Dentures
A denture is a removable device
for missing teeth and surrounding tissues
Two types of dentures are available – full and partial dentures.
Full dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
Full dentures can be either permanent or immediate. Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a permanent denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
Unlike permanent dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal, so immediate dentures require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and will require relining to make up for shrinkage and healing gums after six months. Your dentist will discuss your unique situation with you, to help you make a decision on whether permanent or immediate dentures are best you.
Implant Retained Dentures
- a great alternative!
For patients with full dentures Implant Retained Dentures are a great option, they are like natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone by implants.
Other advantages to Implant retained Dentures include:
- Secure and Reliable
- Eat Better
- Improved Speech
- No more Food Traps
Dental implants can make dentures secure and reliable, which means no more messy adhesives or slipping, uncomfortable dentures.
Dental implants can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. This allows you to eat your favourite foods confidently and without pain. A full upper denture covers the palate of the mouth and reduces the ability to taste foods. With dental implants, you can have the palate area removed from your upper denture so you can taste and enjoy your food.
With ill-fitting dentures, the teeth slip and slide around the mouth and the facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the teeth in place. This often results in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. You can secure your denture once and for all with implants. Special attachments on the implants lock on to the underside of your denture, fixing it in place.
You will no longer need to worry about food getting stuck under your dentures.
Not everyone is a candidate for implants, so take the time to talk to your dentist about what the best option is for you, when you need to replace missing teeth.
Book a Consultation with the Dentist NOW to discuss whether implants are right for you
Immediate vs
Permanent Dentures
As explained above, the main difference is when they are fitted.
Immediate dentures are made based off the size and shape of your mouth right after extraction. The swelling of your gums and the shape of your mouth will be quite different at this time, compared to when you are completely healed and ready for your permanent teeth. Immediate dentures are designed to be adjusted with your mouth during the healing process. The main advantage of immediate dentures is that you do not have to go out in public without teeth following tooth removal, as they serve as a bandage to control bleeding and protect gum tissue. Also, if you have immediate dentures you can start adjusting your speech to wearing the denture immediately. The creation of immediate dentures may require four to five dental visits prior to receiving your final set. From tooth extraction, trial samples and wax mockups, to the issue of your dentures the process involves a few steps, to ensure we get the best fit possible for you. However not everyone is a good candidate for immediate dentures. Your dentist may advise against immediate dentures depending on your general health and oral health.
At Dental Domain we will work with you to preserve your natural teeth if possible, rather than extract them, but sometimes permanent dentures are the only way to provide the appearance of teeth and facilitate eating and speaking. Getting permanent, full dentures takes about three to six weeks.
The denture-making process involves several dental appointments and follows these steps:
- Impressions
- Models
- Cast
Your dentist takes several impressions of your jaw and measures the space in your mouth. These can be done digitally or using traditional material in moulds.
A wax mould is then made in the exact shape of the denture so you can try it and make any necessary adjustments to the colour, shape, and fit before the permanent dentures are made.
The final dentures are cast, and then adjusted, as necessary.
When you first receive your permanent dentures, your dentist may recommend that you wear them 24 hours a day, even while sleeping, because this is the easiest and quickest way to determine whether there are any spots that need adjustment. It is important to ensure a good fit right away, because poorly fitting dentures can be irritating to the gums.
Once you have adjusted to the dentures, you can remove them at night to allow normal stimulation of the gum tissues by the tongue and saliva, which helps keep your gum tissue healthy.
Important Facts about Your Immediate Temporary Dentures
Your dentist will put your dentures in place. While this may seem quick, it can be the best choice for the healing process. Once in place, your dentist will review the following information with you as it applies to your specific case.
When you are first given your immediate dentures, it will be best if you leave them in continually for a minimum of 48 hours. This is the time when your gums will swell the most and the dentures will help keep this under control. You may have some discomfort during this initial period. Your dentist will give you the right recommendations about managing pain specific to your needs.
Be easy on your mouth during the first two days by only consuming liquids or very soft food. Yoghurt, mashed potatoes and jelly are the best choices. This will give your mouth a little extra time to heal before you begin learning how to chew with your new teeth. It usually takes about 10 days to resume your prior eating habits.
There may be some bleeding associated with extractions. If this happens, the act of biting down with your dentures in place should stop the bleeding. If bleeding is severe, or if it will not stop, contact your dentist immediately.
During the first day after extraction you will want to rinse your mouth with cold water. This will help clean your mouth while reducing any discomfort you are experiencing. After that, rinsing with warm salt water several times a day until healed will keep the gums sanitised and allow them to heal faster.
As your mouth heals the teeth may begin to feel loose or not bite correctly. This is natural and will only require a quick trip to the dentist for an adjustment. You may need a few adjustments prior to getting the best fit.
Tooth extractions, especially several at once, should be considered a serious surgery. It is particularly important that you make your follow up appointments with us to make sure that you are healing properly.
Your dentures will be designed to blend with your natural teeth colour, and will have a natural colouring. Our dentists will always try to get the best shade match to blend with any existing teeth, and they will check you are happy with the shade chosen before they are made.
A removable partial denture usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-coloured plastic or chrome base, which is sometimes connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw.
A fixed dental bridge fills a gap created by one or more missing teeth. It replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This “bridge” is then cemented permanently into place. Keeping the surrounding, supporting teeth healthy is essential to get the maximum benefit from a dental bridge, so be sure to follow a regular oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing.