Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one’s natural teeth, today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.
What are the main types of dentures?
There are two types of dentures:
- Partial Dentures – these replace one or several missing teeth on either your upper or lower jaw.
- Full Dentures – these replace all the teeth on your upper of lower jaw.
How are dentures made?
The process starts by taking a series of impressions or moulds of your mouth that will support the denture. A dental lab will use these impressions to make models. The dentist and laboratory technician will then slowly start building the dentures on these models and you will be asked to attend for appointments at each stage to ensure a proper fit, bite and ensure that the appearance and aesthetics of the denture are desirable.
Once the denture has been fitted, you may need to attend for further appointments for additional adjustments to be made.
What is an immediate denture?
An immediate denture can often be made so that you have something to wear the same day the teeth are removed. This type of denture is made before the teeth are extracted and is put in place the day the teeth are removed. Sometimes the back teeth are taken out first and the front teeth are left in place until the day the denture is delivered. This type of denture doesn’t fit the bone and gum tissue as intimately as a conventional denture, so it requires more adjustments during the healing stage. An immediate denture is best used as a temporary appliance until a conventional denture can be made after all of the gum and bone healing is complete.
How do I care for my dentures?
- Dentures are delicate and can break when dropped. Always clean them over a bowl of water or a folded towel.
- Brush your dentures to remove food deposits and plaque and to help prevent them from becoming stained.
- Soak your dentures in a dedicated denture cleaning solution. Different solutions are available for daily and weekly cleaning.
- Brush the denture again before wearing to remove any cleaning residue.
Benefits of Dentures
Comfortable – Modern dentures are designed to be comfortable, as well as perform the functions of natural teeth. It may take a few dentist visits to get the correct fit, but it is a small price to pay for renewed confidence in chewing and talking.
Restore your smile – Dentures restore your smile and eliminate any social awkwardness you may have felt about the gaps in your teeth.
Cost effective – Dentures are a cost-effective treatment option, especially if there are natural teeth still present in the mouth.