WHAT ARE DENTURES?
Dentures are removable appliances which are used as a replacement of missing teeth and tissues. They are the artificial teeth which enable chewing down of food.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTURES?
Dentures are of two types – Complete & Partial.
Complete dentures are advised when all the teeth are missing, and partial dentures are applied when few natural teeth are missing. They are custom made especially for a set of teeth and gum line.
Partial Dentures consists of replaced missing teeth attached to artificial gum connected by a metal or acrylic framework which helps to hold the denture in place. Missing teeth can change the position of other teeth hence partial denture help to overcome this problem and keep the teeth intact.
BEFORE & AFTER PICTURE
What material is used in fabrication of a denture?
Dentures are made of porcelain and acrylic resin.
Porcelain dentures look more natural and match easily with the remaining teeth. But porcelain, if dropped, will break easily and can wear down the remaining teeth hence, are better used as complete dentures rather than partial.
Acrylic resin dentures, on the other hand, are light in weight and easy to adjust. They fit properly and make the jaw movement smoother.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE INVOLVED IN PLACING DENTURES?
We first take the impressions of your jaw to analyze how well they relate to one another and whether they have spaces in between them.
A wax model is then prepared to check the fitting.
Final Denture is made with the wax model
The patient is made to try the final set of dentures and if necessary adjustments will be made
DO’S AND DON’TS WHILE DENTURES ON
DO’S
- Soak your dentures overnight in water or solution given by your dentist
- Rinse your dentures before putting them on in the morning
- Brush daily with soft bristles with tooth paste as prescribed by your dentist
- Do take care of your mouth, gums, and tongue
DON’TS
- Do not try and bite hard food with front Dentures
- Do not be abrasive while brushing
- Do not use a toothpick or pointed objects on Dentures
- Do not drop them as they are delicate and may break if you do so
- If they loosen, do not try to fix it on your own instead visit a dentist
MYTHS ABOUT DENTURES
There are no restrictions on what kind of food to eat. Initially, you might be advised to intake certain kind of diet but with time you will be able to eat whatever you wish but precautions are necessary.
If not taken proper care, the dentures may not last for long. Also, over a period they may start to wear down, loosen their natural appearance and chewing ability.
Gone are the days when they were highlighted. The material used to make dentures is such that nobody could guess that you are wearing dentures. But if they are coming to notice then it is advised to visit a dentist
Though artificial, dentures work exactly like your real teeth, therefore, it is extremely important to take care of dentures the way you take care of your teeth.
Never ever should a person try the same. If you feel that your dentures are no longer fitting the way they should, do not try to get them fixed on your own as this may further damage your dentures.
Your oral health does not include only your teeth but also gums, tongue, and tissues. Regular visits to the dentist will ensure everything is being taken care of. Also, we can examine the dentures and may advise if you need to change them.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In order to allow gums and bones to relax at night time, removing denture is advised by dentists. Removing bottom or top dentures also allow the gum to come in contact with saliva considered good for the oral health of an individual. Get all the necessary information about dentures by talking to our specialist Dr. Deepika Khanna
Yes, one can sleep with dentures on. But, for best results and good oral health, it is advised by dentists to remove dentures before sleeping to give space for bones and gums to relax. Since dentures cost a good sum of money, taking good care of them is important.
No, dentures should not hurt at all. It is only at the beginning that patients may feel a little discomfort or uneasiness as they are not used to custom dentures in the mouth