Dentures: Types, Alternative, and Caring

Dentures are oral appliances that are used to replace missing teeth and can be either full or partial. Additionally, implant-supported dentures are another option that can provide additional stability and support. With proper care and maintenance, the average lifespan of a denture is typically seven to 10 years. It’s important to follow proper cleaning and maintenance instructions provided by a healthcare professional to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your dentures. Additionally, regular dental check-ups can help identify any issues with your dentures and ensure they continue to fit properly and function effectively. There are two types of dentures available. Complete dentures are used to replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. Partial dentures are designed to fit around the remaining natural teeth and can help prevent further tooth loss by providing support and stability. Both complete and partial dentures are removable and can be taken out for cleaning and maintenance. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to determine which type of denture is best for your individual needs and circumstances.

Types Of Dentures

It’s important to note that dental technicians use a variety of materials, such as acrylic, resin, nylon, metal, and porcelain, to craft dentures that are tailored to meet individual needs. The type of denture that’s right for you will depend on your unique oral health needs, including the number of teeth missing, the condition of your remaining teeth, and the overall health of your gums and jawbone. Your healthcare professional can help you determine which type of denture is best for you and provide guidance on proper care and maintenance to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your dentures. The types of dentures are:

• Complete dentures: It is two types, conventional and immediate. Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal. This type of denture is typically ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed. On the other hand, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be placed in the mouth immediately after the teeth have been removed. This type of denture allows the patient to have teeth during the healing process but may require adjustments as the gums and bone heal and shrink. Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed, which means that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, as you mentioned, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. This means that immediate dentures may require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process. It is important to note that immediate dentures are generally considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made. This is because the fit of immediate dentures may become loose or uncomfortable over time as the gums and bones continue to heal and shrink. Once the healing process is complete, the patient can be fitted with a conventional denture that will provide a more accurate and comfortable fit.

• Partial dentures: A removable partial denture or bridge is a dental appliance that is used to replace missing teeth. It consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is sometimes connected by a metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed bridge, on the other hand, replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This “bridge” is then cemented into place. One of the benefits of using a partial denture is that it fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, which prevents other teeth from changing position. Additionally, a precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns, which makes it a more natural-looking appliance.

• Implant-retained dentures: Implant-retained dentures are a type of denture that attaches to dental implants instead of relying on your jawbone ridge and gums for support. Dental implants are small, threaded posts that are placed in your jawbone to replace missing teeth roots. Like traditional dentures, implant-retained dentures are removable. You take them out at night to clean and soak them. However, implant-retained dentures typically offer more stability than traditional dentures because they “snap on” to implants embedded in your jaw. This means that you won’t need denture glue to secure them in your mouth. For this reason, some people call them “snap-in dentures.” Implant-retained dentures can be a good option for people who have lost all or most of their teeth and want a more stable and comfortable denture. However, they do require a surgical procedure to place the dental implants, which can be more expensive and time-consuming than getting traditional dentures.

• Implant-supported dentures: implant-supported dentures, also known as permanent dentures or hybrid dentures, are non-removable and don’t snap in and out like other types of dentures. Only a dentist can remove them. Implant-supported dentures are recommended for people who prefer a non-removable oral appliance. The advantage of this type of denture is that it provides a more stable and secure fit, which can improve chewing and speaking ability. Additionally, implant-supported dentures can help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can occur when teeth are missing. However, it is important to note that implant-supported dentures require more thorough daily cleaning than removable dentures. This includes flossing underneath the denture to prevent food particles and bacteria from accumulating and causing irritation or infection.

Is There An Alternative For Dentures?

dental implants can be used to support cemented bridges, which eliminates the need for a denture. While the cost of this option is usually greater, the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. It’s important to note that not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, so it’s important to consult with your dentist to determine if this is a suitable option for you. Dental implants may also be used to support dentures, which can offer more stability than traditional dentures. This type of implant-supported denture is called an overdenture and can be removable or non-removable. Overdentures are a good option for people who have lost all or most of their teeth and want a more stable and comfortable denture. It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs and to discuss the potential costs and benefits of each option.

What Do New Dentures Feel Like?

The new dentures may feel a little odd or loose for a few weeks until the muscles of the cheeks and tongue learn to keep them in place and you get comfortable inserting and removing them. It is important to wear your dentures as much as possible during this adjustment period to help your mouth adapt to the new appliance. Your dentist may also recommend using a denture adhesive to help improve the fit and stability of your dentures.

Caring For Dentures

You are correct that proper denture care is important for both the health of your dentures and your mouth. Here are some tips for taking care of your dentures:

• Handle dentures with great care. To avoid dropping them, stand over a folded towel or a full sink of water when handling them.
• Brush and rinse dentures daily, but not with toothpaste. Toothpaste is abrasive and makes microscopic scratches where food and plaque can build up. Use a brush with soft bristles that are designed for cleaning dentures. Gently brush all surfaces of the denture, and be careful not to damage the plastic or bend attachments. In between brushings, rinse dentures after every meal.
• Clean with a denture cleaner. You can use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid for cleaning dentures. Household cleansers and many kinds of toothpaste may be too abrasive for dentures. Also, avoid using bleach, as this may whiten the pink portion of the denture. Products with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance are recommended because they have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
• Take proper care of dentures when not wearing them. Dentures need to be kept moist so they don’t dry out or lose their shape. When you’re not wearing them, put dentures in a denture

How Should One Care For Gums And Mouth If They Have Dentures?

Even with full dentures, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy. Here are some tips for caring for your gums and natural teeth:

• Brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush every morning before putting in your dentures. This removes plaque and boosts circulation in the mouth. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. Plaque that gets trapped under the clasps will raise the risk of tooth decay.
• If you wear a partial denture, be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth. Clean, rest, and massage your gums regularly. Rinsing your mouth daily with lukewarm salt water will help clean the gums.
• Eat a balanced diet to maintain proper nutrition and a healthy mouth. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• It’s important to follow these care instructions to maintain good oral health and prevent problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups are also important to ensure that your mouth is healthy and to check for any signs of oral health issues.