Dentures and Partials 101: Everything You Need to Know
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable, false teeth that replace your missing teeth. The dentures or partials are custom-fitted to your mouth. The actual teeth placed in the denture come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and tooth shades. Each denture or partial denture is customized to fit a person’s mouth and preferences.
Complete dentures are used to replace a full set up of upper and or lower teeth, whereas, partial dentures are used when there are still teeth present but some are missing. Partial dentures and Complete dentures can both be made as conventional or immediate.
Immediate dentures are made prior to the extraction of teeth and are meant to be temporary. The primary purpose of these immediate dentures is to provide the wearer with a temporary prosthesis while the gums heal after extractions. For example, if a person’s ultimate goal is to have a full upper denture, but they currently have broken teeth that need to be extracted, we would make an immediate denture that approximates the size of that person’s mouth. Then the teeth would be extracted and the person would wear the temporary denture while the gums heal post-extraction. Over time the gums will shrink as they heal and the immediate denture will start to become very loose. Once the gums have fully healed, a permanent denture would be made. Another example would be if a person was getting a tooth extracted with the end goal of having an implant. The immediate partial denture would be fabricated, then the tooth or teeth would be extracted and the implant placed. The person would wear the immediate partial denture while the implants integrate into the bone until they are ready to be uncovered and the final prosthesis placed.
When Are Dentures Recommended?
Complete dentures are recommended if all or most of the teeth are severely decayed and non-restorable or there is advanced periodontal disease causing mobility of the remaining teeth. In these situations, the long-term prognosis for the remaining teeth is poor and they need to be removed.
Partial dentures are recommended when there are a few teeth missing in an arch and getting a bridge or implants is not an option.
What is the Process of Getting Dentures?
Getting dentures can take a few weeks, and the process begins with an assessment to determine which denture type is suitable for you. Then the dentist will carry out the following steps:
- Take impressions of the upper and lower arch to fabricate a custom impression tray
- Take a final impression with the custom tray to get the most accurate replica of your mouth
- A visit to set markers for the lip support, the midline of the denture, and how open are closed your mouth will be when wearing the dentures
- A try in a visit with the teeth set in wax to make sure the esthetics are acceptable
- Final delivery and adjustments.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dentures?
Dentures offer several advantages like:
- Convenience. These dental restorations are removable and therefore not permanent.
- They are easy to maintain with proper home care.
Disadvantages
Yes, dental dentures come with a few cons, which include:
- They do not stop bone loss in the jaw. Over time, the bone in the jaw will continue to resorb and the dentures may begin to feel loose.
- Retention. A well-fitting denture will allow you to eat and function normally. However, dentures are not perfect and occasionally will become dislodged.
What Can You Expect When Wearing the Dentures?
The first time you wear the dentures, they will feel odd, and the cheeks and tongue will become sore. Saliva production will also increase, but these problems will clear out as you get used to the dentures.
How Can You Care for Your Dentures?
It is vital to care for your dentures like you would your natural teeth. Dentures need to be stored in water overnight and cleaned with denture solution or tablets. Debris should be removed from your denture with a special denture brush rather than a regular toothbrush.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Trinity Dental Loft for more information on dentures and partial dentures near you.