Park
Cities Dental
"The
Art and Science of a Healthy Smile"
Dentures:
Get your smile back
What is a denture?
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth
and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination
with various metals. Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial
denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other
teeth from changing position. Complete dentures are either "conventional"
or "immediate." A conventional denture is placed in the mouth
about a month after all of the teeth are removed to allow for proper healing,
whereas an immediate denture is placed as soon as the teeth are removed.
The drawback behind an immediate denture is that it may require more adjustments
after the healing has taken place.
Who needs a denture?
Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all
of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural
teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides
support for facial Muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance
and smile.
What happens when you get a denture?
A dentist can make a full conventional denture when all
teeth have been lost or all extraction sites have healed (up to eight weeks
or longer.) The denture process takes about one month and five appointments:
the initial diagnosis is made; an impression and a wax bite are made to
determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position; a "try-in"
is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit; and the patient's final
denture is placed, following any minor adjustments. New denture wearers
need time to get accustomed to their new "teeth" because even
the best fitting dentures will feel awkward at first. While most patients
can begin to speak normally within a few hours, many patients report discomfort
with eating for several days or a few weeks. To get accustomed to chewing
with a new denture, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods. In addition, denture
wearers often notice a slight change in facial appearance, increased salivary
flow, or minor speech difficulty.
Is there anything you can do to stabilize a
loose denture?
There sure is! It's time you learn about dental implants.
How do you care for a denture?
A denture is fragile, so it is important to handle it with care.
Remove and brush the denture daily, preferably with a brush designed specifically
for cleaning dentures, using either a denture cleanser or toothpaste. Never
use harsh, abrasive cleansers, including abrasive toothpastes, because
they may scratch the surface of the denture. Don't sterilize your denture
with boiling water because it will cause it to become warped. If you wear
a partial denture be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth.
When not in use, soak it in a cleanser solution or in water. Get in the
habit of keeping the denture in the same safe and handy place to reduce
the likelihood of misplacement.
Should a denture be worn at night?
While you may be advised to wear your new denture almost
constantly during the first two weeks-even while you sleep-under normal
circumstances it is considered best to remove it at night. Research has
shown that removing the denture for at least eight hours during either
the day or night allows the gum tissue to rest and allows normal stimulation
and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. This promotes better long-term
health of gums.
Continue seeing your dentist
regularly:
It is important to continue having regular dental checkups so that
a dentist can examine oral tissues for signs of disease or cancer. As you
age, your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture
shrinks or recedes. To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be necessary
to adjust your denture or possibly remake your denture. Never attempt to
adjust a denture yourself and do not use denture adhesives for a prolonged
period because it can contribute to bone loss. When in doubt, consult your
dentist.
Could I lose my dentures?
You sure could, especially if you do this!
Sources: Your Dentures, American Dental Association, 1992; Removable Partial Dentures, American Dental Association, 1991; "Science and Research, suggestion to Patients: Learning to Wear and Care for New Dentures, "Iowa Dental Journal, Vol. 67, No. 1, January 1981; 'A Myth In Time, " Oklahoma Dental Association Journal, Vol. 8 1, No. 4, Spring 1994; "Post Insertion Care of Patients With Removable Dentures, "Journal Colorado Dental Association, Vo 1. 71, No. 2, January 1993, "Guidelines on after care for dental patients, "JADA, Vol. 94, June 1977. This information was compiled for you by the Academy of General Dentistry. Your dentist cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrates that concern by belonging to the Academy of General Dentistry As one of the 35, 000 general dentists in the United States and Canada who are members of the AGD, your dentist participates in an ongoing program of professional development and continuing education to remain current with advances in the profession and to provide quality patient treatment.
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Send comments to: Dr. J. Eric Hibbs