Dentures

Introduction

Removable dentures are prostheses which are used to replace one or more teeth which are missing from a persons arch (upper or lower) of teeth. The reason why this type of prosthesis is referred to as removable is because patients can remove and reinsert them when required without the dentists help.

Why bother with Dentures?

An essential step in keeping a healthy smile is to replace teeth which are missing. When teeth are missing, the remaining ones can and will change position, drifting into the neighbouring spaces. Teeth which are out of position may actually damage tissues in the mouth. In addition, it may be difficult to clean thoroughly between crooked teeth. Consequently, you may run the risk of tooth decay and gum disease (periodontitis), which could lead to loss of further teeth.

A removable partial denture fills in the space where teeth are missing and helps to fill out your smile. A denture helps you to properly chew food, a difficult task when you are missing teeth; a denture may also improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for the lips and cheeks.

Types of Dentures

Dentures fall into 2 main categories:

• ‘Partial’ Dentures (RPDs): suitable for patients who have at least one of their own natural teeth present. Currently the most common type of denture which we would make.
  
• ‘Full’ Dentures: suitable for patients who are missing ALL their teeth (this is known as ‘edentulous’).

What are they made of?

Dentures are commonly made of either Acrylic or Metal Alloy, usually Cobalt Chrome. Both have pros and cons but overall, Cobalt Chrome Dentures are the preferred option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to get used to wearing a denture?

For the first few weeks, your new denture may feel awkward or bulky. After a little perserverance, your mouth will become accustomed to wearing the denture. Taking the denture in and out will require a little practice. Your denture should fit into place with relative ease. Please don’t ever force the denture into position by biting down on it. Doing so could actually fracture the denture or break the clasps, as well as being sore for your mouth!

How long do I wear the denture for?

We will give you specific instructions about how long the denture should be worn and when it should be removed. Initially, you may be asked to wear your partial denture all the time. Although this may be initially a little uncomfortable, it is actually the quickest way to identify parts of the denture which may need adjusting. If the denture puts too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore. We can adjust the denture to ensure a more comfortable fit. After making adjustments, we recommend that you remove the denture before going to bed and replace it in the morning.

Is it difficult to eat with a denture?

No. In fact, replacing missing teeth should make eating a more pleasant experience for you. Begin by eating soft foods and make sure to cut your food into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the denture. Avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard. You may want to avoid chewing gum while you get used to your new denture.

Will the partial denture affect my speech?

It can be difficult to speak clearly when you are missing teeth. Consequently, wearing a partial denture may help. If you find it difficult to pronounce certain words with your new denture, practice reading out loud (we tell our patients to read a page of the newspaper when they initially get their dentures). Repeat the words that give you trouble. With time, you will become accustomed to speaking properly with your denture.

How do I look after my denture?

Handling a denture requires care! It’s a good idea to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water just in case you accidentally drop the denture. Brush the denture each day to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing your denture also helps prevent the appliance from becoming permanently stained. It’s best to use a brush that is designed for cleaning dentures (we will provide you with one when we deliver your new denture).  A denture brush has bristles that are arranged to fit the shape of the denture. A regular, soft-bristled toothbrush is also acceptable. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles; this will damage your denture.

Some people use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean their dentures, which are both acceptable. Soaking the dentures once or twice a week in a diluted 2% sodium Hypochlorite Solution will help keep them really clean, but they must not be soaked in hot water. Disinfectants containing bleach should not be used on dentures with any metal components. Other types of household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning dentures.

Clean your dentures by thoroughly rinsing off loose food particles. Moisten the brush and apply the denture cleaner. Brush all denture surfaces gently to avoid damaging the plastic or bending the attachments.

A denture may lose its proper shape if it is not kept damp. At night, the denture should be placed in soaking solution or water. However, if the denture has metal clasps or attachments, they may be tarnished if placed in soaking solution. We can recommend the proper method for keeping your dentures in good shape.

Will my denture need adjusting?

Over time, adjusting your denture may be necessary. As you get older, the shape and size of your mouth naturally changes; this can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a loose-fitting denture. Dentures that do not fit properly should be assessed and ONLY adjusted by a qualified dentist. Loose dentures can cause various problems, including sores or infections. Please visit us promptly should your denture become loose.

Can I make DIY repairs to my denture myself?

No!!! You can do serious harm to your denture and your health by trying to adjust or repair your denture yourself. A denture that is not made to fit precisely by a dentist may cause irritation and sores. Using a DIY kit may damage the denture beyond repair. Over-The-Counter Glues (e.g Superglue!) often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture.

If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, please visit us immediately. Sometimes we can make necessary adjustments or repairs here at the clinic; if the repair is more complex, we may have the denture sent to our dental laboratory to sort it out .

Must I do anything special to take care of my mouth while I have a denture?

Brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily naturally will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease that may lead to tooth loss. We tell our patients to pay particular attention to cleaning the teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps and the teeth that help support the denture. Plaque that becomes trapped under denture clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay. We will show you how to properly brush and clean between teeth.

Taking Care of your Full Dentures

• Don’t wear your dentures 24 hours a day. This gives your mouth a chance to “rest” and prevents fungal infections.
• Dentures should be cleaned daily.
• Take your dentures out of your mouth to clean them.
• Clean your denture over a basin /sink of cold water or over a folded towel to avoid damage if they are dropped.
• Soap/denture cleaning paste can be used to clean dentures with a toothbrush or a soft nailbrush.
• Clean your tongue and roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush.
• Always put your dentures in cold water when they are out of your mouth to prevent warping.
• If you are wearing dentures, you should visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your mouth stays healthy

Taking Care of your Partial Dentures

• Partial Dentures should be removed after eating and cleaned in cold water.
• If your partial denture has a metal clasp, do not use any cleaning agents which contain bleach.
• When cleaning partial dentures, remember also to clean and floss your own teeth and gums using a toothbrush with soft/medium bristles and fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean your tongue and roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush.
• If you are wearing dentures, you should visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your mouth stays healthy