Important Things to Know About Dentures

Dentures are artificial gums and teeth that replace your lost or removed natural teeth. These dental appliances are made of plastic or porcelain but, modern ones can also be made out of hard resin. The supporting structures that hold the artificial teeth in place look like the natural gum line are also made of resin or polymer. But these materials are more fragile than natural teeth and can get damaged easily if dropped or not maintained properly. Dentures tend to wear down quicker than natural teeth and should be replaced every five years. If you have missing or damaged teeth, then you should see about getting dentures. You will regain your lost confidence, smile wide, your cheeks and lips will also look better with bright new teeth within them. They will also make your chewing and eating easier which is important for good health. To find out everything about these dental appliances such as its types, procedures to get them and maintenance tips, keep reading this blog-post by Dentistry on Dusk, a dentistry in Brampton.

Types of Dentures

• Full Dentures

Full dentures commonly known as complete dentures replace a full set of natural teeth. For the upper jaw, these dentures add a skin-coloured acrylic base which covers the root and gums of the mouth allowing the set of artificial teeth to fit perfectly. These dentures are also similar for the lower jaw, but the acrylic base looks like a horseshoe to prevent covering the tongue.

• Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used when some teeth are missing and to fill the gaps. The best way to attach these dental appliances to natural teeth is with the help of metal clasps. These can also be fixed with precision attachments which are less visible. Furthermore, they can also be attached to the crowns of natural teeth. The latter improves the fit of these dentures.

• Implant Supported Dentures

These dentures are attached to implants in the jawbone that protrudes outward from the gums. The best attribute of this dental appliance is that it is more stable than the other types, especially for the lower jaw. These dental appliances can be subdivided into two types and they are bar-retained and ball-retained.

• For bar-retained dentures, a thin metal bar is attached to two to five implants with clips or another similar type of attachments.
• The ball-retained variants, also called the stud-attachment dentures, contain sockets that fit onto ball-shaped connectors on the implants.

NOTE- Candidates looking for these dentures should have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone.

• Immediate Dentures and Overdentures

Immediate dentures as the name suggests are inserted into the mouth immediately after the extraction of teeth.  They are easily refitted to accommodate mouth changes like swelling in the gums. And, after the healing process, these dental appliances are removed and replaced with the permanent ones. Overdentures are the best alternatives which can be used if traditional dentures cause discomfort or if a patient has fewer natural teeth. They are fitted over the roots of natural teeth or on dental implants. Many people find this type comfortable as they are easily removable.

Procedure

If you are looking to get dentures made for yourself, then you need to learn about the procedure. Dentists conduct a thorough oral examination to evaluate the condition of your teeth. They will also ask for your medical history before extracting any of your teeth. They assess your smile after extracting your teeth or conducting other necessary procedures. After that, they will take the impression of your gums and make the full or partial dentures according to the size and natural colour of your teeth and gums. It may take a week or two to make these dentures until then temporary dentures will be attached to your gums to fill the gaps. NOTE- Initially, you may face issues like soreness or irritation in your mouth when the dentures are attached to your gums. The dentures might feel loose while your cheeks and tongue muscles get used to this. In fact, you might feel awkward inserting or removing these dentures early on until you get used to it as a part of your life. If problems persist long after its setting, then you should see your dentist as soon as possible.

How to Care for Dentures

Dentures should be properly maintained in the following ways:

• Use lukewarm water to rinse your dentures regularly.
• Brush your dentures properly to remove food particles and prevent plaque.
• Use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleaner to clean the surface of these dental appliances.
• Avoid using toothpaste on dentures as it is abrasive and might create microscopic scratches where plaque can build up.
• When you remove your dentures, don’t forget to keep them submerged in water and keep it in a safe place.

Additional Facts to Know About Dentures

You should also know some additional facts about dentures and they are mentioned below:

• You should clean your dentures twice a day like you clean your natural teeth.
• After brushing your dentures with a soft-bristled brush, soak them in a dissolvable denture cleaner and brush once more gently. But, do not put too much pressure while you brush these dental appliances as they are delicate.
• Avoid drinking caffeine products as they might stain your dentures.
• Always remove dentures when you sleep. This is because if they are kept in for the whole night, inflammation of gums might take place leading to a yeast infection called denture stomatitis.

In a nutshell, dentures are best alternatives to your missing or replaced teeth. Get these dental appliances and have your smile shine once again. But you should take proper care of these dental appliances as they are not hardy like your natural teeth. If you’re looking for dental clinics in Brampton that provide dentures, we are one of them. Book an appointment at your earliest!