+91-22-24110597
+91-9820031142
Dentures, also known as false teeth, are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and which are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable, that is these are removed and placed by the patient at their will.
What are the types of dentures?
- Dentures can be for upper arch and/or lower arch.
- Dentures are:
- Complete dentures: if these replace all the teeth in an arch,
- Partial denture: if these replace few of the missing teeth in an arch.
- Overdenture: if complete denture takes support from few remaining roots of natural teeth or implants.
- Complete Dentures can be:
- Conventional complete dentures: the ones that rely for the support and retention on ridge and the oral tissues only.
- Overdenture: that gets support and/or retention from natural teeth or Implants. These are more stable and more comfortable than conventional dentures.
- Denture can made of:
- Acrylic
- C0-Cr metal alloy
- Flexible material as velplast
- Co-Cr, cast denture may have precision attachment.
What are the advantages of dentures?
Dentures can help patients through:
- Mastication as chewing ability is improved by replacing edentulous areas with denture teeth.
- Aesthetics because the presence of teeth provide a natural facial appearance, and wearing a denture to replace missing teeth provides support for the lips and cheeks and corrects the collapsed appearance that occurs after losing teeth.
- The improvement of pronunciation of those words containing sibilants or fricatives by replacing missing teeth, especially the anteriors enabling patients to speak better.
- Improving self-esteem
What are the problems one should expect with dentures?
- More saliva secretion for 1-2 days.
- Sore spots as they compress the soft tissues mucosa. A few denture adjustments for the days following insertion of the dentures can take care of this issue.
- Gagging in some cases. At times, this may be due to a denture that is too loose, too thick or extended too far posteriorly onto the soft palate. At times, gagging may also be attributed to psychological denial of the denture. Psychological gagging may necessitate an implant supported palate less denture.
- Sometimes there could be a gingivitis under the full dentures, which is caused by accumulation of dental plaque.
- One of the most common problems for new full upper denture wearers is the loss of taste.
- Another problem with dentures is keeping them in place.
What are the instructions to take proper care of dentures?
Removable partial or full dentures need to be kept clean, free from stains and looking their best. List below will help you to get the best from your dentures:
- Remove and rinse your dentures after eating. Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. It is better to use a sink so that the dentures won't break if you drop them.
- Clean your mouth after removing your dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue and palate.
- Scrub your dentures at least daily. Gently scrub your dentures using a denture cleaner, toothpaste and a denture brush or soft toothbrush to remove food, plaque and other deposits. Avoid stiff-bristled brushes, strong cleansers and harsh toothpowders, as these are too abrasive and can damage your dentures.
- Handle your dentures carefully. Be sure you do not bend or damage the plastic or the clasps when cleaning.
- Do not try to tighten the clasps of partial dentures at home.
- Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. Most types of dentures need to remain moist to keep their shape. Do not soak dentures with metal attachments in solutions that contain chlorine because it can tarnish the metal.
- Rinse dentures before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution. These solutions can contain harmful chemicals that cause vomiting, pain or burns if swallowed.
- Visit your dentist at regular interval for dental checkups. We will advise you about how often to visit to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned. We ensure a proper fit to prevent slippage and discomfort.
- Contact us at the earliest if your dentures become loose and hurt you in the gums. Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores and infection.
