Dentures

Losing teeth can impact your speech, eating function, and self-esteem. Dentures provide a simple way to restore both the function and appearance of your teeth. You want to know about the different types of dentures if you are missing a few or all of your teeth. For instance, complete dentures are used if all your teeth are missing. On the other hand, partial dentures are designed for people with some natural teeth. This article also covers other types of dentures and various alternatives.

Thanks to recent developments, dentures now feel more comfortable and look more realistic than they used to. When dentures are fitted correctly, they can improve your face and speech and enable you to eat different foods without difficulty. Regularly caring for your dentures helps them last longer and keeps your mouth healthy.

You should visit a dentist to determine which dental implant is best for you. At The Hawthorne Dentist, we will examine your situation and advise on custom dentures to help you feel confident about your smile again. We will be with you every step of the way, helping you feel comfortable and satisfied.

Understanding Dentures and Why You May Need Them

Dentures are known as “false teeth” and are made to fill in for missing teeth. Most of the time, they are made from acrylic, nylon, or metal and are held in place by the soft and hard tissues in the mouth. Dentures may be complete, taking the place of all your teeth in an arch, or partial, fitted where some of your natural teeth are still present.

There are several reasons why people may lose their teeth, such as:

• Tooth decay. If cavities are not treated, they can cause significant harm and may require tooth extraction.
• Periodontitis, or gum disease. This can seriously harm the gums and destroy the bone that holds teeth in place, resulting in tooth loss.
• Injury or trauma. Injury to the mouth or teeth can lead to the loss of one or more teeth.

Apart from helping people chew and speak, dentures provide additional benefits, including:

• Facial support. They keep the face from collapsing, which can happen after teeth are lost.
• Improved chewing. Patients can eat a wider range of foods with dentures, improving their nutrition.
• Clearer speech. Replacing missing teeth with dentures can help people speak more clearly and easily.
• Confidence boost. A complete smile can make someone feel more confident and interact with others more easily.

If you have lost teeth and are facing difficulties, dentures help restore how your teeth function and their appearance.

Materials Used to Make Dentures

The choice of materials for dentures shapes their comfort, durability, appearance, and price. Some of the materials used are:

Acrylic Resin (PMMA)

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin is commonly chosen for denture bases because it is light and simple to adjust. Its resemblance to real gums makes it a favorite for full dentures. However, acrylic dentures can develop wear and stains over time, so they must be maintained regularly.

Porcelain

Porcelain is preferred for being tough and resembling real teeth, giving a beautiful result. Because it is translucent, the denture looks like a natural set of teeth. Yet, porcelain dentures are often heavier, and if they fall, they might chip. Using them can also wear down the teeth that bite against them.

Metal Alloys

Metal frameworks, which are often made from cobalt-chromium alloys, are preferred in partial dentures because they are strong and durable. Using metal bases helps the denture become thinner and more comfortable for your feet. Still, some patients may find that metal-based dentures are pricier and take longer to adjust to.

Flexible Polymers (Nylon)

Dentures made from nylon or similar thermoplastic materials can be bent, which makes them more comfortable for the wearer. They are most useful for people with sensitive gums or allergies to acrylic. Although they look more natural, flexible dentures may not be strong enough for some patients to chew properly.

When choosing denture materials, you should consider your oral health, how dentures will look, and how much you can afford. A dental expert can guide you in choosing the best way to restore your smile.

Types of Dentures that Would Suit You

Partial vs. Complete Dentures

1. Partial Dentures

They are made to replace one or more missing teeth. Usually, they have replacement teeth set on a gum-colored base, which is held in place by metal or precision attachments. They restore your smile and help keep your other teeth in their proper places.

2. Complete Dentures

They are also called full dentures and are put in place when the upper and lower jaws lack teeth. They sit on the gums and are made to match the patient’s mouth. Dentures allow you to eat and speak properly and also help keep your face looking healthy.

Conventional (Traditional) Dentures

Conventional dentures are made after all teeth are removed and the gum tissue has healed, which may take several weeks. The wait allows the gums and bones to become stronger and more stable. It takes several appointments for impressions, try-ons, and adjustments during fabrication.

Advantages:

• Made to fit your needs for comfort and usefulness.
• If you look after them, they will last a long time.

Disadvantages:

• The gums must be re-healed after losing teeth before placing the implant.
• Fitting may require changes as the mouth changes with age.

Immediate Dentures

Because immediate dentures are placed right after tooth extraction, patients do not have to be without teeth while they heal. Even though they are easy to wear, additional adjustments may be needed as your gums and jaw bones heal and take their new shape.

Benefits:

• Quick return of both appearance and function.
• Helps to protect the site where the tooth was removed while it heals.

Demerits:

• The fit may not be as perfect because the mouth changes during recovery.
• The restoration is often replaced or needs relining after the healing process finishes.

Implant-Supported Dentures & Overdentures

They are attached to dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone, giving them more stability than regular dentures. They may be fixed in place or removed and put back on. When the implant fuses with the bone, it strengthens and improves chewing and comfort.

Advantages:

• Greater stability and more comfortable driving.
• Helps keep the jawbone strong.

Disadvantages:

• Surgery is needed, and patients need time to heal.
• They are more expensive than traditional dentures.

Fixed Partial/Implant-Supported Bridges

They are held in place by dental implants and are used to replace several missing teeth in a row. Dental implants give a permanent replacement that feels and acts like your teeth. The treatment consists of inserting implants into the jawbone, waiting for them to heal, and fitting the bridge.

Pros

• A solution that does not change or fail.
• Helps keep your bones strong and your face looking its best.

Cons:

• Includes surgical treatments.
• More time is needed for treatment because of the healing periods.

Economy & Snap-In Dentures

1. Economy Dentures

They are a budget option; you can get them right away for missing teeth. Yet, they are not always as comfortable or as natural-looking as customized ones. Adhesives are often needed to hold them where they belong.

2. Snap-In Dentures

Another name for them is overdentures, which fit over dental implants and can be removed. They are more stable than regular dentures and can be taken out for cleaning. With this choice, people enjoy the strength of implants and the ease of removing their dentures.

Benefits:

• Compared to traditional dentures, a better fit and more stability are features of implant dentures.
• It is simpler to clean and look after.

Demerits:

• Implant placement is done through a surgical procedure.
• Dental implants are more expensive than regular dentures.

The Denture Fabrication Process

Oral Evaluation & Treatment Planning

It all starts with a thorough examination of your mouth. The dentist checks the health of your gums, any teeth you have left, and your entire mouth. Using this evaluation, the dentist can determine which type of denture is best for you, whether complete, partial, immediate, or implant-supported. After that, a treatment plan is created that fits your unique needs and wishes.

Impressions & Bite Registrations

Getting the correct impressions is essential for making dentures that fit correctly. At first, a stock tray and impression material are used to capture the main shape of your mouth. The final step is making an impression with a custom tray that fits your mouth, giving the best details. After that, the bite is registered so that your upper and lower jaws fit together correctly and adequately.

Try-In Appointments for Fit, Bite, and Appearance

A wax try-in is done before the final dentures are made. You will have a wax model of the denture with your chosen teeth placed in your mouth. At this point, the dentist checks the fit, bite, and appearance so they can adjust the shape, color, and placement of your teeth to suit your wishes and make you comfortable.

Final Delivery & Post-Placement Adjustments

After the wax try-in is accepted, the dentures are made from strong materials such as acrylic resin. When the dentures are delivered, the dentist checks that they are comfortable and work as they should. Minor discomfort is common initially, so visits are planned to make the necessary changes, ease pain, and improve the fit.

Recommended Follow-Ups

Attending regular check-ups is essential to ensure your dentures and mouth are healthy. Eventually, alterations in the jawbone and gums can make dentures less comfortable. Evaluating your dentures regularly helps you know when to reline, rebase, or replace them for better comfort and function.

Adapting to Your New Dentures

It is usual to have some issues during the first days you wear dentures, including:

• Soreness: A little pain as your mouth gets used to the new appliance.
• Increased Saliva Production: Your body may see dentures differently, which causes you to make more saliva.
• Muscle Training: It takes time for your facial and oral muscles to get used to your dentures.

To solve these problems:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Drink water to help control the amount of saliva you have.
• You can strengthen your facial muscles and gain control by smiling or puffing your cheeks.

How to Eat with Dentures

It takes a while to feel comfortable eating again. Begin by eating soft foods, such as:

• Mashed potatoes
• Yogurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Cooked vegetables

As you keep learning:

• Chew on both sides of your mouth to prevent your dentures from moving.
• Cut your food into small pieces to help you chew it more easily.
• Do not eat sticky or hard foods like caramel and nuts. These cause your dentures to become loose, damage them, or lead to sore spots in your mouth.

How Dentures Help with Speaking and Speech

It can be challenging to speak clearly when you are starting to learn. To improve:

• Read out loud from books or newspapers to get comfortable with your dentures.
• Practice tongue twisters. Saying “She sells seashells by the seashore” can help you speak more clearly.
• Watching yourself speak in a mirror can make you feel more confident and show you what you can improve.

When Should You See Your Dentist?

You want to have regular checkups, but if you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment right away:

• If you feel pain or have sore spots often. This signals a need for an adjustment
• If your dentures move around (slip/shift) in your mouth loosely, you might need a reline of the dentures.
• If you have problems chewing or speaking. It may mean your dentures need to be adjusted.

Caring for Your Dentures

Brush your dentures every morning using a soft-bristled brush. Instead of regular toothpaste, which might harm the denture, use a gentle soap or a product designed for dentures. The routine helps you remove food and plaque, stopping stains and keeping your dentures looking nice.

After eating, rinse your dentures under running water to remove anything left on them. This practice will keep your dentures fresh and stop bad breath and gum irritation.

At bedtime, take out your dentures to give your mouth a break. Soak the fruit in cool or lukewarm water to keep their shape and stop them from getting dry. Avoid dipping your dentures in solutions with chlorine or bleach if made with metal, since these can cause damage.

Be careful when handling your dentures to prevent them from being damaged. When you clean or insert, holding your contact lenses over a soft towel or in a water basin is best. This way, if the phone is dropped, it is less likely to crack or break.

Even if you wear dentures, you should visit the dentist every six months for a checkup. These visits help your dentist check if your dentures fit well, look for any signs of irritation or infection, and make any needed changes. Regular evaluations help your dentures work well and protect your mouth.

The Role of Denture Adhesives

Denture adhesives are used to make your dentures fit more comfortably and securely. They help most when natural suction is absent, such as in people with dry mouth (xerostomia). When there is insufficient saliva, the denture may not stick to the gums properly and might slip. The right adhesive can hold the denture in place, helping it work better and giving you more confidence.

Additionally, adhesives can keep dentures in place during activities that require a lot of mouth movement, such as speaking or laughing. They can also help keep food out, so debris does not irritate.

Yet, if your dentures fit well, you should not need adhesives daily. If you are using a lot of adhesives, your dentures should be checked or replaced.

Apply only a little denture adhesive to the clean and dry denture surface, as the manufacturer recommends. If you use too much, it can cause discharge and be uncomfortable. Removing and cleaning your dentures and gums daily will help avoid adhesive residue that can allow bacteria to grow and irritate your mouth.

Be aware of the dangers of using adhesives that contain zinc. Using too many zinc-containing products can cause nerve damage and numbness. Picking adhesives without zinc can help reduce these dangers.

Repair, Adjustment, & Replacement

With time, you may feel uncomfortable, see your dentures loosen, or see signs of damage. The symptoms can result from changes inside your mouth or from damaged dentures. You could have irritated gums and problems speaking or eating normally if you do not notice these signs.

Repairing your dentures is something you should never attempt on your own. Dentures could be damaged, and problems could occur if you use products from a drugstore or home repair kit. If you use the wrong materials, your health or home could suffer, and you may need to fix or replace things more seriously.

Restoring the fit and comfort of your dentures can be done by relining and rebasing them. Relining is when a denture’s base is added to, while rebasing means the base is replaced and the original teeth are kept. If you use these procedures, your dentures will last longer and perform better.

Most dentures are expected to last from 5 to 7 years. Regular visits to the dentist let them check your dentures and determine if you need any changes or replacements. You keep your dentures comfortable and effective by always caring for them.

Alternatives to Dentures

Dental Implants Like Single Crowns and Full-Arch Prostheses

To use dental implants, titanium posts are surgically put into the jawbone to hold replacement teeth. They give a lasting and comfortable way to replace missing teeth.

1. Single-Tooth Implants

If you are missing one or just a few teeth, single-tooth implants are placed to replace each one separately. First, an implant is inserted into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone, and then a crown that looks like the rest of the teeth is attached. It allows for the protection of nearby teeth and keeps the jawbone strong.

2. Full-Arch Implants

If someone is missing most or all of their teeth in one arch, full-arch implants can solve the problem. The All-on-4 method involves putting four implants in the jaw to hold a complete set of prosthetic teeth. It provides more stability and better function than standard dentures.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They can be attached to the surrounding teeth or dental implants.

• Fixed Partial Dentures. Here, crowns are placed on the teeth beside the gap, and a false tooth is put between them. Even though it is effective, this technique involves modifying healthy teeth next to the problem tooth.
• Implant-Supported Bridges. Implant-supported bridges give you a strong and lasting answer if you have several missing teeth. Implants are fixed into the jawbone to support the bridge, so the nearby teeth and bone are not damaged.

The number of missing teeth, the strength of your jawbone, your mouth’s overall health, and what you prefer are all factors to consider. A dental expert can advise you on how to care for your teeth and gums best.

Cost & Insurance Considerations

Dentures can cost a lot or a little, depending on what type you need, the materials, and the difficulty of the process.

• Partial Dentures. They are meant to take the place of one or several missing teeth. A headstone can be anywhere from $500 to $2,500, depending on your choice and how it is customized.
• Complete Dentures. Full upper or lower dentures range from $600 to $3,500 per arch; premium arches with improved design and longer life can be $15,000 or more for those who want the best.
• All-on-4 Dental Implants. The solution involves putting four implants in place to hold a complete set of teeth. Prices for one arch vary from $12,000 to $25,000; sometimes, both arches cost up to $50,000.

Some of these costs can be covered by dental insurance. Many plans list dentures as a primary restorative process and may pay for up to 50% of the price after you have met your deductible. Still, the details may change from one policy to another, so you should review your policy.

You can check your coverage by reviewing your dental insurance papers to determine what prosthodontic care is covered. You should also contact your insurance company to learn what is covered and what is not.

Knowing the costs and how insurance will work when considering dentures helps you decide what is best for your mouth and your budget.

Find a Hawthorne Dentist Near Me

Dentures can significantly improve how people with missing teeth feel, speak, or eat. Because there are many types and materials to choose from, every option is suited to individual needs, preferences, and budget. Learning about the different types of dentures gives patients the knowledge to decide what is best for them.

At The Hawthorne Dentist, we will guide you on the best option for you, ensuring you are comfortable, understand dentures, and pick the type that suits your needs. Want to restore your smile? You can call us at 310-775-2557 to set up your consultation.