If you are missing multiple teeth, dentures may be a suitable option for you. Dentures are removable prosthetic appliances comprised of artificial teeth. Dentures are custom created to replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum area, and are molded to fit a dental patient’s unique mouth structure. The artificial teeth are affixed to a plate that sits snugly against either the gum line or the roof of the mouth. Dentures can be easily removed to allow for daily cleaning and care. Many people are nervous to wear dentures because past models were ill-fitting and noticeable. Fear not, as today’s dentures look and feel more natural than ever before.
There are a variety of reasons why patients are missing teeth such as a physical accident, the teeth never came in, or teeth were damaged by advanced stages of tooth decay. Missing teeth can happen to anyone which is why patients of all ages can have dentures. Dentures allow wearers to speak, smile, and eat comfortably without worrying about dental pain or damage.
There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for you based on the amount of teeth to be replaced, as well as your budget.
After a physical examination, x-rays, and consultation, the dentist will assess your dental needs to determine if dentures are the right solution for you. At this time, your dentist may advise you on additional procedures required to proceed such as the removal of any diseased or damaged teeth.
If your dentist provides denture services, an impression will be taken of the hard and soft tissues in your mouth using trays. Once the impression hardens, a cast will be created. This cast will be unique, a replication of your mouth, and will be used as a mold to create your dentures. Once the impression is made, the cast and mold will either be created in-house or in an off-site dental lab.
Denture manufacturing has become so skilled that most people cannot tell if an individual is wearing them. The tooth color can be specially matched to existing teeth. If there are no teeth left, a natural tooth color will be applied to the dentures. The non-tooth portion of the denture will be color-matched with the oral tissues in the mouth. Your dentist will want to check your dentures from time to time, checking the fit. Small adjustments may be needed to ensure your comfort, including filing the edges of the appliance.
Partial dentures come in different forms. Although the dentist will recommend the best option after careful evaluation, patients have the final choice as the wearer. Some of the common types of partials include:
Acrylic partial dentures
In this type of denture, the dentist will fix the replacement teeth into a pink acrylic base. The gum-looking base is somewhat bulky and thick to minimize the risk of breakage. It has metal clasps to connect it to the natural teeth. Although patients can eat and talk comfortably with the device, the bulkiness is a turn-off. Also, the metal clasps can be seen when the mouth opens, which some might find awkward.
Dentists mostly use the acrylic removable partial dentures as a temporary option while waiting for a more permanent alternative like cast metal partials. Therefore, they are relatively inexpensive. If patients find this option comfortable, it might remain in place for a few years.
Cast metal partial denture
This partial denture is one of the most common options. It comprises a rigid, ultra-thin metal base holding a set of acrylic teeth. Like acrylic partials, metal clasps attach the denture to existing teeth. With this option, many people opt for precision attachments, which are more aesthetically appealing than metal clasps. With proper care, cast metal partials are highly durable.
Flexible partial denture
A flexible partial denture is a great alternative for those who find cast metal and acrylic partial dentures uncomfortable or suffer allergies due to the hypoallergenic materials. This type of partials comprises a thin, lightweight, thermoplastic material that is molded with injections to fit accurately over the gum tissues. The strength of this option comes from tissue attachment. The appearance is somewhat natural without the use of regular metal clasps, and it is preferred for the high level of comfort.
In contrast to the metal clasps used in acrylic and cast metal partials, flexible partial dentures utilize gum-colored clasps. The dentist will fix the thin clasps between the teeth so that it will be hard to differentiate between the partials and natural teeth. Since the materials used are hypoallergenic, dentists often recommend this option for patients who are allergic to denture monomers or nickel.
However, due to the production process, it is usually harder to reline or repair this type of denture, and any damage often demands the creation of new flexible partial dentures.
In conclusion
The choice of the right type of partial dentures will usually boil down to the patient’s situation. During a consultation appointment, the dentist will review your options and overall wellbeing to determine your eligibility for the different options. Contact the dental office to get started on your dental restoration journey.
Once you receive your dentures, it is very important to be diligent about the care and maintenance. Just as you wouldn’t throw your glasses on the floor or toss a prosthetic limb behind the couch, your dentures need to be carefully stored when not in use. Special denture-soaking trays and containers can be purchased at most grocery stores. Dentures should be placed in these trays for cleaning each night. Denture cleaning solutions, often available in either a liquid or tablet form, are designed to remove stains and food particles accumulated throughout the day.
Similar to natural teeth, problematic “hard” foods should be avoided. Chewing ice or hard candy with your dentures can cause damage. Dentures could chip or crack and may result in a traveling crack down through the base plate. A damaged base plate will break the denture in half. If you experience any problems or damage your dentures, contact your dentist right away for a repair or refitting.
With proper care, a set of full or partial dentures should last you for many years, however, they may need to be readjusted for comfort or fit if your jawbones shift or additional teeth need to be removed. Those who wear dentures can still enjoy an excellent quality of life, so whether you need a set due to tooth decay, disease, trauma, or age, talk to your dentist for a new set of strong, attractive teeth.
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