Dentures explained
A denture is a removable dental appliance designed to replace missing teeth and some surrounding oral tissues. Dentures are used to restore the appearance, function, and oral health of individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth due to factors like tooth decay, gum disease, injury, or age-related tooth loss.
There are two main types of dental dentures:
Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when a patient has some natural teeth remaining in their upper or lower jaw. They consist of artificial teeth (referred to as pontics) attached to a metal or plastic framework. The framework is designed to anchor to the remaining natural teeth using clasps or precision attachments. Partial dentures are customized to fit the patient's mouth and fill in the gaps left by missing teeth.
Complete Dentures: Complete dentures are used when a patient has lost all of their natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw (or both). They consist of a full set of artificial teeth mounted on a pink, gum-colored acrylic base. Complete dentures are designed to rest directly on the patient's gum tissues and may rely on natural suction, denture adhesive, or dental implants for stability.
The denture process typically involves several steps
Dental Evaluation: A dentist evaluates the patient's oral health, takes impressions of the mouth, and determines the appropriate type of denture.
Tooth Extraction (if necessary): If any remaining natural teeth need to be removed before dentures can be fitted, extractions are performed.
3D Scans: 3D scans of the mouth are taken to create molds for the dentures.
Fitting and Adjustment: Once the dentures are fabricated, they are fitted in the patient's mouth. Adjustments may be made to ensure a comfortable fit.
Learning to Eat and Speak: Patients may need some time to adjust to eating and speaking with dentures. Speech and eating patterns may be affected initially, but most people adapt quickly.
Regular Maintenance: Proper care of dentures includes daily cleaning, removal at night, and regular dental check-ups to ensure the fit remains comfortable and to address any issues.
Dentures can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with missing teeth by restoring their ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. However, it's important to note that dentures need to be replaced or relined over time due to changes in the jawbone and wear and tear. In some cases, dental implants can be used to provide more stable and secure denture options. A dentist can provide guidance on the best denture solution for each patient's specific needs.