Complete Dentures
A complete denture is an affordable way to replace all teeth in a dental arch. It consists of denture teeth embedded in pink acrylic that mimics the soft tissue. Dentures can look natural and can give you a beautiful smile again. However, there are several problems that can come with dentures and it is important to know what to expect when getting them.
Denture appointments
The two types of dentures are immediate and conventional. Immediate dentures are placed following the extractions of any remaining teeth. This gives you something to smile and chew with the same day the teeth come out. Immediates need at least two appointments. The first visit is to get impressions and information for the lab to make your denture. There is no way to know if the denture teeth are set in the right place until after your teeth are out. Sometimes a new denture is made later because the teeth need to be in a different spot or there has been too much soft tissue change after extractions and the immediate denture is not fitting right. Conventional dentures are replacements for existing dentures, such as taking the place of the immediate denture. At least five appointments are needed for conventional dentures. The first is diagnostic impressions. The second appointment we take a final impression using custom made impression trays. The third appointment we use wax to mark where the teeth should go, how much lip support there should be, the height of the dentures and the bite. The teeth are then set to where they should be in wax and the fourth appointment we try the denture in. If something does not look right we can make changes since it’s all in wax still. Once everything looks great, we finish the denture in final materials and deliver the denture at the fifth appointment. Follow up appointments are then needed after delivering either type of denture. Sometimes several appointments are needed to get the fit and bite right. Soft tissue changes occur when teeth are missing. The bone and gum tissue start to resorb away. The denture no longer fits properly because there is a gap between where this tissue is now compared to where it used to be. A new denture may be needed or a reline can be done. Relines are often needed to add material back to the denture so that it fits better with the tissue. Denture teeth are not as strong as natural teeth or crowns and wear down easily needing replacement. They can also pop off from the resin base and need fixing. You will be without teeth for a full day as the denture is at a lab fixing the issue.
Common denture problems
It can be an extremely hard transition for people to go from having teeth to none at all and having a denture. Some patients do really well with time, but for others it can be a frustrating experience trying to adapt to wearing them. Lower dentures without implants are exceptionally difficult. The tongue will want to move the appliance all around and it may not want to stay in place. Upper dentures cover the roof of the mouth with a certain thickness of base material. Patients often have difficulty speaking and it takes time to adapt. They may also not be able to taste properly when the palate is completely covered. Sore spots and ulcers are common side effects. When dentures are first delivered they may be hitting on certain spots of soft tissue and require frequent adjustments. When dentures are ill fitting they can rub the tissue the wrong way and cause sores. If you develop these issues, leave the denture out as much as possible, rinse with salt water and call our office for an appointment. Difficulty chewing properly and eating certain foods are major problems. Dentures offer nowhere near the chewing power that natural teeth or implant options provide. Food may get caught underneath of the dentures. Learning how to chew with dentures. You cannot chew as you once did with your natural teeth as you can with dentures. Dentures just rest on soft tissue. When you only chew on one side, the denture will rise up from the tissue on the other side. Chewing into foods with the front teeth of dentures will dislodge the denture from the back. You have to chew with smaller bites on both sides of the back teeth at the same time. You should start off with softer foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly on both sides simultaneously to avoid tipping the denture. Two sided chewing can be difficult to master at first. Other issues when you first get your dentures include everything feels too bulky, increased salivation as there is something new in your mouth, and possibly a gagging sensation. The upper denture relies on the suction to the palate for retention. If we shorten the denture, it may not want to stay in. You cannot wear them while sleeping. By keeping your dentures in constantly you create issues such as bone loss at a more frequent rate, fungal infections, and increased risk of mouth sores.
What to expect with dentures
Dentures can be a great service for people who suffer from tooth loss. It can help improve function and bring confidence to your smile. It’s important to know the problems that can occur with them and have a realistic picture of what it may be like for you. Dentures are no substitute for your real teeth or fixed replacement options. Often times the success of a denture can depend on a positive attitude and adaptability. There are some patients who do extremely well with dentures while there are some who cannot adjust and have a difficult time wearing them. It may take some patience and persistence to learn how to wear a denture. To find out how implants can help provide a better experience with dentures, read about overdentures and fixed hybrid dentures.
Caring for your mouth and dentures
Do not bite your denture into place.Even if you have no teeth you should brush your gums, palate and tongue. It is important to clean your denture. It can accumulate the same plaque and calculus that teeth do. Bacteria will penetrate the denture base and a bad odor will result. Run your denture under water and clean it with a soft toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste as it is abrasive to the denture. Be careful dropping your denture, even a short distance. The acrylic can break. Do not use super glue to fix it. Call to make an appointment for us to repair it for you. Take your dentures out and do not sleep with them at night. It is extremely important that there is time for the tissue to stay healthy and recover from wearing the denture. Store your dentures in water in a cup or special case. This keeps the denture from drying out and breaking down. Denture cleaner can also be used occasionally to help keep it fresh. Keep the denture out of reach of pets. Dogs love them and will treat them as if they are a chew toy. Keep regular visits with Haeussner Family Dentistry. Even if you are missing all of your teeth it is important to come in for regular exams to check the fit of the denture, the health of your gums, bone and joint, and to look for any pathology such as oral cancer. Bring your complete denture with you and it can be cleaned at your appointment.