Dentures

Dentures are a restoration option for people who have had all of their natural teeth removed. Dentures will provide the wearer with increased speaking and chewing function, and the confidence that a beautiful smile can bring. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one's natural teeth, today's dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.

How do dentures work?

With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over the gums. Artificial teeth are mounted on the acrylic base, and these teeth will provide the wearer with the same benefits of natural teeth. The base of the upper denture will cover the roof of the mouth and the lower denture has a curved, U-shape so as not to inhibit the function of the tongue.

Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory based on molds taken of the teeth. There are a couple types of full dentures available and your dentist should be able to help you make the decision about which option is best for you.

Types of full dentures

There are two main types of full dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the type of denture that's best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced and the cost involved.

• Conventional: Conventional dentures are made after all the teeth have been removed and the gums have begun to heal. If you decide to go with this option, your dentures will be ready for placement between 8 and 12 weeks after your teeth have been removed.
• Immediate: Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be placed as soon as the teeth are removed. The benefit to immediate dentures is that you won’t have to be without teeth during your healing process. A disadvantage to immediate dentures, however, is that your bones and gums will shrink over time, especially during the healing process after your teeth have been removed. That means your immediate dentures will require more adjustments to fit properly.

Caring for your partial denture

Just as it’s important to care for your natural teeth, it’s important to care for your denture. Below are a few tips to best care for your denture:

• Clean your partial denture every day – Remove your denture and rinse it off after meals in order to remove any food debris. It's also a good idea to periodically soak your partial denture in denture cleaner overnight. Make sure you rinse the cleaner off in the morning before putting your denture in.
• Brush your denture – Gently brush your denture each day. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a specially made denture brush. You can use a bit of liquid dish soap, but never use toothpastes, as they contain abrasive particles that can damage the denture.
• Brush your natural teeth daily – You should never neglect the oral hygiene of your natural health. It’s still important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. This can decrease the chances that you’ll lose more of your natural teeth.

Dentures will always take some time to get used to and you’ll need to adjust your schedule in order to care for them properly. However, they are more natural looking and comfortable than ever, which can improve your self-image and your life!