A denture is an oral prosthesis which is used as a replacement of few or all missing teeth. Dentures are a savior for people who have lost their teeth due to decay or due to gum and periodontal disease. A denture helps in artificially replacing the missing teeth thereby improving the function, speech and aesthetics of the individual.
What are the types of dentures ?
Dentures can be broadly classified according to the number of teeth they replace such as complete dentures and partial dentures.Partial dentures can be either removable partial dentures or fixed partial dentures (bridges). Removable partial dentures are usually made out of acrylic and may have metal clasps in their framework for extra support.Complete dentures could be again classified into conventional and immediate dentures. Immediate dentures are given immediately followed by tooth extraction and the preparation of the same is done before the teeth are removed. Immediate dentures require more adjustments and do not fit very well as compared to the conventional complete dentures but are a choice for individuals who cannot wait for the extraction sockets to heal and till a conventional denture is fabricated.With regards to aesthetics, flexibility and improved functionality nowadays valplast, sunflex and BPs (bio-functional prosthetic system) dentures are made available nowadays. It is important to consult your dentist which type of denture is the most suitable for you.
When is a denture advised ?
A denture is advised in individual who have full or partially missing teeth, which are either lost due to dental decay or due to periodontal disease or are extracted due to certain reasons.
When is a denture given ?
A denture a complete or a partial denture is usually advised when the bone beneath the gums has healed completely and is able to sustain a denture without causing any complications. Ideally a denture is fabricated after 4-6 weeks or more after the tooth/teeth are extracted to give better stability to the denture. If a denture is advised when the bone is still undergoing healing, the denture might cause discomfort and may require frequent adjustments and use of dental adhesives.
What are dentures made up of ?
Dentures are made up of acrylic resins with or without metal clasps in their framework. Nowadays more lightweight, invisible and easy to wear denture options are available in the market.
How do you prepare for getting dentures ?
Your dentist will do a complete physical examination, detailed oral examination followed by your medical and dental history to identify any treatments or drugs which can affect your treatment. The dentist might also advise x-ray or an OPG (orthopantamograph) to check your bone height and other parameters which may affect the denture. The dentures are made up of acrylic material and if you are allergic to acrylic resins it is important that you inform your dentist about the same before the start of the treatment.
How are dentures made ?
Once your treating dentist/ prosthodontist (dentist who specializes in replacement of missing teeth) has advised you to get a denture, he/she will take impressions of your upper and lower jaws in case of complete dentures, and the impression of the missing teeth and adjacent areas in case of removable dentures. Then a secondary impression is made to get more fine details and a denture is fabricated with arranged teeth (choice of shade is done earlier depending upon your natural color of teeth) on it in the laboratory on a negative replica of your jaws. The same is then processed to cure the resin and then the denture is made available to check of fitting. The entire process could take 3-4 sittings/visit to the dentist’s office. The modern day advancements in the field of dentistry have led to the invention of single day dentures. You can ask your treating dentist about more details on the types and varieties of dentures which can be suitable for you.
Are dentures comfortable to wear ?
Initially no, you might it little discomforting to wear dentures as it may affect your speech and phonation. But, a well fitted denture adapts itself to the oral cavity and in no time you will find it more functional and aesthetically pleasing. If you still feel the discomfort, it is advised that you consult your treating dentist for the same.
How do you care for your dentures ?
The dentist will advise you not to wear your dentures when you are sleeping, you should ideally remove your partial dentures and complete dentures at least once a day to relax your gums. Also the removed dentures should be immersed in water so that the resin in the denture does not shrink causing ill-fitting denture. Like your normal teeth the denture also needs routine cleaning with a tooth brush and a paste or a soap solution to remove the food particle on it. Once in 6 months visit your dentist to have your denture checked for its fitting. Ask your treating dentist to give you more details on how to maintain your dentures.
What are denture adhesives ?
Denture adhesives are materials which are used to increase the adaptability of the dentures on to the oral tissues. Occasionally use of dental adhesives is permitted but if you have to use a denture adhesive every time you wear a denture you are advised to consult with your dentist to check the fitting of your denture.
What is the life of denture ?
The dentures may last between 5-7 years or more depending upon the individual and the type of material used.
What other alternative can be used with dentures ?
Dental Implants are the new alternative which replace the missing teeth depending upon just the way a normal tooth is located and functions. Removable partial dentures can be replaced by dental implants and nowadays implant supported dentures are also available. The type and choice of denture is dependent on your overall health and oral health.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
