DENTURES
Dentures are custom made prosthodontic devices that replace missing teeth. There are mainly two types of dentures:
- Complete dentures: those replacing all the teeth
- Partial dentures: those that replace only the missing teeth with other natural remaining teeth
Dentures replace our natural teeth and the introduction of a foreign object in the mouth requires time and patience on our side to acclimatize by both our mouth and brain. When people constantly get gagging feeling, it shows that the brain is finding it difficult to adapt to the denture; these people might have to consider going for implant supported dentures (without the palate) or hypnosis therapy.
Complete dentures
Complete dentures are constructed for those who have lost all their teeth in the upper/ lower jaws or both.
An overdenture is a denture which is constructed over the remaining natural teeth which are shortened, thus its name. Its advantages include:
- Denture stability is improved
- The remaining natural teeth prevent ridge resorption.
- Force during mastication is dissipated to the natural teeth as well as the denture
The disadvantage is that the dentures cost more and requires regular maintenance to prevent gum disease and caries.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures are those that replace only the missing teeth and not the entire jaw. They are of two types: fixed and removable.
Fixed partial denture: also called bridges and cannot be removed by the patient.They replace the missing teeth while getting support from the adjacent natural teeth. Usually preferred as they are more comfortable and are cosmetic dentures but the cost of these dentures are more.
Removable partial denture: these are dentures which can be removed and put back when the patient pleases. It consists of a metal framework to which the artificial teeth are attached. They also contain metal clasps for additional retention to hold the denture in place. These are affordable dentures.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures are those that replace only the missing teeth and not the entire jaw. They are of two types: fixed and removable.
Fixed partial denture: also called bridges and cannot be removed by the patient.They replace the missing teeth while getting support from the adjacent natural teeth. Usually preferred as they are more comfortable and are cosmetic dentures but the cost of these dentures are more.
Removable partial denture: these are dentures which can be removed and put back when the patient pleases. It consists of a metal framework to which the artificial teeth are attached. They also contain metal clasps for additional retention to hold the denture in place. These are affordable dentures.
Steps in denture processing
The steps required to process a denture extend over period of 3weeks to 2months and involve several visits to the dentist. The general steps include:
- Impression making of the oral cavity
- Temporary models are made with materials such as wax or plastic, in the measurements of the final denture. The relation of the models and the jaws are evaluated and adjustments made to obtain a proper fit in the mouth.
- After trials and adjustments, a final denture is cast.
- The final denture is placed in the mouth and adjustments made.
- A visit to the dentist may be required after a day or two to check the response of your mouth to the denture.
Adjusting to a denture
No matter how efficient these tooth resembling replicas can fit in our mouths, it is not the same as our natural teeth and requires adaptation and adjustment by the patient. The following are the common problems faced most commonly:
- Denture fit: at first, the dentures feel loose when worn, (more in the lower denture) but after a period of time, your mouth learns to retain them. Denture adhesives may be used till the oral cavity adapts to the denture. Denture sores may be a common problem initially.
- Eating with a denture: Requires practice. Too much pressure is not to be exerted with a denture. Side wise grinding motion is suggested while chewing rather than natural up down motion as with natural teeth.
- Speaking with a denture: it may be difficult to pronounce certain words with a denture and talking may be difficult. Practice talking aloud especially the words that are difficult.
Denture care
- Always better to remove your denture before going to bed at night as this allows rest to the oral mucosa.
- Rinse your mouth after removing your denture with a mouthwash at least once daily to prevent infections.
- Clean your denture with denture toothpaste regularly
- If you develop sores or experience sudden difficulty while speaking or eating then visit the dentist.
- Get your denture reevaluated every 6months or in case of denture repair.
