Dentures
Denture Instructions
It is sometimes difficult to get used to your newly placed dentures. They can feel bulky, loose and awkward. In order to make your adjustment period smoother, here are a few guidelines to follow, wear your dentures all the time after you first receive them, never use adhesives on your dentures unless instructed to by your doctor, when you go to sleep, remember to always remove your dentures, always brush your dentures after removal and store them in a bowl of water. You can soak your dentures in a denture cleaner as well, but only after you have brushed them. If you experience any sore spots, looseness or discomfort, please let your doctor know so they can help.
Never try to adjust your dentures on your own. Each individual will have a different adjustment period, and it will take time for you to become comfortable with your new teeth.
Denture Resorption
Within 6 months of starting to wear a denture, you will have already lost about 40% of your jaw bone structure.
If you have worn a denture for a few years, you already know about bone loss. The reason your denture doesn’t fit like a year ago is that you don’t have the same jawbone structure to support it.
If you wear a partial denture, beware that you will have the same problem with bone loss.
Once the jaw bone structure is lost your options become limited. A dental implant is the logical choice to help stop bone loss, however, once the jaw bone structure is lost, your options become limited.
Flexible Partial Dentures
A rather comfortable tooth replacement option is a flexible partial denture. These dentures are made from a composite plastic resin and can include a bio-compatible metal for superior strength in some cases.
Full Arch Dentures
A full arch denture is a removable tooth replacement option for those who need all their teeth replaced. They can be crafted to provide the characteristics (tooth shape and color) the patient desires. Advances have been made in the materials used for dentures and in the way they are designed. If you already have dentures (partial or full arch) you may be experiencing a loose fit or denture slipping. This can lead to gum sores, can affect your chewing and your speech, and decrease your confidence when speaking and/or laughing with others. We can help restore your dentures to the correct fit.
Immediate Dentures
This type of denture is made to be placed in the mouth immediately after you have all your natural teeth extracted. This allows you to leave the office without the embarrassment of having no teeth while the gums heal from the extraction. The denture is made to conform to your mouth at the moment impressions are taken. Your gums will change drastically over the next few months and it is possible that the dentures will rub against the gums causing some soreness until the denture is adjusted. Most patients will require a realignment of their dentures within the first few months due to the gums shrinking from the extraction of teeth. Another benefit of immediate dentures is the fact that the dentures act as a bandage to the extraction sites which covers the tooth sockets and prevents them from becoming irritated. Just remember, never remove the denture yourself, even for a brief moment unless your dentist has instructed you to. The gums have a tendency to swell when uncovered at first; and if you are without your dentures for a little while, they may never go back in.
Over-Denture
An overdenture fits on top of natural teeth or dental implants. Many patients suffer from ill-fitting and loose dentures that move or even fall out when speaking or eating. One way of solving this problem is to construct a dental plate that goes over and attaches to something underneath it. Keeping a few natural teeth or placing dental implants in the bone under the denture also helps keep the jaw bone healthy. This avoids much of the natural jaw bone loss often seen after teeth are removed. Traditional dentures go over natural teeth. A denture can be made that goes over and attaches to one or both cuspids. Implants supported over dentures fit on top of dental implants. A retainer bar or retention balls are placed on the implants and special attachments are inserted into the denture to grab onto these retention devices. A new method using mini-implant dentures is becoming increasingly popular. Mini implants are very thin, long titanium implants that screw into the jaw bone. They can be placed and old dentures can often be retrofitted to the implant.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth. Partials have metal hooks that grab onto the neighboring teeth for support. Unfortunately, the hooks have a tendency to loosen up the teeth. Partial dentures have the tendency to get loose and require multiple adjustments throughout the years. On the upper, there is a large piece of metal that goes across the roof of the mouth which can interfere with taste sensation and/or have food collected under it. Additionally, the partial plate can press into the gum tissue and cause sores. The partial dental plate must be taken in and out each day for cleaning. It is certainly not an ideal alternative.
Precision Partials
A precision partial is held in place by a specifically shaped extension that locks into an area on a natural tooth that has been crowned. This ensures that the denture will not slip or come out when speaking or chewing.
Implant Supported Dentures
This prosthesis is used in special situations for patients who have enough bone in the anterior regions of the lower or upper jaws, but a limited amount of bone in the posterior regions and are not candidates for extensive bone grafting.
Digital Dentures
Now with AvaDent, your dentist can help you regain your youthful smile with the natural look and feel you thought you’d lost forever, in just 2 visits! Now with AvaDent, your dentist can offer you:
AvaDent can cut your time in the dentist chair by more than half!
Your AvaDent is designed and milled with computer CAD/CAM accuracy!
Get greater protection should your AvaDent become lost or damaged.