Many people lose some or all of their teeth due to various reasons. Our clinic provides dentures/ partial dentures as a solution for the replacement of multiple or completely missing natural teeth. This is the treatment of choice if there are insufficient teeth to support a fixed bridge. Selection of partial or complete dentures depends on the patient’s treatment requirement.
Several impressions of the mouth are taken using various types of putty materials. These are then cast into a mould which is used by a laboratory to custom manufacture your denture. There are many different types of teeth to choose from in different sizes and shades.
We also pay attention to the appearance of the artificial gum. You will be guided through the process and given the opportunity to assist in the choice of teeth and therefore the resulting appearance.
Partial dentures, also known as removable partial denture prosthesis, are usually used when few teeth are missing or cannot be saved and removed. Removable partial dentures are used to fill the gap of one or more missing teeth, but they are removable. These dentures take support from the remaining natural strong and healthy teeth by help of metal clasps. You can remove these dentures by yourself for cleaning and at night.
Complete Dentures are also called full dentures and are used when all your upper and lower natural teeth, or either arch natural teeth are completely missing, then full dentures are the treatment of choice. Complete dentures are removable. They can cause soreness at first and take some time to get used to. There are two types of complete dentures: Immediate dentures and Conventional Dentures.
Immediate Dentures These dentures are made before your teeth are removed. Your dentist will take impressions and make models of your jaw during first visit. Once all teeth are extracted, the dentist will place the immediate dentures at same visit. The advantage of immediate denture is that the patient will not without teeth during healing period. The patient has to see the dentist at frequent visits. The main reason is that during healing period, your bones and gums shrink and immediate dentures may need to be relined by the dentist for proper fit.
Conventional Dentures are made and inserted into your mouth after your teeth have been extracted and the gums and jaw tissues have healed.
Another type of full denture is the Implant Supported Complete Denture. Unlike traditional full dentures, implants are surgically placed in jaw bones which have a special attachment at the top outside gums and an attachment at the bottom of the denture, to fit the complete denture on implants and secure the denture in the patient’s mouth.
After the loss of all teeth, the muscles of the face sag which can make you appear older. Proper denture fabrication closely resembles your natural teeth, so that your natural appearance does not change. Therefore, dentures can provide you with a better, healthier and more confident smile. If you have missing teeth, dentures help provide better support to your mouth structure. They also make it possible for you to eat foods that require chewing to ensure that you can maintain a healthy well-balanced diet. Dentures make it possible for you to speak clearly which helps you for better interaction in society.
As dentures are made of an artificial material, they are very durable and with proper care they can last several years. The main reason why dentures may need replacement is usually because as we get older there are natural changes in jaw bone, like resorption of the jaw bone leading to loosening of dentures. If you attend regular dental checkups, your dentist will be able to provide reline/rebase of loose dentures.
Complete and partial dentures need to be cleaned just like natural teeth. Otherwise, plaque and tartar can build up on dentures and cause bad breath and gum problems.
To clean dentures, remove dentures from mouth and rinse off any food particles. To clean dentures, use denture brush or soft bristle tooth brush with denture cleaner. Be sure to clean and massage your gums also. Always remove your dentures overnight to give your mouth a chance to rest. Soak dentures in warm water with or without denture cleanser during night time or whenever you are not wearing it.
Denture can break if dropped or squeeze too tightly. Make sure to handle with care.
See your dentist regularly and at least once a year. Your mouth is always changing, so your dentures will need rebasing or relining from time to time to make sure they fit well.
If you have any questions about dentures and whether they are right for you, please contact us at Cusp Dental – we are here to help. To make an appointment, call us directly at 778-574-3300 or book online.