Dentures
Smile and Chew Again
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances that are used for replacing missing natural teeth. They rest on the oral soft tissues and jaw bone and gain their support from the healthy natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.
How long does it take the dentist to apply white filling?
The time it takes to place white filling is generally longer compared to applying a metal filling. The reason for this is that composite fillings require the tooth to be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled. Today, more and more people are having white dental filling instead of amalgam or gold filing. And the reason could be because of the aesthetics. We live in a society where we have high regard for a white, bright smile and so people tend to want fillings that blends with the natural color of their teeth.
What are Different Types of Dentures?
Depending on the number of teeth they replace, dentures are of two main types; partial and complete. Partial dentures are appliances that are used for replacing one or more missing teeth in a jaw. They possess metallic extensions, known as the clasps, that encircle the tooth crown and provide retention and support to the dentures.
Complete dentures are used when there is no natural tooth remaining inside the jaw. These dentures rely on the underlying soft tissues and the contour of the jaw bone for their retention. The base of full dentures, which rests on the oral soft tissues is made of pink-colored acrylic resin, to match the color of the gums, while the artificial teeth are made from white acrylic resin.
Based on the method of preparation, there are three main types of dentures:
Conventional - This is the complete denture that is made after all existing teeth have been removed, and the soft tissues have healed completely. The process for
Immediate - For patients who cannot afford to wait while the healing of the tooth extraction site takes place, Dr. Adam may recommend immediate dentures that are inserted the same day when the remaining teeth are removed. We will take measurements and make impressions during your first visit. We will remove the teeth from the models that have to be extracted, and then prepare the dentures. As soon as the teeth are removed, we will insert the immediate dentures. Although you won’t have to live without your teeth during the healing phase, you may need to get your dentures relined replaced once complete healing has taken place.
Overdenture - If you have healthy remaining teeth, we can utilize them to provide better support for the dentures and to preserve the underlying bone. Such a prosthesis is known as an overdenture that rests over prepared teeth. Dental implants can also be used for supporting an overdenture.
How are Dentures Prepared?
Conventional dentures are normally prepared in multiple steps.
Consultation - To begin with, we will perform a detailed examination of your oral cavity look at the x-ray images and study models of your teeth. Our dentists will then prepare a customized treatment plan for you and suggest various options for replacing your missing teeth. At this stage, we will also answer your queries and guide you to choose the option which best suits your oral health needs, aesthetic requirements, and budget.
Impression Making - During the next appointment, we will make impressions of your teeth and send them to the laboratory to prepare customized impression trays for the upper and lower jaws.
Bite Recording - during the next appointment, we will record your bite by using wax wafers. The bite is recorded to ensure that your artificial teeth are placed precisely at the same positions as your natural teeth.
Tooth Setup - after the bite has been recorded, we will then send it to the laboratory, where it will be placed on an articulator, a special device that mimics the upper and lower jaws. A dental technician will then attach the artificial teeth and carve a wax pattern of the dentures.
Trail-in - In the subsequent appointment, we will ask you to wear the wax pattern to ensure that it has an optimal fit and esthetics. Once you and our dentists are satisfied, we will send it to the laboratory for the final processing and fabrication of the dentures.
During the final appointment, we will insert the dentures. Congratulations on getting your new set of teeth!
Looking After Your Dentures
You may feel slight discomfort during the initial few days, which should go away in a few weeks when the muscles of your mouth and the tongue become used to the new addition in the oral cavity. The American Dental Association recommends the following things to take care of your removable dentures:
Brushing and Cleaning - make sure you brush your dentures each day. There is no need to apply toothpaste; simply use a brush to remove the food particles. Brushing will also prevent artificial teeth from getting stained. Before you brush your dentures, rinse them in lukewarm water. Never use hot water as it can de-shape the dentures.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods - while wearing dentures, we do not recommend you eat sticky or hard foods. This is because hard foods may cause your dentures to break, while the sticky foods like raisins, caramel, and candies may dislodge the dentures.
Putting your Dentures in Water - when you are not wearing your dentures, you must keep them in water, or any denture cleaning solution. This will prevent their warpage.
Removable dentures restore not only your smile but also your self-confidence and ability to speak and eat without difficulty. But what if you accidentally drop and break your dentures? What if you have a broken clasp? Don’t worry, no matter what type of denture emergency you have, whether it’s the day, night, or even a weekend, the dental team at AZ Specialty Dental is there to take care of all your general and emergency dental needs.
