If you have lost all of your natural teeth, whether it is from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, full dentures can replace your mission teeth - and your smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit not only your appearance but also your heath. You'll be able to eat and speak - two things that most people often take for granted until their natural teeth are prematurely lost.
A full denture, also called a complete denture, replace natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips. Without support from the denture, facial muscles can sag, making a person appear older.
Types of Complete Dentures
There are various types of complete dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patients mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months.
An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patients jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.
The framework of the full denture, called the base, generally is made of flesh-colored acrylic plastic. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (roof of the mouth) while what of the lover is shaped more like a horseshoe to accommodate room for the tongue. The gum and bone tissues of the dental ridge support the denture. The base, which conforms closely to the ridge, is held in place with a thin film of saliva.
When the base of the upper denture rests over the gums and palate, a seal is created, which holds the denture in place. Cheek muscles and the tongue help hold the lower denture in place.
If you have a few sound individual teeth, the tooth roots may be used to provide support for an over denture. Root canal therapy is performed on the teeth. Then the dentist reduces the teeth to just above the gum line. The dentist will fabricate a denture that is inserted over the roots and the gums.
A complete denture may be attached to several implants (artificial roots that attach directly to the jaw), which allows a secure fit. Properly healed implants can help reduce jaw and gum shrinkage. Your dentist will determine what type of denture is right for you.
The good thing about dentures is that they can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth. There may be little change in your appearance and full dentures may even improve the look of your smile.
Getting Used To Your Dentures
New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks. They may feel loose, while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold them in place. Salivary flow temporarily increases. Minor irritation or soreness is not unusual. These problems often diminish as your mouth becomes accustomed to the new dentures.
Eating with dentures takes a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small portions. Chewing slowly and using both sides of your mouth at the same time will prevent the dentures from moving out of place. Other types of food can be gradually added until you resume your normal diet.
Speaking without new dentures will also require practice. Reading out loud and repeating difficult words in front of a mirror will help. Speaking slowly will help eliminate muffled speech. If they sometimes slip out of place when you laugh, cough or smile, you can reposition them by gently biting down and swallowing.
After you get the new dentures, your dentist may advise you to wear them most of the time, including while you sleep. After the adjustment period, you may be instructed to remove them at bedtime. Generally it is not advisable to wear them around the clock because tissues that are constantly converted with denture material can become irritated.
Denture Adhesives
Although denture are made to fit securely, you dentist may recommend using a denture adhesive while you become accustomed to wearing your new denture.
A loose denture, which makes chewing difficult and can change the facial features, may require relining. A denture that does not fit properly many cause irritation and possible sores and infection. While a denture adhesive can temporarily aid a loose-fitting denture, prolonged use of adhesives is not recommended. If your denture is loose, have your dentist check it.
Caring For Dentures
Like natural teeth, dentures must be properly cared for it they are to last. They are very delicate and may break even if dropped just a few inches. Then handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or a sink filled with water. When you're not wearing your dentures store them away from curious pets and children.
Daily brushing will remove food deposits and plaque and helps prevent the artificial teeth from becoming permanently stained. While it is best to use a brush made specifically for cleaning dentures, a toothbrush with soft bristles also can be used. Avoid hard-bristled brushes that can damage dentures. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it does not replace a thorough daily brushing.
Some denture wearers use hand soap or mild dish washing liquid, which are both acceptable for cleaning dentures. You should avoid other powdered household cleaners, however, which may be too abrasive. Your dentist may recommend a denture cleanser. To clean the denture, rise off loose food particles. Moisten the brush and apply the cleanser. Gently brush every surface to avoid damage.
Don't let your dentures dry out or they might lose their shape. When you are not wearing them, place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water. You r dentist can recommend the best method. Never soak dentures in hot water, which can cause them to warp. Look for denture soaking solutions that display the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance, a symbol of safety and effectiveness.
This information was provided by and credit given to:
American Dental Association
Division of Communications
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
