There are a few options when it comes to replacing teeth that are lost. Generally, there are implants, bridges, and dentures. A denture is a type of removable dental appliance and a replacement for your missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to resemble closely the natural dentition of the patient. This procedure is also done to enhance your smile. Most clinics would care for your dental health and strive to provide excellent treatment to the community
Are there options for dentures?
There are basically two types of dentures, namely complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing while partial dentures are used when there are some remaining natural teeth. A partial denture not only fill up the gaps created by missing teeth, but it also prevents other teeth from shifting inwards into the spaces of the missing teeth.
A complete denture can be either the “immediate” or “conventional” type. The standard model is constructed after the teeth have been taken out, and the gum tissue has been completely healed. This will usually take 4 to 6 weeks. During this period of time, the patient will have to go through life without teeth. Immediate dentures are provided in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are extracted, thus preventing the patient from having to be without his or her teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made to ensure patient’s appliance fits properly.
Dentures are indeed very durable appliances and will last many years, but they may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted accordingly when they wear and tear.
These are some indications that dentures are the solution:
- When there is the loss of all teeth in an arch or several teeth in an arch.
- When patients request dentures for the purpose of enhancing smile and facial tissues also.
- To improve chewing, speech, and digestion
What is the process?
The process of getting your dentures requires several appointments, typically over a period of several weeks. If you sought treatment at a dental school, sometimes it could take up to months due to the supervision those dental students are facing. Highly accurate measurements and impressions (molds) are taken and used to create your custom made the denture. A couple of “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. These try in arrangements are needed to simulate the fitting and insertion of the denture when they are in the wax stage. During those visits, the patient can make a request to modify the denture before the final product is processed.
During the final appointment, your dentist will accurately adjust and place the complete denture, ensuring a comfortable and natural fit.
It is normal to experience soreness around the oral cavity, increased saliva flow, speech slurs, and chewing difficulty. However, this will be normalized as your muscles, and soft tissues adapt to the new device.
You will then be given instructions for taking care of your new dentures. Good oral hygiene practices such as thorough cleaning of your new dental appliance and regular dental visits will aid your new dentures. In a nutshell, dentures are a cost efficient and excellent option in teeth replacement especially for the elderly. Do consult your dentists should you have inquiries about the removable prosthesis.
