Dentures
WHAT ARE DENTURES?
Dentures are removable dental devices that are used to replace missing teeth and tissues. They are the artificial teeth that give normal functioning to the human mouth. There are two types of Dentures such as; Complete & Partial.
Complete dentures are recommended when all the teeth are missing, and partial dentures are advised when some natural teeth are missing. Dentures are custom made especially for a set of teeth and gum lines.
Complete Dentures are positioned like a horseshoe that fits over the upper teeth and roof and on the lower. They are conventional dentures and should be removed during the night for cleaning.
Partial Dentures consists of replaced missing teeth attached to artificial gum connected by a metal framework that aids to hold the denture in the proper position. Missing teeth can alter the position of other teeth hence partial denture is very helpful in overcoming this problem and keeping the teeth intact.
TYPES OF DENTURES
These are generally made of porcelain and acrylic resin.
Porcelain dentures look more natural and pair easily with the remaining teeth. But if dropped, they tend to break easily and can wear down the remaining teeth. Therefore, Porcelain dentures are better used as complete dentures rather than partial.
When it comes to Acrylic resin dentures, they are light in weight and easily adjustable. They fit properly and make the jaw movement smoother.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE INVOLVED IN PLACING DENTURES?
Step 1
The impressions of your jaw should be analyzed to see how well they relate to one another and whether they have spaces in between them.
Step 2
A wax model is then prepared to check the fitting.
Step 3
Final Denture is made using the wax model
Step 4
The patient can try the final set of dentures and if there is any requirement, adjustments will be made.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THE DENTURES?
It is extremely important to handle them with care since Dentures are artificial and detachable. If you want your dentures to last longer, the below tips should be followed.
Keep Your Dentures Clean
Keep your Dentures clean always. You need to brush your dentures with a non-abrasive brush at one time per day. Though they are artificial, yet plaque and bacteria can build up on the teeth causing damage to other teeth and gums. If there is any possibility, remove your dentures after every meal and wash them using warm water. On the other hand, if you have complete dentures, then brushing is enough.
Overnight Protection
Soak your dentures at night in water or in the denture solution as prescribed by your dentist. This will enable your dentures not to get weaken. While putting dentures on in the morning make sure you rinse them with clean water as this will help to remove the chemicals if any during the overnight soaking.
Keep A Look At Your Dentures
Stay alter of your dentures from time to time and visit your dentist if your dentures loosen, slip or you feel like there has been a change in the bite. Having ill-fitting dentures can cause infections and irritations.
DO’S AND DON’TS WHILE DENTURES ON
DO’S
- Soak your dentures overnight in water or solution recommended by your dentist
- Rinse your dentures again before putting them on in the morning
- Brush daily with soft bristles with toothpaste as prescribed by your dentist
- Take care of your mouth, gums, and tongue
DON’TS
- Avoid biting hard food with front Dentures
- Do not be so hard while brushing
- Avoid using a toothpick or pointed objects on Dentures
- Do not drop them as they are delicate and may break if you do so
• If they loosen, visit a dentist without trying to fix it.