Dentures
Over time, people's teeth tend to naturally deteriorate. When a tooth has deteriorated
substantially, it often needs to be extracted. And when multiple teeth are extracted,
dentures may be the most appropriate solution. Dentures can create a natural and
healthy looking set of teeth. As well, a properly fitting set of dentures can greatly
enhance your smile and sense of self-esteem.
Types of Dentures
Many types of dentures exist, including complete and partial dentures. Complete
dentures are used when few of the original teeth remain. The dentist begins by removing
any remaining teeth so the dentures can be fitted. He or she then makes a mold of
the gums and sends it to a dental lab where customized dentures are constructed.
Patients are typically fitted with temporary dentures until the permanent set of
dentures have returned from the laboratory. Partial dentures are prepared in much
the same way as a complete set, and are utilized when only a few teeth are missing.
Over Dentures
If the roots of a patient's remaining teeth (the tissue and gums) are strong, the
dentist may suggest over dentures. Over dentures fit on top of the remainder of
teeth in the mouth. With over dentures, the remaining teeth are resculpted and covered
with metal caps to stop future decay. The advantage of over dentures is that they
do not have to be relined as frequently as a complete set of dentures because the
jawbone and gums recede less. In addition, over dentures create less occlusion (bite)
problems than complete dentures.
Once Your Dentures Have Been Placed
At first, your dentures will feel uncomfortable because the gums and tissue are
not accustomed to contact with man-made relining material. Once placed, patients
should wear their dentures continually for the first few days to reduce the amount
of swelling that may occur in the mouth. This swelling typically recedes in two
to three days. Until patients become accustomed to their new set of teeth, the dentures
may feel loose and awkward while chewing food. Eating soft food may also be necessary
for the first few days. Reading aloud helps to overcome any speech impediments that
may occur from the new dentures. Typically, lower dentures take longer to get used
to than upper dentures. The underlying jawbone may take several months to completely
heal and become accustomed to the dentures. Once this occurs, the dentist removes
the dentures and creates a permanent lining for your teeth (a denture lining is
the soft material that cushions the contact between the denture and the gum tissues).
The Life of Your Dentures
Proper care and cleaning will increase the life of your dentures. Although they
typically last five years, proper care and minimal jaw recession can extend the
life of dentures up to 25 years. Dentures should be cleaned daily with a normal
or specially-made denture toothpaste. Once the swelling has reduced, it is advisable
to leave one or both dentures out at night to allow the gum tissues to breathe.
In order to prevent dentures from warping, they should be left in water overnight.
Over time, the lining of the dentures may change, owing to the wear and tear of
daily use. In the case of tissue/bone shrinkage, worn down teeth, or breakage, dentures
may come loose and need to be remade.
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