About
Dentures
If you’ve
lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease,
tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing
teeth and your smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your
appearance and your health. Without support from the denture, facial
muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll be able to
eat and speak—things that people often take for granted until
their natural teeth are lost.
As you can see
in the image on the right, dentures come in many shapes and sizes.
Some examples include full dentures,
partial dentures, over
dentures, immediate dentures, precision
partial dentures, and implant retained dentures.
These dentures can be created to chew against natural teeth, fixed
bridges, implant
supported crowns or bridges, or almost any other type of dental
prosthesis. |
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Benefits of Dentures
- Prevents
exisiting teeth from drifting into surrounding space of the missing
teeth
- Teeth
out of position can damage tissues in the mouth
- Helps
to chew food
Types of Dentures
Removable dentures
Fixed Dentures
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Complete
dentures or Full dentures are used when all the teeth
are missing . Complete dentures can be either "conventional"
or "immediate". The framework of complete
dentures may be made of resin, metal or a combination.
A
conventional full denture is made and placed in the
patient's mouth after the remaining teeth are removed
and tissues have healed which may take several months.
An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as
the remaining teeth are removed. We take measurements
and make models of the patient's jaws during a preliminary
visit.
Conventional
Dentures are made after the teeth have been removed
and the gum tissue has begun to heal. Conventional dentures
is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks
after the teeth have been removed.
Implant supported
overdentures are an alternate to conventional dentures
whereby a full dentures is placed over the dental implants
with metal bar/balls that gives better retention.
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Partial
dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
A removable partial denture usually
consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or
gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by metal
clasps or precision attachments that holds the denture
in place in the mouth. Precision attachments are generally
more esthetic than metal clasps and they are nearly
invisible. |
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| Immediate
dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as
soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer
does not have to be without teeth during the healing
period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially
during the healing period following tooth removal therefore
immediate dentures would usually require more adjustments
to fit properly during the healing process and generally
should only be considered a temporary solution until
conventional dentures can be made. The healing process
as it can take months for your bone and tissue to stabilize
after tooth extractions.
Not everyone
is a candidate for an immediate denture. Some people
may be advised against this treatment, due to general
health conditions, or because of specific oral problems.
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Removable
partial dentures (RPD)
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| Removable
partial dentures are for patients who are missing some of their teeth
on a particular arch. |
CAST
PARTIAL DENTURES |
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Removable
Partial Dentures with cast metal frameworks offer numerous advantages
over the conventional partial dentures commonly used. The frameworks
of these dentures are cast to fit the teeth. Since they sit on the
teeth, as well as being attached to them, they are extremely stable
and retentive. The teeth have to be altered slightly beforehand
in order that the partial denture can rest upon them without interfering
with the way the patient bites the teeth together.
The metal framework does
not contact the gums. Thus, as the gums resorb, this type of partial
denture does not sink with them and rarely requires relining. Because
the teeth are altered beforehand, there are fewer limitations in
the placement of clasps, and they are less likely to be seen than
the wrought wire clasps of the conventional treatment partial denture.
Modern frameworks are cast from an extremely strong alloy called
chrome cobalt which can be cast very thin and are much less likely
to break than the all plastic variety. They are also much less noticeable
to the tongue.
The largest single advantage
that cast metal framework partial dentures have over the other types
of partials is that sore spots are almost never an issue since neither
the framework, nor the plastic extensions contact the soft oral
tissues with any force! Patients who exhibit the symptoms of TMJ,
or who are known bruxers are much better off with cast metal partials
than with flexible framework partials |
Flipper (Interim Denture)
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| A dental
flipper is the least expensive way to replace a missing tooth. Often
it is used as a temporary tooth replacement while you wait for a dental
bridge or for healing after a dental implant is placed.
A dental flipper is made out of acrylic. It is made by taking an
impression of your mouth, and then a plaster cast is poured. The
cast is sent to a laboratory with a prescription that includes the
shade of the tooth. An acrylic tooth is selected that most closely
matches the shade of your teeth and a pink plate is molded to fit
your palate (on the upper) or to fit just inside the tongue side
of your teeth (on the lower).
For a little extra cost, wires with little ball ends can be placed
to help secure the dental flipper in your mouth. Otherwise, it is
secured by the pink acrylic snapping between your teeth. A dental
flipper is meant to be temporary. The flipper pressess somewhat
on the gums and therefore is not very healthy for the gums. They
also break easily, and it can be difficult to eat with them. They
may not be strong enough to eat on and may have to be removed for
meals.
Insurance companies typically will pay their portion for the interim
denture or the final denture, but not both.
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| Now nobody has to know that you're missing teeth
Introducing VALPLAST Flexible Dentures
Flexible partial dentures are the comfortable, beautiful, and affordable
choice. It was long thought that removable partial dentures had
to be rigid to be effective. The innovation of the Valplast Flexible
Partial allows the restoration to adapt to the constant movement
and flexibility in your mouth.
This is the underlying thinking behind Valplast's innovative flexible,
removable partial denture. The flexibility, combined with strength
and light weight, provides total comfort and great looks!
The preparation is relatively simple because your natural teeth
don't need to be altered in any way. The Valplast partial is virtually
invisible because there are no telltale metal clasps and the material
itself blends with the tissue in your mouth so that the only thing
that shows is your beautiful smile.
When considering a removable partial, many people find the Valplast
Flexible Partial to be the most comfortable option, and the final
restoration can be made very quickly! While the cost is often higher
than a partial made with visible metal clasps, the results of the
flexible partial are beautiful, and patient satisfaction is very
high. The Valplast flexible partial involves only non-invasive procedures,
and gives you confidence in your restoration while talking, eating,
and most importantly: smiling!
- Comfortable
- Non-Invasive
- Virtually Invisible
- Affordable
- Lifetime Guarantee
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An overdenture looks like a complete denture (CD) ; but
unlike a complete denture, not all of the teeth are removed.
The abutment teeth provide support for the overdenture
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These are dentures that rest on top of any short, remaining
teeth in the mouth. Frequently, these teeth need endodontic
treatment (root canal therapy). They can then be modified
or protected. This is an excellent option when there are
still existing teeth that may not be able to support the
functions of the mouth alone.
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Implant Retained Bar
Denture ( Implant Overdenture)
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An implant overdenture
is a type of overdentures that uses dental
implants to permanently support the denture in the mouth. This
is a great option for denture wearers because of it's many advantages.
They are held in place and very strong so there is no need to worry
about loose dentures while eating or talking. Cleaning is also simplified
and the implants help prevent bone loss so the need for a dentures
reline goes out the window. The downside is that implants are expensive,
but the success rate and technology involved mean that few implants
are needed to do the job.
An implant overdenture
is a full denture used to replace an edentulous arch. This means
that all the teeth are missing. While
it is better to prevent the need to have dentures, if you are going
to get them, you want dentures that will last, look good and allow
you to eat and speak uninhibited. These are all common complaints
concerning dentures. Cosmetic dentures are made to look as real
as possible but still move around like normal dentures. Soft dentures
help with the stability issues but there is still only so much they
can do. This is where implants come in handy.
The most important aspect
of an implant overdenture is the dental implant that is used to
secure the denture. Implants are a dental device that uses titanium
and special dental implant surgery to provide a secure anchor in
the mouth. They are often used for a single tooth or an dental implant
bridge, but they are so strong that merely a few could support a
whole denture. This is because the implants are anchored directly
into the bone and bond with the bone in a way that only titanium
can. While expensive, these dentures are often the best long term
solution for replacing so many teeth.
If you have an existing
denture that moves or have very limited bone an Implant retained
bar denture may be right for you. The bar denture is designed to
stabilize a denture. The dentures are removable
and they snap into place when they engage the bar.
A removable full denture
is connected to a bar attachment, which in turn is anchored on two
to six implants in the jaw. The implants help keep the denture securely
in place and provide better function and comfort. It actually snaps
and locks into place. With four to six implants and the connector
bar, this option is extremely stable and almost feels like natural
teeth. Overdentures also replace lost gum and bone and can vastly
improve facial appearance. Cost is usually the reason why this solution
is chosen over a fixed bridge.
A fixed bridge is not removable. A removable overdenture has implants
under the denture. An overdenture is a great solution for someone
that already has dentures. Many times I can use your existing dentures
and just attach implants to them!
An upper denture usually
needs more implants than a lower one. This is due to the soft bone
of the upper jaw. The worst thing you can do is "under-engineer"
any overdenture. They endure a tremendous amount of force and will
fail in a few years if they are poorly designed or have to few implants.
It would be like constructing a building and skimping on the foundation.
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Hybrid
dentures (also called fixed-detachable dentures) allow people
to gain back most of their teeth in the form of a bridge which
has some components like a denture (such as gum tissue), but
is fixed on the supporting implants. It is not removable,
but it is not quite like having individual teeth like your
real teeth.
Hybrid dentures
are most frequently used when there is a lot of bone loss,
which happens if you've been a long-term denture wearer. The
hybrid restoration supplies both teeth and artificial gums
to give you back proper facial support and offers the best
aesthetic control. In the upper jaw, we usually need to have
six implants while on the lower, we can usually use between
4- 5 implants.
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We
provide world class dentures in India.
The
Advanced Dental Care Centre Difference
Dr. Anshu and
her staff can customize your dentures for you, you too can
have a beautiful, natural smile. The meticulous attention
to design and detail will also improve chewing and overall
function. "As a replacement for no teeth, dentures have
always been conspicuously artificial in appearance. Our customization
process provides a smile that is so incredibly natural that
even I can't tell," says Dr. Anshu |
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Procedure for Conventional
Dentures Treatment
- First
Evaulation and dentures site preparation
- if
tooth extraction is required, the teeth are extracted and left to
heal
- Making
the dentures
- Once
the gums are healed and healthy, an impression of the mouth is taken
for a wax-up
- The
wax-up is used to determine the most optimal position of the jaw
and teeth dimensions (size, shape, length, width)
- The
wax up is sent to a dental laboratory to construct a "try-in"
set of denture
- Trial
of "try-in" set of dentures and re-adjustments
- The
"try-in' denture are placed in the mouth to assure comfort,
fit, bite position and appearance
- The
"try-in" dentures are re-worked in the labs and trail
fitted during next visits until the color, shape and proper fit
is obtained for the final set of dentures to be cast
- Fitting
of final dentures
For immediate dentures,
impression-taking and the wax-up is first done before tooth extraction.
Dental Implants and Dentures
Click here is
to learn more about dental implants.
Recovery Expectations
Recovery from getting
dentures may be a two-step process. If extractions are necessary, patients
can expect the recovery of their gums to take up to 4 weeks or longer.
Once healed and the
dentures are placed, the patient will need time to adjust to the new teeth.
While patients can speak normally within a few hours, they may experience
minor discomfort when eating or chewing. This discomfort may last from
several days to a few weeks until the muscles of your cheek and tongue
learn to keep them in place and you get comfortable inserting and removing
them. It is recommended that patients with new dentures eat soft foods
until they become comfortable with chewing.
it is not unusual
for minor irritation or soreness to occur and for saliva flow to increase
when you first start wearing dentures, but these problems will diminish
as your mouth adjusts to the new denture.
Care for Dentures
- Dentures
should be removed at night to give the gums a rest and to reduce the
pressure on the underlying bone or as directed by your dentist
- Regular
denture care includes brushing your denture with a denture brush and
a denture paste after eating. Dentures can collect plaque and food stains
- Keep
your dentures in water to avoid drying out and distorting.
- Dentures
can and may break if dropped onto a hard surface, thus becareful when
handling them.
- Clean
and massage your gums and tongue with a regular soft-bristled toothbrush
to help keep them healthy
Goto section on Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) on Dentures
Call
us today for more information
on dentures.
Click
here to see our Smile Gallery with some case studies from our clinic.
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Dentures
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What is
an immediate denture?
A. An immediate dentures
is a full prosthesis that is placed right after (same day) the teeth are
extracted.
Q. What is
a denture reline?
A. A denture reline
is the process of adding acrylic to the pink base material of the denture
to fill in where it no longer fits due to bone resorption.
Q. What is
a RPD
Here is an example
of a lower removable partial denture (RPD). The missing
teeth are replaced by plastic or porcelain teeth supported by a metal
framework. A removable partial denture can replace one or more missing
teeth and can be constructed of acrylic,metal or a flexible dental resin
which is metal free. 
The metal style partial
is the most common type and is considered stronger and more hygienic.
It consists of a connected metal frame work which attaches to your existing
natural teeth with small metal clasps.
Partials help to restore
the function of chewing as well as bringing back your beautiful smile!
This type of prosthesis
(Denture) has the advantage of economy (many teeth can
be provided for a relatively lower cost than fixed bridges or implants).
And, it is easy to clean and maintain.
The disadvantages
of the RPD are that it doesn't stimulate the bone the
way natural teeth or implants would, so the amount of bone below the plate
will decrease over time. And, the RPD can cause an esthetic problem, especially
on the upper, if the clasps that hold it in are visible toward the front
of the mouth.
To solve this problem,
we sometimes make a denture that is retained by implants
submerged in the bone.
The denture is still
removable, but there are no clasps because the RPD is
retained by the implants.
FLEXIBLE
PARTIAL DENTURES
Flexible partials
are a quality premium product that offer comfort, esthetics, function
and bio-compatibility.Flexible partials are made from a denture base resin
that is non -allergenic, thin, lightweight, resilient and flexible. The
advantages to wearing a flexible partial is the invisible clasps that
surround the natural teeth as well as the easy maintenance.
Using a retento-grip
tissue bearing technique for retention, flexible partials are easy to
wear and easy to maintain. Most of these type of partials are also guaranteed
against breakage.
Esthetically the translucent
material blends naturally with the tissue and gums and no more unsightly
metal clasps.
Q. How long
do dentures last?
A. Actually, there
is no real "lifetime" to a denture. Some can last twenty or
thirty years, or longer, if made and maintained correctly.
Q. How much
do dentures cost?
A. It varies depending
on whether the denture is full or partial, and whether the denture is
implant retained or resting on natural soft tissue. If the case is implant
supported, each implant will cost extra, including the fees to the periodontist
who places the implant(s), and all the related costs from the restorative
end. Please contact us for
an estimate.
Q. How do
I know if I am a candidate for an immediate, tissue-supported, removable,
or implant-supported denture?
A. The answer to this
question is best resolved through a comprehensive exam and treatment plan.
In our office, we offer an initial exam at no cost to the patient.
Q. What about
sore spots? I have heard that dentures can be uncomfortable.
A. It's true - some
dentures can cause sore spots from time to time. If this occurs, either
a minor adjustment or a reline will usually resolve the matter.
Q. What about
breakage. Do dentures ever break?
A. Yes, dentures can
sometimes crack or break. When they are made correctly, this is very rare.
Q. Do dentures
look good? And can I chew anything I like?
A. Actually, full
or partial dentures can be made to look very lifelike. And, with the exception
of certain foods, denture wearers can usually eat a fairly normal diet.
Q Why should
I replace missing teeth?
A. Your appearance
is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean
greater strain is put on the teeth at either side. A gap can also mean
your ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space
can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite
together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which
causes both decay and gum disease.
Q. How are
missing teeth replaced?
A. This depends on the number of teeth missing and on where
they are in the mouth. The condition of the other teeth also affects the
decision. There are two main ways to replace the missing teeth. The first
is with a removable false tooth or teeth – a partial denture.
The second is with a fixed bridge. A
bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when
the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth.
Q. What is
a partial denture?
A. This is a plate with a number of false teeth on it. It may
be all plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic. Both types may have
clips (clasps), to help keep the denture in place in the mouth. Depending
on where they are, some of these clips may show when you smile or open
your mouth.
Q. What are the replacement teeth made of?
A. Usually plastic, and occasionally porcelain. Each replacement
tooth is made specially, to get the right shape, colour and size for you.
Q. What is the difference between a plastic partial denture and
one that contains metal?
A. Plastic partial dentures are less expensive to make. But
unless they are designed very carefully they can damage the teeth they
fit against. Metal partial dentures are usually from an alloy of cobalt
and chromium and they are much stronger. They are lighter to wear and
can be supported by the remaining teeth. Although the base is metal, they
have gum-coloured plastic and natural-looking teeth fixed to them. They
are more expensive than the plastic ones.
Q. How do I choose the best type for me?
A. Be guided by your dentist. He or she will know the condition
of your remaining teeth. In most cases a metal-based partial denture gives
the best result, but the higher cost may make you decide against it.
Q. How do I look after my denture?
A. The general rule is: brush, soak, brush. Always clean your
dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them.
Brush your dentures before soaking, to help remove any food debris. The
use of an effervescent denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains
and leave your denture feeling fresher – always follow the manufacturers’
instructions - then brush the dentures again, as you would your own teeth,
being careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface.
Most dentists advice using a small to medium headed toothbrush and toothpaste.
Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface
which comes into contact with your gums. This is especially important
if you use any kind of denture fixative.
If you notice a build up of stains or scale, have your denture cleaned
by your dentist or hygienist.
Q. Should I take my denture out at night?
A. Yes. Leave it in water to stop it warping.
Q. What is the alternative to a partial denture?
A. The main alternative is a fixed bridge. This is made by putting
crowns on the teeth at either side of the space, and then joining these
two crowns together by placing a false tooth in the space. This is all
made in the laboratory and then the pieces are cemented into place with
special adhesives. The bridge can’t be removed.
Q. Can I always have a bridge to replace missing teeth?
A. Yes, if you have enough strong teeth with good bone support.
Your dentist will help you decide which is the best way of replacing them
within your budget.
Q. What are bridges made of?
A. Bridges usually made of a precious metal. If the bridge will
show, porcelain is then bonded to the base. Sometimes, there are other
non-precious metals used in the base for strength.
Q. How do I look after my bridge?
A. You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems
such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false
tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use a
bridge needle or special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.
Q. Are there other methods for fixing false teeth?
A. There are other methods, such as using a combination of crowns
and partial dentures that can keep the retaining clips out of sight. These
are quite specialised dentures, so you should ask your dentist about them.
Q. Can I have teeth which attach to the jawbone?
A. Yes. By having implants.
The success of this technique means you may be able to replace missing
teeth without crowning other teeth. Our leaflet on implants explains this
in detail. Remember that it’s as important to care for your remaining
teeth as it is to replace the missing ones
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