Dentures: A World of Information Unleashed
Dentures are a removable replacement for any teeth that are missing and their surrounding tissue. Two different types of dentures are available from which you can choose: partial and complete. For those who have all of their teeth missing, complete dentures are the perfect alternative. If you have some of your own teeth that remain, partial dentures may be the solution for you.
Complete Dentures
This particular type of denture can be either immediate or conventional. It is made after all of your teeth are removed and your gum tissue has started the healing process. Conventional dentures can be placed into the mouth around eight to 12 weeks after removal of your teeth.
Unlike traditional dentures, immediate dentures are created in advance and they can be placed into position as soon as your teeth are removed. Thanks to these dentures, you will never have to worry about being without teeth through the healing process. Gums and bones tend to shrink over the course of time, especially throughout the period of healing after you have your teeth removed. One of the disadvantages to these dentures is that they are going to require more adjustments to help ensure they fit properly throughout the healing process. These dentures should only be considered as a temporary solution until traditional dentures are made.
Partial Dentures
Removable partials or bridges will often consist of replacement teeth that are connected to a pink plastic base that is connected with metal framework holding the dentures in place inside of your mouth. Partials are used when you have at least one tooth remaining inside of your jaw. Fixed bridges help to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth by using a crown on your teeth that are on opposite sides of the space and placing artificial teeth onto them. It is then cemented securely into place. Not only will the partials help to fill in the gaps from teeth that are missing, but it will also help to secure your other teeth in position. Precision partials can be removed. They have an internal attachment instead of the clasps that are affixed to the surrounding crowns. This appliance tends to look more natural than other dentures.
Dentures: Are There Alternatives?
Implants can also be used to help support a bridge that is permanently cemented, which helps to eliminate the need for dentures. Even though they may cost more, bridges and implants are the closest thing to your own teeth. Implants are quickly becoming an alternative to traditional dentures, but you will need to determine if you are a candidate for the implant. The dentist will be able to help advice you on your options.
Will My Insurance Cover My Denture Cost?
Most of the time, the insurance company will cover a portion or the entire balance of your denture cost. Make sure to contact the provider to determine all of the specifics relating to the cost of your dentures.
Process for Manufacturing Dentures
The process for developing dentures will take anywhere from three weeks to six weeks, as well as a number of different appointments along the way. Once the dentist is able to determine the appliance that is going to work best for you, the next steps are to:
- Create a series of impressions for your jaw. Take a measurement of the manner in which your jaws relate to each other, as well as the amount of space between them.
- Create wax forms, models and plastic patterns that are in the same position and shape of your dentures that need to be created. You will be able to try this model a number of times to determine the color, fit and shape before they cast your final set of dentures.
- Make a cast of the final dentures that you will be wearing.
- Any necessary adjustments will be made.
What Will the Dentures Feel Like?
When you get new dentures, they make feel slightly loose or a little odd for the first few weeks while your muscles of the tongue and cheeks learn how to keep them securely in place. You will want to get comfortable with removing and inserting the dentures into place. If you experience soreness or minor irritation, this is not unusual. Saliva flow will increase when you first begin using the dentures, but all of the problems will begin to dissipate as your mouth adjusts to the appliance.
Will They Affect My Appearance?
Since dentures are created to resemble your own teeth, you should not notice any changes in your appearance. Using dentures may help to improve upon your smile and fill in your facial definition.
Is Eating Going to be Difficult?
Even though it may take a little practice to eat with your new dentures, it will start to get easier over time and the discomfort will pass. To help get used to your new appliance, begin by eating softer foods that you can easily cut into small pieces. Make sure to chew slowly on both sides of your mouth. Once you are used to the appliance, you can begin adding in other foods until you are eating a normal diet. Take precautions with hard or hot food sharp-edged bones or any hard shells. Try to avoid consuming any foods that are hard or really sticky. Minimize chewing on gum while you learn get used to using the dentures. Do not use any toothpicks while you have the dentures in place.
Will the Dentures Affect the Manner in Which I Speak?
After you get the dentures, you may find that it is a lot more difficult to pronounce various words. If this is the case, you will want to practice by saying the words that are difficult aloud. With enough time and practice, you will get used to speaking properly with the dentures in place. If they click when you are speaking, you will want to talk with the dentist. It is not unusual for the dentures to slip out of place on occasion when you laugh, smile or cough. Position them by biting down gently and swallowing. If you notice any problems with your speaking, you will want to speak with the dentist.
Do You Wear the Dentures Around the Clock?
The dentist will speak to you about how long you will want to wear the dentures and when it is that you need to remove them. Throughout the first few days of getting the appliance, you will probably be asked to wear it continually, even while you sleep. Even though this may not be comfortable at first, it is the fastest way to determine any areas that need to be adjusted. Once the proper adjustments are completed, you will want to remove the dentures before retiring for the night. This will help provide your gums with the chance to rest and allow a normal cleansing from your saliva and tongue. Dentures can be placed back into your mouth upon waking in the morning.
Adhesive: Do I Need It?
Adhesive may be useful under certain instances such as:
- To help enhance your satisfaction level with a denture that is constructed properly. An adhesive will help to enhance the stability, retention, force from your bite and overall sense of security.
- To help assist those who have dry mouth and lessen the adherence of dentures, such as those who have strokes, the elderly and those who consume cold medications.
- To help provide an added sense of security and stability for those with a higher demand on their facial muscles, such as musicians and public speakers.
Is an Adhesive Safe?
Adhesives are considered safe as long as the individual is using them correctly. If you have dentures that fit correctly and the adhesive is used for the purpose of adding stability, you will not have to worry about any side effects. For those who are using a large amount of adhesive to help fill a void for dentures that don’t fit properly, they can cause harm to the hard and soft tissues in your mouth. In these instances, inflammation of your soft tissues can occur. Due to the movement of your underlying bone and soft tissues, dentures that don’t fit properly can cause you to lose portions of your bone.
