Teeth are an essential part of your mouth and general health. They enable you to eat, speak, and smile.
By practicing good oral hygiene, a lot of people are able to maintain their natural teeth throughout the lifetime. However, there are several factors why most adults end up losing some or their entire teeth as they age.
Poor oral hygiene is one common reason for that. Failure to take regular dental visits is another. If you are guilty of both, modern dentistry can help you recover your ability to eat, smile, and speak without restrictions.
We can fit an artificial set of teeth for you which can either be a bridge or denture. We can offer you the perfect fitting solution so you can get your confidence back.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are a set of artificial teeth attached to a base which is held in place by suction to the gums. You can get them either in porcelain or acrylic. To ensure natural-looking results, their color is typically matched to your remaining natural teeth while the base is gum colored. In some cases, temporary dentures can also be made with different types of dental alloys.
Preparation for Dentures
Before your dentist takes an impression of your gums and teeth, he’ll perform other necessary dental procedures first. For example, if you will be getting a full set of dentures, all of your remaining teeth need to be removed first. Your gums should be given enough time to recover and heal.
In case of over denture, the remaining teeth are grinned down as stubs in the gum flesh. If you have teeth that are no longer functional or needed, they will be extracted. For teeth that will provide support, you can get them crowned.
Types of Dentures
Dentures are classified based on the materials used to create their base as well as the number of teeth they hold. You can get one in full or partial.
- Partial Denture – If you still have healthy teeth, your dentist will decide to keep them. The same applies for teeth that can provide support to your denture.
- Full Denture – If all of your natural teeth have been completely extracted or lost, you’ll be advised to get a full set of dentures. Generally, 24 to 28 missing teeth are considered are considered enough to get a full set Before you can be fitted for one, your dentist will need to extract the remaining teeth. For over denture, the existing teeth will be grinned down instead of getting extracted.
What Different Types of Denture Materials Are Available?
Apart from the number of teeth that need replacement, you and your dentist will also have to consider the type of material for your dentures’ base. You can get either an acrylic or porcelain denture depending on your preference. Your other choices include:
- Metallic alloys
- Plastic or Acrylic
Metal-Base Dentures
Metal dentures don’t really exist. It’s only their base that’s made of metal. They can be classified into two:
- Standard Metal-Based Dentures – With this, the metal base touches the gum tissue. Because of that, it’s important that the material is hypoallergenic and made of bio-compatible medical grade alloy to prevent harming the tissues.
- Modified Metal-Based Denture – This type features a plastic liner to provide support and protection to the liner. For comfort, a sold liner is more recommended but it should be replaced yearly.
Metal-Base Materials
Each material has its own pros and cons. To help you decide which to choose, here are the most important factors you need to consider:
Merits of Metal-Base Dentures
- They are extra strong and durable
- Reline easily
- They are strong enough for narrow dentures
- They don’t disturb the muscles
- Gives a more natural feeling
- Prevents surgical procedures involving frenum repositioning
- Lightweight
- More dimensionally stable
Demerits of Metal-Based Dentures
- Cost – They are generally more expensive than plastic ones
- Relining – They are more difficult to reline than other modified dentures made with a metal base
Plastic-Based Dentures
Plastic-based dentures are generally made from plastic, excluding the clasp wire or attachment wings they have at their ends. They are normally rigid but it’s possible for you to get a more flexible plastic base with the newer techniques available.
Merits of plastic dentures
- Cost – These are generally cheaper
- Easier Steps of Fabrication – They are easier to make
- Preferred Choice – They provide immediate results
Demerits of plastic dentures
- Fragility – They are more vulnerable to damage
- Stability – They need to be relined as they have this tendency to shrink
- Gum Damage – They can cause gum irritation
- Soaking – They need to be placed in a soaking solution when removed
Special Types of Dentures We Offer
Our office also fabricates special dentures for your needs:
- Overdentures
- Immediate dentures
Immediate dentures are considered more cost-effective as they are easier and quicker to create. They can be given to a patient right after tooth extraction. They can be worn until the gums heal and while waiting for the lab to finish the permanent dentures. Also known as ‘flipper’ dentures, you can wear them for several months without issues.
Overdentures
Overdentures are considered as special full dentures that work great for the lower jaw. They are recommended when it’s considered better to retain the existing healthy teeth. Instead of extracting them, the teeth are filed down to the gum line. The denture is placed over them.
Unsuitability of Overdentures
Overdentures are not recommended for patients who have:
- Poor Oral Hygiene – In order to avoid complications and other dental issues, the saved roots need to be kept clean. If a patient shows poor dental hygiene, overdentures can be crossed out from the list of options.
- Excessive Decay – If the patient is prone to developing unusual tooth decay, the roots may be at risk of decay, too
- Loose Teeth – Missing teeth can make it hard to withstand the chewing force
- Location – If the roots are located in areas where they can’t provide support
- Unsuitable Shape – If the roots are difficult to file into the right shape
Merits of Overdentures
Overdentures have a handful of advantages. The list includes:
- The chewing force gets distributed to the gums and original teeth.
- They provide stability to the dentures.
- Bone resorption can be avoided.
- Shrinking of normal facial contours can be prevented.
- Provides a natural feel to the patient.
Problems with Overdentures:
- Not for everyone
- Retained teeth require preparation
- More expensive
- Hard to get an accurate fit
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