Dentures, or false teeth as they are more commonly known, are a removable replacement for missing teeth. Dentures mimic your natural teeth and are made up of several acrylic teeth. The number of teeth you need will depend on how many teeth you have lost and the overall health of your jaw bone.
If implants are not an option for you, dentures can offer replacements for one or multiple teeth. Partial dentures are designed to replace one or just a few teeth whereas complete dentures cover your entire lower and upper jaw.
Type of Dentures
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures typically consist of replacement teeth that are attached to a gum-coloured plastic base. This is connected by a metal support that holds the denture in place in your mouth. These dentures are suitable for people who have one or more natural teeth remaining in their upper or lower jaw.
A permanent bridge will replace one or more of your teeth. This is achieved by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space. Artificial teeth are attached to them. The bridge is then bonded into place. Precision partial dentures are removable and have internal attachments in place of clasps. These attach to the adjoining crowns to give you a more natural-looking appliance.
Complete Dentures – Conventional or Immediate
Complete dentures are available in either conventional or immediate. Depending on your healing process, conventional dentures are ready to be placed in the mouth about 8-12 weeks after your teeth have been extracted and your mouth has healed. Conventional dentures take longer to produce and fit and can be customised to fit your mouth just right. Patients have the luxury of choosing the shape, shade, and size of their false teeth. If done right, these dentures can last you several years.
Immediate dentures are made in advance which means that they can be placed as soon as your teeth are removed. The advantage of immediate dentures is that you do not have to go without teeth during your healing period. Because your gums shrink over time after extracting your teeth, immediate dentures do require adjustments in order to properly fit in your mouth. Many patients choose immediate dentures as a temporary solution just until their conventional dentures can be made.
We also offer Chrome Combat Dentures and Metal Dentures.
What Can I Expect when Wearing my Dentures?
For many patients, dentures feel very strange at first. It takes a bit of time to get accustomed to them so you may feel a little discomfort. They feel like a foreign object that makes speaking and eating feel unnatural or weird. Dentures make it harder for you hot or cold liquids and even hard foods.
During the first few days of wearing your dentures, it is normal to develop sore spots so don’t be too alarmed. You may also develop a little bit of a lisp when you talk as your tongue needs to adjust to the denture. Your gums and cheeks also take time to adjust to wearing dentures. As the weeks go by, you will notice less saliva in your mouth as well as fewer sore spots
How long will my Dentures Last?
During your first few weeks of wearing your dentures, you will need to consult with Dr Danka too make sure they fit you properly. As time goes by, your mouth will go through changes which will make it necessary for your dentures to either be adjusted or replaced.
Your mouth and tissues constantly change and your dentures are prone to shrink and may need to be rebased or replaced. We recommend doing this every 4 years and relining them every 2 years. Oral hygiene and your overall general health are 2 main factors that can reduce the life expectancy of your dentures. If they are harming your gum tissue and causing you discomfort, you may need to replace them sooner.
How do I take care of my Dentures?
- After meals, remove and scrub your dentures with lukewarm water and plain soap and rinse thoroughly.
- Clean your mouth after removing them to help clean your gums.
- To prevent inflammation, sores and infection, it is advisable to take out your dentures overnight.
- Submerge them in a denture-soaking solution overnight.
- Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Don’t use toothpicks when you’re wearing them.
Dental Services in Linden
Today’s modern dentures are designed to be comfortable. They perform the functions of your natural teeth and are an extremely cost-effective treatment option. They restore your smile and eliminate those social awkwardness you felt when you had missing teeth. Dentures provide you with a realistic aesthetic that mimics your natural teeth.
Dr Ebrahim Danka is an experienced, professional dentist committed to providing all his patients with the highest quality dental care. He prides himself on maintain lasting relationships with his patients throughout their dental care and after. He maintains the highest standards of practice, ethics, and integrity. Should you decide to get dentures, consult with Dr Danka today and start smiling freely.
Have any questions on dentures? Our team is here to help. If you do not find your answer below, get in touch with us and we will do our best to provide it.
Wearing dentures while you sleep can cause bacteria to accumulate, potentially leading to long-term gum disease. Additionally, sleeping with dentures increases the risk of denture stomatitis, an infection caused by the yeast or fungus candida.
Once you have fully adapted to wearing dentures, you should be able to consume a wide variety of foods. However, certain foods that are hard, sticky, or tough may always present challenges. Despite having a strong mouth and well-fitting dentures, you may prefer to avoid certain foods altogether.
With proper care, your dentures can last for several years. However, factors such as normal wear and tear or changes in the shape of your mouth may necessitate replacing them. As a guideline, dentures older than five years often require consideration for replacement.
Partial dentures are typically more cost-effective compared to alternatives such as dental implants or bridges, which makes them accessible to a broader range of patients.
Cleaning your dentures while they are in your mouth is possible and safe. Using a soft-bristled brush and avoiding abrasive toothpaste, you can brush your dentures as you would natural teeth without causing harm. This can be a convenient way to freshen your mouth between meals.
It is typically advised not to use toothpaste for cleaning dentures. Instead, rinse them with lukewarm water, gently brush them using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and then use a denture cleaning solution as recommended.
A single-tooth denture consists of an artificial tooth attached to a coloured base, usually made from pink plastic, acrylic, or metal. This structure is crafted to support the denture by anchoring it to the adjacent teeth.
The carbonation in sodas and sparkling water can potentially cause irritation and bleeding in individuals who have recently started wearing dentures. This carbonation can also hinder the healing process of gum tissue, making the adjustment to new dentures more challenging.
When biting into hard foods like apples, it’s advisable to use your canines rather than your front teeth to avoid dislodging your dentures and potentially causing gum discomfort. Ensure you chew evenly on both sides towards the back of your mouth to minimize movement of the dentures.
Consuming alcohol excessively can lead to dry mouth, which can cause discomfort when wearing dentures. It can also impair balance and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents related to dentures. If you decide to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and take appropriate precautions.
Speaking with dentures can be challenging for new wearers, often causing speech difficulties that may feel embarrassing. Pronouncing certain words might be difficult initially. Practicing in private by reading aloud in front of a mirror can be beneficial to improve speech clarity and confidence.
You might notice that someone’s teeth appear unusually clean or whiter than usual. Dentures often result in teeth that are uniformly the same length. Speech challenges typically arise during the initial stages of wearing dentures. Additionally, observing someone’s eating habits can sometimes indicate that they wear dentures.
Leaving your dentures in place continuously can lead to various health concerns and may shorten their lifespan. It is advisable to remove your dentures overnight to give your mouth a rest, maintain good oral hygiene, and prevent accelerated wear of the dentures.
Yes, dentures can be affixed permanently. There are several options available in dentistry for individuals who are missing teeth or require extractions. There is also information available on permanent dentures that is intended to assist you in determining if this option is most suitable for your oral health needs.
The most widely favoured and effective alternative to dentures are dental implants. These titanium fixtures are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as anchors for securing new teeth, mimicking the function of natural tooth roots.
Porcelain is known for its greater hardness compared to acrylic, which enhances the durability of dentures. Additionally, porcelain dentures offer superior aesthetics because the replacement teeth closely resemble natural teeth. This material is well-suited for withstanding the daily wear and tear of speaking, chewing, and biting.