyday use, you must note that the average lifespan of a denture hardly goes beyond 20 years. Thus no matter how well you may provide care to it, the chances are high that at some point you will need to visit a dentist. When this happens, you don’t have to worry, at Carrum Downs Dental Clinic we have all it takes to repair your dentures and keep them in good shape.

    Having your dentures repaired quickly is vital so that you don’t have to go without them for long. In most cases our dentist in Carrum Downs is able to repair your dentures on the same day.