WHAT ARE DENTURES?
Dentures are removable prosthesis which are used as a replacement of missing teeth and tissues. Removable Partial Dentures are artificial teeth which enable normal functioning of human mouth.
Dentures are of two types –Partial Dentures & Complete Dentures
Removable Partial Dentures consists of replaced missing teeth attached to artificial gum connected by a metal framework which helps to hold the denture in place. Missing teeth can change the position of other teeth gradually hence partial denture help to overcome this problem and keep the teeth intact.
Complete dentures are advised mostly when all the teeth are missing, and partial dentures are advised when some natural teeth are missing. They are custom made specifically for a set of teeth and gum line.
Complete Dentures fit over the upper teeth, Palate and on the lower teeth placed like a horseshoe. They are conventional dentures and are removed during the night for cleaning.
TYPES OF DENTURES
• ACRYLIC
• PORCELAIN
• HYBRID
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE INVOLVED IN PLACING DENTURES?
Step 1
Your Doctor will first take the impressions of your jaw to analyze how good they relate to each other and whether they have spaces in between them.
Step 2
A wax model is then prepared to evaluate the fitting.
Step 3
Final Denture is made with the wax model
Step 4
• The patient is made to try the final set of dentures and if necessary, required adjustments will be made
DENTURE CARE
Keep Your Dentures Clean
Always ensure that your dentures are clean . you need to brush your dentures with a non-abrasive brush once a day. Though they are artificial, plaque and bacteria can build up on the teeth causing damage to other teeth and gums. remove your dentures after every meal and wash it with warm water but in case of complete dentures, then mere brushing would do.
Overnight Protection
Soak your dentures at night in water or in the denture solution as prescribed by your dentist. avoid chlorine with it. While putting dentures on in the morning make sure you rinse them with clean water as this will help to remove the chemicals from the soaking process.
Keep A Look At Your Dentures
Monitor your dentures time to time and visit your dentist if your dentures loosen, slip or when you come across a change in the bite. ill-fitting dentures can cause infections and irritations.
DO’S AND DON’TS WITH DENTURES
DO’S
• Soak your dentures overnight in water or solution prescribed by your dentist
• Rinse your dentures before you put them on in the morning
• Brush daily with soft bristles with tooth paste as prescribed by your dentist
• Do take care of your mouth, gums, and tongue
DON’TS
• Do not try and bite hard food with front part of the Dentures
• Do not use abrasives while brushing
• Do not use sharp objects like tooth picks on Dentures
• Do not drop them as they are delicate and can cause breakage if you do so
• If they loosen, do not try to fix it on your own instead visit a dentist
MYTHS ABOUT DENTURES
• It’s difficult to eat with Dentures on!!
There are no restrictions on what kind of food to eat. In the beginning, you might be advised to intake certain kind of diet but with time you will be get habituated to eat whatever you wish but precautions are necessary.
• Is it a Lifetime Solution
If proper care is not taken , the dentures may not last for long and over a period of time they may start to wear down, loosen their natural appearance and chewing ability.
• People might know if someone is wearing Dentures
Those days are gone. The material used to make dentures is such that no-one could guess that you are wearing dentures. But if they are coming to notice then it is advised to visit a dentist
• Do not require proper care
Though artificial, dentures work exactly like your real teeth, therefore, it is extremely important to take care of dentures the same way you take care of your teeth.
• Can be repaired by self –
Never ever should a person try the same. If you feel that your dentures are no longer fitting the way they should, do not try to get them fixed on your own as this can cause further damage your dentures.
• No further visits to the Dentist –
Your oral health does not include only your teeth but also gums, tongue, and tissues. Regular visits to the dentist will ensure everything is being taken care of. Also, he/she can examine the dentures and may advise if you need to change them.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.1. Is It Important To Remove Dentures At Night?
The gums and tissue which support your dentures need time to rest and recover while coming in contact with saliva. Therefore, it is considered as the healthier thing to be done.
Q.2. Can One Sleep With Dentures On?
Though there isn’t any risk associated with it but is advised to sleep after removing them as this will then be considered as a healthy option.
Q.3. Do Dentures Hurt?
As you are not used to having something artificial in your mouth, you may feel some discomfort at first. The patient and the dentures are kept under examination for first 24-48 hours to evaluate the areas of discomfort and to treat them accordingly