Dental Dentures Ville Saint-Laurent
Dentures are removable artificial teeth that are worn to replace missing teeth.If you have lost some or all of your teeth due to accident, illness, or inadequate oral care, your dentist or prosthodontist may recommend dentures as a replacement option.
Types of Dentures: Complete and Partial Dentures
There are two types of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are a replacement option for when all the teeth in an arch are missing. They can be made for either the upper or lower jaw and are secured by suction and/or an oral adhesive. They are removable, similar to partial dentures.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a common solution for replacing missing teeth when the surrounding natural teeth are not strong enough to support alternatives such as bridges, or when multiple teeth are missing.
Complete and partial dentures can provide patients with a functional replacement when teeth have been lost.
Construction of Complete and Partial Dentures
Complete dentures are designed to replace all missing teeth in an arch. They consist of an acrylic base that mimics the look of gums and can have acrylic or porcelain teeth. The base is custom-fitted to the contours of the arch to ensure stability while eating, speaking, or swallowing.
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They consist of a metal framework with teeth attached in the areas of missing teeth. The framework also has clasps or arms that fit around some of the remaining natural teeth. This combination provides stability during normal oral functions.
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture is a type of removable denture that is supported and secured by dental implants. Unlike regular dentures which rest on the gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored to the jawbone. They are typically recommended for patients who have lost all their teeth in the jaw but have enough healthy jawbone to support the implant.
Denture Cleaning and Maintenance
- Proper cleaning of dentures is crucial for their longevity and to prevent oral health issues. To ensure the proper hygiene of your dentures, it is essential to clean them daily. The following steps should be taken to properly clean your dentures:
- Remove dentures and rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any food particles.
- Use a denture brush or a soft toothbrush and a mild soap or denture cleaner to scrub the surface and in between the teeth.
- Clean the gums and any remaining natural teeth as well while the dentures are out of the mouth.
INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING THE INSERTION OF REMOVABLE PROSTHESIS (PARTIALS, DENTURES)
We would like to make a few suggestions so that you might get used to your partials more rapidly.
NOTES:
- A prosthetic appliance made to replace natural teeth will never work as well as your “natural teeth”. The chewing forces are now supported by the gums rather than the teeth.
- There is always an “adaptation period” before you feel comfortable wearing your new prosthesis*. Your mouth must get used to the appliance and must adapt to new patterns of chewing, talking, etc.
- A lower partial or denture is always more difficult to get used to due to anatomical factors. (presence of the tongue, less surface for support).
*Approximately 6 weeks.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Eat soft foods for the first few days. Avoid hard foods such as peanuts, steak, etc.
- Your prosthesis may require a few adjustments before they seat comfortably in your mouth. If it hurts, you may take it out or wear it for a shorter time. However, I would ask you to please wear it at least 6 hours before your adjustment appointment so that we may identify where it is hurting you.
HOME CARE
- Take off your prosthesis at night so that your gums may breath.
- Place your prosthesis in water when you remove them for long periods. This will avoid distortion.
- Clean your dentures daily with a brush over a sink filled with water. If you drop them the water will cushion the fall.
- For a deeper cleaning, see your pharmacy for commercially available products.
- Never place your denture in bleach.
