Dentures

There are several types of dentures. A conventional complete [or full] denture is made and placed after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months.

A partial denture uses the remaining teeth to hold and support replacement teeth that have been lost. This type of denture can be made of many materials. Often a metal frame is used with clasps that fit over your natural teeth to help hold the partial denture in place.

An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth have been removed. Measurements and models are made prior to extractions in this method. The advantage is that the patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. The disadvantage is that after healing, the denture will have to be refitted due to reductions in swelling and shrinkage of tissues that take place during the healing period.

Another type of denture is called an overdenture. If you have a few sound teeth, the tooth roots may be used to provide support for an overdenture. Root canal therapy is performed on the remaining sound teeth, then the dentist reduces the teeth. A denture is then made and inserted over the roots and gums.

A complete denture may also be attached to several implants to secure it. So there are several options based on the condition of your mouth and remaining teeth and bone.
New dentures will feel awkward and often uncomfortable for the first few weeks. They may feel loose, while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold them in place. Salivary flow temporarily increases. Minor irritations and soreness is not unusual. Eating with dentures takes practice. Start with soft foods cut into small portions. Chewing slowly and using both sides of your mouth at the same time will help prevent the dentures from moving. Speaking with dentures also takes practice.

Reading aloud and repeating difficult words will help. Dentures may also become dislodged by a cough or laugh. The air forced over the top of the denture may make it fall or become loose. Generally it is not advisable to wear dentures all the time. The tissue needs to relax and be uncovered for a period of each day, usually over night, to keep it healthy. Although dentures are made to fit securely, adhesives are sometimes useful during healing and for extra security. A very loose denture may need to be refitted to prevent sores and irritations. Your dentures will eventually need to be relined, remade or rebased due to normal wear. Relining adds new material to the underside of the denture to refit the denture to your tissues. A rebase usually replaces all of the pink plastic parts of the denture. The mouth changes with age. Jaws may align differently as the bone recedes or shrinks. Caring for Dentures Like natural teeth, dentures must be cleaned. They are delicate and may be broken when dropped. Pets and children can damage them if left unattended. Daily brushing will remove plaque and food debris. It is best to use a brush made specifically to clean dentures. Avoid hard-bristled brushes as they can damage your denture. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to clean the denture, but does not replace a thorough daily brushing. Do not let your denture dry out or they may loose their shape. When not in use, place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. Never soak dentures in hot water. It is a good idea to fill the wash basin with a few inches of water to break the fall of a dropped denture. Do not be tempted to use a glue to repair your denture yourself. These glues have chemicals in them that may prove harmful. Most of the available glues will not give an adequate repair. Often glues set before the pieces are aligned properly. You still need to take good care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft bristle brush. This stimulates circulation and removes plaque. Regular oral examinations are necessary to monitor the fit and health of your tissues.