What are dentures and partials?
Dentures are a removable prosthesis that are designed to replace a patients missing teeth and the surrounding gum areas. There are different types of dentures that are available. Complete denture or a partial denture. A complete denture is needed when all of a patient’s teeth are missing, while a partial denture is going to be used on a patient that still has some of their natural teeth in their mouth.
A denture or a partial may never feel or fit exactly like your natural teeth, and they may take some time to get used to. They are designed to restore functionality so that you can eat and talk, and also to look natural and feel comfortable.
What are Complete Dentures?
Complete dentures can be used for both the upper and the lower jaws, and they can either be a conventional denture or an immediate denture.
Conventional dentures are made after the patient’s teeth have all been removed and the gum tissue has healed. This usually takes 8-12 weeks or more following extraction of all the teeth. A patient's healing time may vary, based on several factors, such as proper oral care of the mouth and any smoking habits the patient may have.
Immediate dentures are made in advance and then they are placed in the mouth right after the teeth have been extracted. With immediate dentures, the teeth will be in place during the healing process. As with any extraction the bone and gums will shrink down and need time to heal after the extractions. With immediate dentures there is a disadvantage because with immediate dentures as compared to conventional dentures, they usually require more adjustments to fit properly.
What are Partial Dentures?
One type of partial denture is when teeth are attached to a plastic base, which is then molded onto metal framework, which holds the denture in the mouth. Another type of partial denture is an all plastic partial that is flexible and may be more comfortable. Partial dentures are used when one or more of your natural teeth are present, and can be used on both the upper and lower jaws. The partial denture is removable and has clasps that are used to hold the partial denture in place.
The process for dentures
Dentures can take three weeks to six weeks or more and consist of several appointments. After you and the dentist have decided what solution and appliance is going to be best for you, there are several steps involved to make dentures:
Impressions: This step is where a series of impressions will be taken of your jaw. Once the impressions are taken, the impressions will be set in a stone model of your jaw bones.
Wax bite: After the first step, the lab sends back a wax rim bite, so that the dentist can take measurements of how the jaw relates to one another and also to check the space between your jaw. You will also pick a shade of teeth that you would like.
Teeth in Wax Try-in: In this step the patient will try-in several times and be able to see the teeth with the shade that you have picked. They will be on a wax rim, so that you will be able to see how they look and feel. If any changes are wanting to be made with the shape, color or fit , then this is when changes are to be made. If everything looks acceptable, then the dentures are sent to the lab for final fabrication.
Delivery: This is when the dentures are placed in the patients mouth to wear.
Adjustments: Patients are going to need adjustments with their dentures. Some patients need adjustments every month or a patient can get them as frequent as needed, because they do take adjusting and time to get used to wearing a denture.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures should last for many years. However, with normal wear, dentures will periodically need to be relined, repaired or replaced. When a denture is relined, that is making a new base on the inside of the denture while keeping the same teeth. Aging also plays a role in the functionality of dentures. As people get older their mouths will naturally change. Their gums and bones shrink, causing the dentures to become loose. This can irritate the gums and may cause difficulty chewing. There are solutions for this issue, adjustments can be made, tissue conditioning, relining the dentures, and sometimes getting a new set of dentures. Patients should have their dentures checked at least twice a year.
How to take care of your dentures
Properly caring for dentures is important so you can keep your mouth healthy and help your dentures to last for many years.
Dentures can easily break if they are accidently dropped, so it is a good idea to stand over a folded towel or have a sink full of water when handling dentures.
Brush and rinse dentures daily. Just like natural teeth, dentures can retain food and plaque and become stained. It is recommended that dentures are brushed daily with a soft bristle tooth brush that is designed for cleaning dentures. Using a hard bristle brush can damage dentures. Gently brush all surfaces of the denture, without bending the plate and rinse dentures after each meal. Denture cleaners can be purchased at most stores, ask the dentist to see which ones are recommended.
When dentures are not being used, keep the dentures in water, so that they do not lose their shape or dry out. Soak them in either water or dental cleaner. Partial dentures that have metal, soaking them in denture cleaner can damage the metal. NO denture should be soaked in hot water, the hot water can cause the denture to warp and lose their shape.