Dentures

There are two common types of dentures, partial denture and complete/full denture

Partial Denture:

A partial denture is made up of one or more porcelain or acrylic replacementh teeth and may be made when one or more natural teeth remain on the upper or lower jaw. Gum-colored acrylic attaches these teeth to a metal framework. It is held in your mouth with either metal clasps or precision attachments.

Partial dentures are designed to fit your mouth easily. They should never need a lot of pressure to fit onto the natural teeth remaining in the mouth. Several visits to your dentist may be needed to be sure your partialfits properly.

A partial denture helps preserve the life of your remaining teeth.

It is very important to wear your denture every day. If you do not wear your partial for an extended period of time, the partial may not fit properly.

There are some easy you can take to adapt to your partial denture:

• Practice speaking by reading out loud until your tongue adjusts to the denture.
• Be prepared for extra saliva for the first few weeks as your mouth adjusts to having something new in it.
• Eat soft foods at first to get used to eating with the denture in place.
• Clean your dentures with a regular or denture brush every day, and when out of your mouth they should be stored in water.

Over time, your mouth will change. The bone and gum areas may shrink or recede causing an improper denture fit.

Because your partial keeps its shape, adjustments will be needed to keep your partial fiting properly.

Do not attempt to make adjustments or repairs yourself. It is best to contact your dentist immediately if there is any change in the comfort of your partial denture.

How to Care for Your Partial Denture

• Rinse your partial after every meal.
• Clean your partial thoroughly at least once a day, using a specific denture brush and a mix of tap water and soap.
• Partial dentures normally should not be worn at night.
• Dentures can dry out and distort if left outside a moist environment, therefore, keep your partial immersed in tap water or denture cleansing solution when you are not wearing them.

Complete/Full Denture

When restoring your teeth is impossible because of insufficient tooth structure, complete dentures are an alternative. Complete/full dentures are made when all of your natural teeth are missing.

You can have a full denture on your upper or lower jaw, or both.

Immediate dentures are measured for size with your natural teeth intact. They are constructed to replace lost teeth and associated structures of the upper and lower arch, and are inserted immediately following removal of your teeth.

Conventional Dentures typically require 3-6 office visits after all your teeth have been removed and the gum tissue healed. It is up to you during these visits to pass judgement on the fit and look of your dentures.

Custom-Made Dentures have specially shaded teeth and gums, gold or silver fillings and other characteristics that duplicate natural teeth.

It usually takes a little while to get used to wearing a full denture. There may also be minor adjustments that your dentist will make to fine tune the fit of your denture.
After a few weeks, you will be more at ease and your gums adapted to wearing a full denture.

As is true with partial dentures, complete dentures keep their shape. Over time, your mouth will change and adjustments will be needed to keep your denture fitting properly.

Always consult your dentist rather than trying to fix the problem yourself. Trying to adjust them yourself will only cause more difficulties.

How to Care For Your Denture:

• Rinse your denture thoroughly after every meal.
• Cleanse your denture thoroughly at least once a day, using a specific denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser.
• Complete dentures normally should not be worn at night.
• They should be removed and stored in normal tap water or in denture cleansing solution. Dentures can dry out and distort if left outside a moist environment.

Keeping your Mouth Clean

Remember, your natural teeth and gums need good care too. Be sure to clean your mouth of the bacteria and bits of food that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease,and bad breath.

• Remove your denture and brush your gums and existing natural teeth. Also, brush your tongue gently.
• Floss between any remaining teeth at least once a day.
• See your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

If you are facing the possibility of replacing your teeth with dentures, you need to understand how they will impact your lifestyle.