Losing teeth, be it through injury, tooth decay, or gum disease, can significantly affect your life. Tooth loss impacts your eating ability, speech, and appearance. If you are going through the difficulties of losing teeth, there are great solutions to the problem. Dentures have been a life-changing solution for millions of people who have lost healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles.
Modern dentures are more comfortable, natural, and versatile than traditional ones. Dentures may appear confusing, as many types, materials, and procedures exist. At Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry, we are your one-stop solution for cosmetic dentistry procedures. We will answer all your questions regarding dentures clearly and in-depth.
What Dentures Are, and Who Might Need Them
A denture is a removable device that is a custom-designed replacement of the missing teeth and the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. You might require dentures because you have lost some or all of your teeth. The cause of this tooth loss is frequently gum disease (periodontitis), extensive cavities, or severe trauma. The primary purpose of dentures is to restore teeth functionality and appearance.
Loss of teeth may cause the facial muscles to start sagging and make you appear older with a sunken look. Dentures significantly benefit your lips and cheeks, shaping your profile and giving you a youthful appearance. They are designed to look as close to your natural teeth as possible, so your appearance will stay the same or improve with a better smile.
The loss of teeth may result in the inability to chew food correctly, restricting your diet and impacting your overall nutrition. Dentures allow you to chew a wide range of food comfortably and efficiently. Moreover, your teeth are essential for pronunciation. In their absence, you might experience difficulties in articulating words.
Dentures will enable you to pronounce words correctly and speak confidently. They are a complete remedy for restoring oral health, functionality, and appearance that you might have considered gone permanently.
Different Types of Dentures
As you start to look at your choices, you will discover that the term “dentures” refers to a wide
range of various types of prosthetics. Which option is the best option for you is entirely based on your individual circumstances, how many teeth you are missing, the health of your remaining teeth and jawbone, and your individual objectives.
Full (Complete) Dentures
A complete denture is required when all teeth in the upper or lower jaw (also known as an arch) are missing. They are attached to your gums; in the example of an upper denture, the roof of your mouth (your palate) also supports them. Dentures have two major types:
- Conventional Dentures
This is the conventional way your denture is prepared and fitted, only after any remaining teeth have been extracted and your gum tissues have healed completely. This recovery time may take months, and you would be toothless.
- Immediate Dentures
As the name implies, an immediate denture is prepared on the same day your natural teeth are extracted. The advantage of immediate dentures is that you will never be without teeth. However, with the healing and shrinking of your gums and bone, these dentures will become loose and need many adjustments. You must consider an immediate denture a temporary or transitional measure until your mouth has healed.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is a good option if you are not missing all your teeth but still have healthy, natural teeth. This device is usually a set of teeth used as a replacement for a pink, gum-colored base made of plastic. It not only replaces the gaps caused by lost teeth but also, importantly, it keeps your other natural teeth in place. The partial dentures are typically made of a metal frame and clips that attach to your real teeth to secure them.
They come in various materials, including:
- Cast Metal Partials. Strength, durability, a good fit, and a lightweight metal frame characterize them.
- Acrylic Partials. They are often referred to as flippers and are usually cheaper. They can be used temporarily while waiting for a more permanent solution.
- Flexible Partials. These are a popular contemporary option made of a thin, comfortable thermoplastic such as nylon and do not need visible metal fasteners, which makes them look more discreet.
Overdentures
An overdenture is a removable denture that clips on a few remaining natural teeth or dental implants. In case you have some healthy teeth that can be spared, they can be prepared by your dentist to act as stable anchors to the denture.
The great advantage of this method is that it aids in maintaining your jawbone. The tooth roots remain natural, which keeps the bone active, preventing the bone from shrinking as it usually does with the removable denture. It is even more stable when it is underpinned with dental implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
To be the most secure and confident, implant-supported dentures should be considered. It is a high-tech system that relies on dental implantation, or small titanium posts implanted into your jaw, to hold your dentures. The effect of this connection replicates the role of natural tooth roots, avoiding bone loss and offering some degree of stability that is not achievable by suction and adhesives.
- Implant-Retained (Snap-in) Dentures
This is a removable choice in which your denture is fitted with attachments that firmly snap onto the dental implants. You have the security of implants, yet you can remove the denture at night to clean it easily. A common complaint is that traditional lower dentures shift, and a snap-in denture is an excellent solution.
- Implant-Supported (Fixed/Hybrid) Dentures
It is an option permanently fixed to your dental implants and cannot be removed. It can only be removed by your dentist. This solution is the most natural in how it feels and works because you brush it and take care of it when it is in your mouth.
The Process of Having Dentures Fitted
Designing your own dentures is a highly refined science, and it will be done in a series of weeks and appointments. Your dentist aims to achieve a perfect fit, which has to be comfortable, functional, and pleasing to the eye. The following is a step-by-step preview of what you can expect.
The Initial Consultation and Impressions
Your oral examination is the first step of the trip. Your dentist will examine how healthy your gums and jawbone are, and in many cases, they will take X-rays to have a clear picture of the underlying bone structure. It is the appointment during which you will address your needs, concerns, and goals.
Your dentist will prescribe the best denture for you based on this assessment. They will also take the first set of preliminary impressions, or molds, of your mouth to set the fabrication process in motion.
The Wax “Try-In” and Customization
Once your impressions are utilized to make a model of your mouth, a wax trial denture is made. This is a critical phase. You will also have an appointment to test this wax model with the final denture teeth set. This will be your chance to view your new smile and how it will appear.
Your dentist will examine the fit, the bite (how your upper and lower teeth fit), and the general look. You can comment on the teeth’ shade, shape, and size, and easily change the wax to the desired look before the final denture is processed.
Final Fitting and Necessary Adjustments
After you and your dentist are fully content with the wax try-in, the last denture is made in a rugged and strong acrylic. During your delivery appointment, your dentist will ensure the completed denture is placed in your mouth and examine it to identify any pressure points or areas of discomfort.
It is typical to require a series of follow-up visits to make minor adjustments. With the new appliance, small adjustments are needed as your soft tissues adjust to the new object to reach a perfectly comfortable and secure fit.
How to Live with New Dentures
Getting your new dentures is a significant milestone, and you need to be ready to go through an adjustment process. Your mouth is getting used to a new appliance, and it takes time before you feel normal.
What to Expect in the First Few Weeks
Your new dentures will feel loose or awkward during the first few weeks. Your cheeks’ and tongue’s muscles must be taught to keep them there. You can also get irritation or soreness as your gums get accustomed to the pressure. Another thing usually experienced is a temporary increase in your saliva flow. Patience is the key in this stage; these problems will fade away as your mouth gets used to the dentures.
Learning to Eat with Confidence
New dentures take some practice to eat. You must begin with soft foods chopped into small, easy-to-handle portions to ease the transition. Slowly, use both sides of your mouth to hold the denture. You can progressively add more variety of foods as you feel comfortable enough until you resume your regular food intake. Hot, hard, or sticky food and sharp-edged bones or shells must always be handled carefully.
Speaking Clearly with Your New Teeth
When you first receive your dentures, you may find it hard to pronounce some words. This is perfectly normal. The best method of overcoming this is to practice. Read aloud to yourself to accelerate the adaptation process.
A little time will put you back to normal speaking. When you talk and you feel your dentures clicking or when they slip when you laugh or cough, then simply bite down and swallow to re-fit them. And if any speaking difficulty continues, do not forget to call your dentist.
Lifelong Denture Care and Maintenance
Taking good care of your dentures is essential to maintain a good appearance and fit over the years. It is also important to keep your whole mouth healthy. Consider your denture care an ordinary daily hygiene routine.
Your Daily Cleaning Routine
Like natural teeth, dentures may harbor plaque and food particles, resulting in staining and bad breath. A couple of steps are essential in your daily cleaning:
- Rinse After Eating: After each meal, remove your dentures and rinse them with water to remove any food debris.
- Brush Your Denture Daily: Brush all parts of your denture with a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive cleanser. You are not supposed to apply regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive and may form tiny scratches in which bacteria may conceal themselves.
- Clean Your Mouth: You can polish your gums, tongue, and mouth with a soft toothbrush before re-inserting your dentures. This cleanses plaque and makes your tissues circulate.
Overnight Soaking
Removing your dentures at least six to eight hours daily is essential; most individuals do it during sleep. This provides your gum tissues with the opportunity to rest. Keep your dentures moist when you do not use them so they do not dry up and lose shape.
Put them in a glass of cool water or a denture-soaking solution. In selecting a product, seek the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which shows that it has been tested for safety and effectiveness. Hot water should not be used because it can cause denture material to warp.
The Role and Proper Use of Denture Adhesives
Denture adhesives will provide added security and stability, particularly when new to dentures. They can boost your self-confidence when eating and speaking. Nevertheless, adhesives should not be applied to fill the gaps between poor-fitting dentures. When your dentures are loose or give you sores, you know they require a professional adjustment, not an extra adhesive. You can use an adhesive, but only a few small dots as directed—a little adhesive does a lot.
When You Should See Your Dentist
Dentures are a significant investment in your health and must be maintained professionally to last. Denture wearers should have regular check-ups at the dentist just like their natural teeth counterparts.
Solving Typical Problems
With time, you can experience some typical problems. The most common complaint is a loose fit. Without tooth roots to stimulate it, your jawbone naturally and slowly alters shape and diminishes. This makes your previously tight dentures loose.
Another frequent problem is sore spots, which are usually the result of not fitting correctly and subjecting your gums to unequal pressure. Lastly, bad breath may be experienced unless dentures are adequately washed daily. You need to visit your dentist to fix these issues; these are not issues that you should attempt to fix on your own.
Relining to Restore a Snug Fit
To fix a loose fit that may result from a change in your jaw, your dentist will carry out a procedure known as a reline. A reline is the addition of new material to the inside of the denture to fit the shape of your gums at present. It is a regular maintenance process, which you will likely have to undergo every one to two years to ensure that your dentures fit properly and comfortably.
Denture Lifespan, Repairs, and Replacement
When well-maintained, your dentures will last an average of seven to ten years. The teeth will wear away, and the fit will alter with time. Never try to fix a broken or cracked denture using over-the-counter glues because they are toxic chemicals that permanently ruin the appliance.
It should always be taken to your dentist for professional repair. Your routine examinations are also a good time to have your dentist inspect all the soft tissues of your mouth and screen for oral cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are dentures painful to wear?
New dentures can be painful initially, though they should not be painful in the long term. The adjustment period is usually characterized by mild pain or irritation and/or excess saliva. They will become natural and comfortable with time and slight adjustments by the dentists.
Will dentures cause me to look old?
No, the new dentures are made to give you a natural smile and help the facial muscles that hang because of lost teeth. Dentures that fit well may make you look younger by plumping your cheeks and lips.
Am I able to eat normally with dentures?
Yes, but it takes practice. You must begin with soft foods in small bits and gradually resume harder foods. Dentures that are supported by implants are the most stable when it comes to chewing harder foods. With time, the majority of patients can resume a regular diet.
What is the life expectancy of dentures?
Dentures typically last 7-10 years with proper care. But your jawbone and gums are subject to natural changes as you age, which can necessitate relining or adjustments every few years. Frequent dentist visits will assist in keeping your dentures in good working condition and comfortable.
Schedule a Consultation with a Cosmetic Dentist Near Me
Having missing or broken teeth may make your life uncomfortable. You struggle with eating and talking, and it could result in decreased self-esteem. Although this guide gives a better insight into dentures and their maintenance, only a one-on-one dentist consultation can help you find the best solution.
At Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry, we are committed to assisting you in restoring your comfort, functionality, and confident smile using the latest reliable denture products. Do not allow the challenges of the dentist to stop you. Call us today at 818-878-7300 to schedule your appointment and begin the process of having a healthier and brighter smile.