Dentures & Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue.  They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.  A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.”  A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks.  During this time the patient will go without teeth.  Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process.  Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for dentures:

• Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
• Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
• Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
• Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks.  Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture.  Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit.  At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

You will be given care instructions for your new dentures.  Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

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Porcelain Fixed Bridges

Porcelain Fixed Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

There are several types of bridges.  You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case.  The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal.  Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth.  This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth.
• Maintain facial shape.
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
• Restore chewing and speaking ability.
• Restore your smile.
• Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits.  While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown.  Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated.  In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.

At the second visit, you permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit.  Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge.  The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.

You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment.  Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.

Mouth ulcers and oral cancer

It’s important to pay attention to what’s going on in your mouth. If you have an ulcer or sore spot in your mouth that won’t heal, you should call your dentist to get it looked at as soon as possible. Some mouth ulcers can be a sign of oral cancer – and oral cancer needs to be detected early so it can be treated.
If you have a sore or ulcer in your mouth that doesn’t go away on its own after 3 weeks, go see your dentist. Make sure to ask your dentist specifically about oral cancer – and if you’re not confident in your dentist’s ability to diagnose oral cancer, get a second opinion. If your dentist is concerned that the mouth ulcer may be a sign of oral cancer, you will need to get a biopsy of the affected area of your mouth.

I don’t mean to alarm anyone by writing this, but I can’t emphasize it enough: it is crucial to diagnose oral cancer in the early stages of the disease. If oral cancer is not caught early, it can lead to death. Oral cancer is one of the few types of cancer that have not had a decline in death rates during the past 20 years – it can be treated and cured, but if left undiagnosed it can be deadly.

Smokers, heavy drinkers and tobacco chewers are at the highest risk of getting oral cancer, but this type of cancer can occur in anyone. So be sure to pay attention to mouth ulcers when they happen – usually they’re nothing to worry about and will go away quickly, but if you have a bad mouth ulcer that has been around for awhile, it might be a sign of something much more serious.

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Teeth Staining Foods

Keep these items in mind when it comes to teeth stains.  Sodas are not the only thing that can turn your teeth shades of yellow.  Keep this following list in moderation with it comes to keeping your smile bright.

1. Coffee

2. Blueberries

3. Red Wine

4. Cola

5. Cranberry Juice

6. Popsicles or Slushies

7. Soy Sauce

8. Balsamic Vinegar

9. Tomato Sauce

10. Beets

11.  Tea (hot or cold)

****It's not a food, but don't forget how badly smoking disclores your teeth! 

Your Dentures: Info From the ADA

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

Pregnancy and Oral Health

During pregnancy,  there is a special need for good oral hygiene because pregnancy may exaggerate some dental disorders. 

DENTAL CARIES.  Many people believe that a tooth is lost for every pregnancy.  This is not true.  Decay results from repeated acid attacks on the tooth enamel, not from repeated pregnancies.  The decay process begins with plaque, the invisible, sticky layer of harmful bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.  These bacteria use fermentable carbohydrates - sugars and starches - to produce damaging acids.  Each time you eat, acid attacks your tooth enamel for at least 20 minutes.  Thus, if you snack often on sugar-rich foods throughout the day, you could be having acid attacks all day long!

To avoid the unnecessary loss of teeth, brush thoroughly with an ASA-accepted fluoride toothpaste twice daily.  Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners.  Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you how to brush and floss correctly. 

GINGIVITIS.  Unmoved plaque on your teeth can irritate the gums, making them red, tender and likely to bleed easily.  This condition is called gingivitis and can lead to  more serious periodontal diseases affecting the gums and bone that anchor your teeth in place.  During pregnancy, gingivitis may be more pronounced due to a rise in your body's hormone levels. 

This hormonal increase exaggerates the way that gum tissues react to the irritants in plaque.  The important point to remember is that plaque, not fluctuating hormone levels, is the major cause of gum disease.  Even though hormone changes are occurring, you can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gum line.  Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth daily to remove plaque, and eat a balanced diet to help keep your gums healthy.

Nutrition
What you eat during the nine months of pregnancy affects the development of your unborn child's teeth.  Your baby's teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth months of pregnancy, so it is important that you receive sufficient amounts of nutrients -especially vitamins A,C, and D, protein, calcium and phosphorus.

It is a myth that calcium is lost from the mother's teeth during pregnancy.   The calcium your baby needs is provide by your diet, not by your teeth.   If dietary calcium is inadequate, however, your body will provide this mineral from stores in your bones.  An adequate intake of dairy products - the primary source of calcium - or the supplements your obstetrician may recommend will ensure that you get all the calcium you need during your pregnancy. 

Eating a balanced diet is necessary to provide the correct amounts of nutrients to nourish both you and your child.  A recommended daily diet for a pregnant woman usually includes the following foods:

• 3 servings of foods such as milk, cheese or yogurt
• 2 to 3 servings of meat, poultry or fish
• 6 or more servings of breads, cereals and other grain products
• 3 or more servings of vegetables
• 2 or more servings of fruits

Following your physician's advice regarding diet is your wisest course.
During pregnancy, many women have the desire to eat between meals.  While this is perfectly normal frequent snacking on foods rich in fermentable carbohydrates can be an invitation to acid attacks and the resultant tooth decay.  The longer sugars are retained in your mouth, the longer the acids attack.  Some research indicated that certain foods, such as cheese, peanuts, or sugar-free chewing gum may help to counter the effects of acid attacks.  One way to avoid this is to clean your teeth after snacking. 

Professional Dental Care
As part of your regular medical history, inform your dentist that you are pregnant, suspect that you are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant soon.  Also, be sure to tell your dentist if there is any change in your health, any change in the medications you are taking, or any particular advice your physician has given you.  This information will help your dentist determine the best time for treatment and whether to modify your treatment plan to better suit your needs.  Your dentist may also talk with your obstetrician to coordinate treatment plans. 

You should continue regular dental visits throughout your pregnancy, and non-emergency treatment generally can be preformed safely during this time.  However, you may be advised to avoid elective treatment during the first three months of your pregnancy for a number of reasons.  If you have a history of miscarriage, an elevated risk to miscarry, or if you have some other medical condition, your dentist may recommend that treatment be postponed. 

Finally, during the last months of your pregnancy, you may find it uncomfortable to sit in the dental chair for extended periods. In addition, if you have a history of premature delivery, you should avoid receiving treatment during this time.  For your peace of mind and comfort, remember that the  fourth through sixth months of pregnancy are usually the best time for treatment. 

Drugs
Some drugs and anesthetics can be used during and after dental treatment to make you more comfortable.  Your dentist will consult with your physician and use expert judgement to determine what drugs can be safely given at different times during pregnancy.  Also be sure to inform your dentist of any prescribed drugs you are taking.  This will help him or her to determine what type of drug, if any, will be prescribed during or after treatment.  Take only the correct amount of the drug prescribed.  This includes aspirin or any other over-the-counter medication.  If you are concerned about the effect any drug might have on your pregnancy, feel free o discuss your concerns with your dentist and physician.  Both are concerned about you and your child's health.

X-Rays
X-rays are important tools a dentist uses to help detect dental caries and other oral health problems.  Only the X-rays that are necessary for treatment will be taken.  The amount of radiation produced from a dental X-ray is minute and the beam is limited to a small region of the face.  Your dentist may also suggest that you wear a special protective apron during the X-ray procedure. 

A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles for the Entire Family 
As a parent-to-be, you can help yourself and your unborn child achieve the rewards of good oral health.  The special care you take now should not stop when your baby is born!  Continue to follow these good dental health guidelines: 

• Brush thoroughly with an ADA accepted fluoride toothpaste twice daily.
• Floss, or clean between your teeth with interdental cleaners, each day.
• When choosing oral hygiene products, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.  The ADA Seal of Acceptance means the product is safe and effective for its intended use.   The ADA reviews all advertising claims for any product bearing the Seal.  Only those claims that can be supported by appropriate clinical and /or laboratory studies and scientific data are allowed. 
• Eat a balanced diet.  Snack in moderation and choose foods that are nutritious for you and your baby. 
• Schedule regular dental visits and periodic professional teeth cleanings.

Remember, parents are role models for their children's behavior, and your baby's dental health is just beginning.  Discuss infant dental care with your dentist and become familiar with good dental practices as your child grows.  These will include appropriate pacifiers., teething, proper oral hygiene for gums and new primary teeth, use of fluoride, and the first dental visit.  Give your child a good foundation for healthy smiles and enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.

Article from Pregnancy & Oral Health
American Dental Association
Division of Communications
211 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611