There are a lot of myths and misconceptions that float around when we are discussing dentures with patients. We often associate the need for dentures with old age and in many cases, that just isn’t the case. We have seen patients of all ages who have opted to pursue dentures for a variety of reasons ranging from genetic decay conditions, trauma, aesthetic appearance, and so many more scenarios. Dentures are a tool that is used in the dental field to provide not only a beautiful smile, but also returns the ability to eat and speak clearly to the patient. While they may not be for everyone, they are a wonderful option to consider when discussing options for future oral health treatment.
What Are Dentures?
To put it simply, dentures are fake/artificial teeth, some of them also include gums and tissue to provide a more natural appearance. Dentures can be used as a replacement for people with no teeth, or for those only missing a few teeth. They can be made out of a variety of materials but typically are fabricated out of acrylic, resin, porcelain, metal, or in some cases zirconia. Dentures stay in your mouth with a combination of suction and adhesive. A well-fitted denture should suction on to your gum line. If a patient isn’t having a good connection being made it is a good indicator that they are due for a reline! A reline is a small dental procedure where the bottom of the denture is re-shaped to fit on the gums better. Relines can be done one of two ways; soft, or hard. A soft reline is recommended for new denture users as they provide more cushioning and comfort but do have to be adjusted more frequently. A hard reline does not require adjustments as often as they are made of a tougher material.
Types of Dentures
There are many different types of dentures available on the dental market. Some can be fabricated by a lab with a prescription from a dental office, while some cases are fabricated by a denturist. A denturist is a highly trained professional who specialises in the fabrication of dentures, crowns, bridges, and other cosmetic restoration cases but typically does not have a medically dental background.
The most common type of dentures available are called complete or partial dentures.
A complete set of dentures is designed to replace all of the user’s teeth and you can get them for both the top and bottom of your mouth or just one or the other.
Partial dentures are designed to replace sections of the patient’s mouth where their teeth are missing. Typically we look at fabricating a partial denture when one or more consecutive teeth are missing.
Some patients opt for other denture options such as implant supported/snap-on, or immediate.
An immediate denture is placed at the same appointment that the dental extractions took place. It is designed to be affordable and temporary to get you through the stages of healing prior to a permanent denture being fabricated.
An implant or snap on denture is fixed to your jaw by having implants (tiny metal screws) placed. The denture can then either connect to the implants directly and essentially “snap” on, or be attached to a device such as a Dolder Bar so it is fixed in place.
Just like technology, the field of dentistry is always evolving and advancing. As new methods and techniques become available the options for dentures will expand further.
Fun Facts
- Bridges are a type of denture!
- If you are allergic to dye, we can fabricate a clear base for around your gums!
- Dentures cannot feel temperatures!
- Dentures can be cast out of metal and coated in acrylic to ensure they are much more hardy and last longer!
- You still need to see a dentist regularly even if you have dentures!
- It is easier to learn to talk with dentures if you start by singing!
- Dentures should be re-lined every 2-3 years and replaced every 5-7 years!
- Dentures were once considered common wedding gifts in the British Isles!