Dentures are artificial teeth that are used to replace missing teeth. They can be made of acrylic, metal, or a combination of both materials. Dentures are held in place by suction, adhesive, or by clasps that attach to the remaining teeth.
There are two main types of dentures: full dentures and partial dentures.
- Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in one jaw. They are typically made of acrylic and are held in place by suction or adhesive.
- Partial dentures replace several missing teeth in one jaw. They are held in place by clasps that attach to the remaining teeth.
There are also a few other subtypes of dentures, such as:
- Immediate dentures are placed immediately after the teeth have been removed. They are used to help the gums heal and to improve the patient’s appearance. Immediate dentures can be made as either
- Overdentures are placed over dental implants. They are more stable than traditional dentures and can be removed for cleaning.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Improved appearance: Dentures can help to restore a person’s natural smile and improve their self-confidence.
- Improved ability to eat: Dentures can help people to chew food more effectively, which can improve their overall nutrition.
- Improved speech: Dentures can help to improve a person’s speech by providing a more stable platform for the tongue.
- Improved comfort: Dentures can help to relieve pain and discomfort caused by missing teeth.
When to Consider Dentures
If you are missing teeth, you may be a good candidate for dentures. Dentures are a good option for people who have lost all of their teeth, or for people who have lost a few teeth and are not able to wear a bridge.
To determine if dentures are right for you, talk to your dentist. They will evaluate your oral health and make recommendations based on your individual needs.
Choosing the Right Dentures
When choosing dentures, there are a few factors to consider, including:
- The type of denture that is right for you: Full dentures or partial dentures?
- The materials that the dentures are made of: Acrylic, metal, or a combination of both?
- The cost of the dentures: Dentures can range in price depending on the complexity of the treatment.
Your dentist can help you to choose the right dentures for your needs and budget. The best treatment for you will depend on the number of teeth missing, as well as the condition that your current teeth are in.
How long does it take to get dentures?
There are several factors involved in preparing your mouth/teeth for dentures. Before starting the denture process, all teeth that cannot be fixed must be extracted. The teeth that can still be saved then need to be restored – either with fillings or crowns. After the remaining teeth are in good condition, and the gums in areas of extractions have fully healed, the denture process can begin. The denture process typically consists of 5 or more separate appointments, summarized below:
- Initial impressions: the first set of impressions that we take are used to make custom impression trays. These trays will fit your mouth perfectly, as opposed to stock trays.
- Final impressions: we use our custom trays to take a set of very accurate and detailed final impressions.
- Try-in #1: The first try-in is used to determine the correct overall size and shape of your dentures. We make sure that your dentures will give your face proper structure and will allow you to speak and chew with ease. At this appointment we also determine the shape, size, and color of denture teeth that we will select.
- Try-in #2: The second try-in is done with a template of the dentures in wax. We will once again make sure you are able to chew and speak. We will also check the esthetics of the denture and make sure that you like the appearance of it as well. Depending on how the dentures look, we may do a second try-in appointment to get the appearance just right!
- Delivery of dentures: The fifth appointment is when you finally receive your dentures! We try them in and make adjustments as needed. At this appointment we also review home care and help to coach you on their use.
- Adjustment appointment: After you receive your dentures, it may take some time to get used to them. We always explained to patients that it is like breaking in a new pair of shoes – you will probably get some blisters or sore spots. We continue to see you for adjustment appointments until we are sure that your dentures are totally comfortable!
Caring for Dentures
Dentures require regular care to keep them clean and comfortable. Here are some tips for caring for your dentures:
- Remove your dentures at night and clean them with a denture brush and denture cleaner.
- If you use adhesive make sure that you remove all of it when cleaning your dentures.
- Rinse your dentures with water after each use.
- When you are not wearing your dentures, store them in clean water.
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups and adjustments.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your dentures in good condition and extend their lifespan.
Conclusion
Dentures are a good option for people who are missing teeth. They can provide a number of benefits, including improved appearance, ability to eat, speech, and comfort. If you are considering dentures, talk to your dentist to learn more about the different types of dentures and which ones are right for you.
