We can lose our natural teeth for a variety of reasons. It can occur from an accident, cavities or other oral health problems. If you've already lost teeth, your dentist must have already spoken to you about dentures.
Dental prostheses are an artificial form of replacement for natural teeth, made from acrylic and resin, special plastics and sometimes metal parts, and are made to look like natural teeth.
Once you agree with your dentist that the use of a dental prosthesis is the best solution, the dentist will start by examining your mouth and from there create a mold of your jaws. From this mold, the process of producing the dental prosthesis begins.
Dental prostheses are replacements for missing teeth that can be inserted and removed from the mouth. Although it takes some getting used to dentures and the feeling is not the same as natural teeth, modern dentures look natural and are more comfortable than ever.
What are the types of dentures?
There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the type of denture that is right for you based on the number of teeth that will be replaced and the cost involved.
How do dentures work?
In complete dentures, the gum-colored acrylic base is fitted over the gums and palate. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (roof of the mouth), while the lower denture is horseshoe-shaped to accommodate the tongue.
Dental prostheses are made individually by a dentist and a prosthodontist from impressions taken of the patient's mouth. Your dentist will determine which of the three types of dentures is best for you. Be it conventional full denture, immediate denture or partial denture.
What is a conventional complete denture?
A conventional complete denture will be placed in your mouth after all of your teeth have been extracted and the tissue has healed. Healing can take months and during those months you will be without your teeth.
What is immediate denture?
Immediate denture is placed immediately after tooth extraction (your dentist takes the impression of your jaw and plans it in the consultation prior to the procedure). Although immediate dentures offer the benefit of not being without teeth, they need to be adjusted for many months after installation. The reason is the fact that the bone that supports the teeth, changes its shape during healing causing the prosthesis to become loose.
What is a partial denture?
The partial denture rests on a metal frame that is attached to your natural teeth. Crowns are often placed on a natural tooth and serve as a support for the prosthesis.
How long does it take for me to get used to my dentures?
New dentures can cause strange and uncomfortable sensations for weeks or even months. Eating or talking with dentures can take some practice. A feeling of bulge or that the prosthesis will come off is not uncommon as the muscles in your cheeks and tongue learn to hold the prosthesis in place. An increased flow of saliva, the feeling that the tongue does not have enough space, minor irritation or pain are also not uncommon. If you experience irritation in your mouth, go to the dentist.
How long does a dental prosthesis last?
After a period of time, your prosthesis will need to be readjusted, redone or relined as a result of natural wear and tear. Rebasing means making a new base while keeping the denture teeth. Just as you age with the years, your mouth naturally changes too. These changes make dentures looser, make chewing difficult and irritate your gums. At a minimum, you should see your dentist annually for a reassessment.