A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces all the missing natural teeth, and provides support for the cheeks and lips.
Dentures are made to replace all your teeth to improve your chewing and speaking ability while restoring the appearance of your smile. They can be placed in both the upper and the lower parts of your mouth and are designed to mimic your natural teeth. An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth). A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.
Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated in two different ways.
Dentures tend to increase a person’s quality of life through an improved appearance, reduced or eliminated pain, and the restored ability to eat the foods that they enjoy.
While getting dentures can be a huge benefit for many patients. The following are some factors that may limit the success of dentures.
The lower dentures are subjected to a lot more movement due to the mobile nature of the jaw and where the tongue, lips, and cheeks tend to dislodge dentures.
In addition, the lower ridge that attaches to the denture is up to four times smaller than the upper ridge allowing less ability for the dentures to adhere and seal to the gums.
In order to successfully wear lower dentures, they can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance
While there is no hard and fast rule for how long a denture should last, it should be replaced if the fit becomes loose or uncomfortable. Annual visits may be able to make minor adjustments to the denture fit, but at some point, replacement is the only option.
The decision to wear dentures is often a difficult one for patients to make. However, when patients receive their dentures, the immediate effects are generally positive. People feel that they can go in public again without being self-conscious which can improve their quality of life. If you are considering dentures, please contact us today to discuss your options.
A partial denture is designed specifically to meet the needs of the patient and can replace one or more missing teeth. A natural appearance and speech clarity are restored along with the ability to eat more efficiently.
Partial dentures are created out of a metal and acrylic composition or completely out of acrylic. A patient’s specific needs and anatomy dictate the design of the partial denture and every effort is made to construct a self-cleansing partial denture that preserves the remaining teeth and oral tissues.
Dr. Puerto will design your partial denture so that the chewing forces are evenly distributed over the entire surface area of the remaining teeth and soft tissues. Changes to your remaining teeth may be recommended to help equalize these forces.
Metal partials are preferred as they are structurally superior. They are thinner and more hygienic than an acrylic partial. Acrylic partials are typically used as a transitional or temporary partial, The Flexible material (Valplast), partials are the choice for patients who do not want any metallic structure. Dr. Puerto will consult with you to decide the proper partial denture for your situation.
Missing teeth can affect your “bite” as well as your ability to speak and chew. And of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance. Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced.
Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all your teeth.
The first option is to have two or three dental implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these dental implants. This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be some movement of your lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your lower jaw. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach to the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your implant-retained overdenture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts. It does not touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing upper and/or lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time consuming and requires more skill, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.
We can help you decide which type of denture is best for you. Get in touch with us today!
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