Dentures and Partial Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth that is supported by your oral
tissues. It is made of acrylic denture base and composite denture teeth. A well-made
denture can closely resemble natural gum tissue and teeth.
A complete denture replace all of the teeth, while a partial denture replace the space(s)
created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting position. A complete
denture can be made by “immediate” or “conventional’ method.
An immediate denture is a complete denture or partial denture that is inserted on the
same day, immediately following the removal of the natural teeth. The immediate
denture acts as a Band-Aid to protect the tissues and reduce bleeding after tooth
extraction, it also provides patient some form of dentition after the natural teeth are
removed. Immediate denture will require soft tissue relines for the first six months
following the initial insertion. After six months of healing period, the immediate denture
will required a permanent laboratory reline for proper fitting. However, the conventional
denture is recommended after six months of healing.
The conventional denture is a 5-step denture procedure after the gum and tissue have
completely healed for over 6 months after all of the teeth are removed. A well-made
conventional denture is composed of high quality acrylic material for the denture base
(such as Lucitone 199) and high quality denture teeth (such as Portrait IPN).
A denture or a partial denture is for people who is missing some of their natural teeth or
all of their natural teeth. Dentures are not just for elderly patients. Patients of any age
may lose some or all of their teeth and may require a denture of some sort. Because
teeth are a permanent part of the body, tooth loss can have functional as well as an
emotional impact on some people.
The denture process takes about one month and five appointments: the initial diagnosis
and preliminary impression is made. A custom tray is made from the preliminary
impression to obtain a master cast. A record base and wax rim are made to determine
vertical dimensions and proper jaw position. This is followed by a “wax try-in” to assure
proper color, shape and fit; and the patient’s final denture is placed, following any minor
adjustments.
New denture wearers need time to get accustomed to their new “teeth,” because even
the best-fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While most patients can begin to speak normally within a few hours, many patients report that it takes time to get used to
chewing with your new teeth.
To get accustomed to chewing with a new denture, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods.
You may experience a slight change in facial appearance during your adjustment to
your dentures. This is perfectly normal and is not permanent.
While you may be advised to wear your denture almost constantly during the first two
weeks – even while you sleep – under normal circumstances it is considered best to
remove it at night and soak the denture in cleansing solution or water. Research has
shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during either the day or night
allows the gum tissue to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue
and saliva. This promotes better long-term health of the gums.
Sometimes ill-fitting dentures can be relined to allow the denture to sit better over the
gums. Implants may also be used to better secure your denture. This is called an “over
denture”. An over denture rests directly on your gums and is retained by implants
placed into your upper and/or lower jaw. The over denture, which is removable, is
secured to your implants through retentive attachments incorporated into the denture.
Implant-retained tissue supported dentures are currently recognized as the minimum
standard of care for fully edentulous patients.
Denture adhesives may be recommended, especially for the first-time denture wearer.
Adhesives may improve the retention and stability of dentures for those with minimal
bone support or small ridges. Stability of the denture will help the wearer’s confidence.
Remove and brush the denture daily with a denture cleanser and a brush (one
specifically designed for cleaning dentures or a soft toothbrush).
Avoid using boiling water to sterilize the denture, because hot water can cause the
denture to lose its shape.
If you wear a partial denture, remove it before brushing your natural teeth.
When you’re not wearing the denture, soak it in denture cleanser or water.
To avoid misplacing your denture, store it in the same place after removal.