Prosthodontics
Are you frustrated because you've lost part or all of your teeth, you can't chew, you're embarrassed by your appearance, and you're fearful of revealing signs of aging? Your dentist can accomplish this by utilizing implants and dentures. The dentist must inform you of any potential remedies for your situation, and you must negotiate with him the price range that is affordable for you.
Dentures:
Dentures are removable attached fake teeth composed of metal, nylon, or acrylic (plastic). They fill in gaps left by missing teeth and take care of any potential issues by fitting securely over the gums.
Therefore, you might require one of the following:
- Complete dentures, or a whole set, replace all of your upper or lower teeth, or
- Partial dentures, partially replace one or a few lost teeth.
There are two types of dentures based on the timing of tooth replacement:
- Immediate: After extracting your teeth, a dentist might immediately replace them.
- Conventional: These are only provided once your gums have healed, which could take several months.
Complete dentures:
If all of your upper or lower teeth must be extracted or if you’re current complete denture needs to be replaced, a full denture will be fitted. Complete dentures are classified as “immediate” or “conventional”
- Immediate dentures: Since they are produced in advance, they may be installed as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to go without teeth while recuperating.
Bones and gums do decrease over time, particularly during the healing process. For immediate dentures to fit comfortably, more alterations are needed than for regular dentures. Immediate dentures should only be viewed as a temporary solution while waiting for the creation of traditional dentures.
- Conventional denture: Is made after the teeth have been extracted and the gums have started to heal. It takes between 8 and 12 weeks for the conventional denture to be prepared for use in the mouth.
Partial dentures:
A partial denture often consists of false teeth attached to a foundation composed of pink or gum-colored plastic. This base is joined by a metal framework that holds the denture firmly in place inside the mouth. In addition, materials that don’t require a metal framework can be used to make partial dentures.
Overdenture (Snap-In denture):
Compared to traditional dentures, which could slip out of place, Snap-In dentures are more stable and flexible. Dental implants or screws placed in your jawbone hold Snap-In dentures in place. Each jaw typically utilizes two to four implants. An overdenture supported by implants can be positioned there once the implants are in your jaw. Depending on how the implants and overdenture were created, the overdenture itself may be maintained in place permanently or it may be taken out for cleaning.
Depending on the circumstance and your financial situation, you might have up to 10 implants.
Advantages of overdenture over traditional one:
- Dentures that Snap-In are more stable and less likely to budge while speaking.
- Increase the ability to chew. Meals that are stickier and harder can be consumed.
- They fit better and are more comfortable. There is less friction on the gums.
- More realistic than conventional dentures.
- Snap-In dentures preserve the jawbone and halt further bone loss.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What should I do to maintain my Snap-In dentures?
It is essential to wash your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth every day with a soft-bristled brush before putting on your Snap-In dentures if they haven't been screwed into place. Before brushing, rinse your dentures to get rid of any leftover food or dirt.
Your Snap-In dentures should be kept in water in a secure location when not being used until you need to use them again.
2. Am I suitable for making Snap-In dentures?
You are a candidate for a Snap-In denture if the majority of your teeth are lost due to an accident, dental decay, or periodontal disease, or if you don't want to deal with the cons of traditional dentures.
3. How should I care for my dentures?
Dentures need to be cleaned every day, just like genuine teeth do. You must remove your dentures from your mouth in order to clean them. Brush your gums, tongue, the roof of your mouth, and any natural teeth every morning and evening. Ensure that your toothbrush has soft bristles.
Put the dentures in a jar of cool water or a denture-cleansing solution if you won't be wearing them straight away. Dry dentures may become permanently misshapen.
4. What are the consequences if I occasionally neglect to clean the denture?
Dentures that aren't kept clean can lead to problems including bad breath, oral thrush, gum disease, and tooth decay.
5. How frequently should I clean my dentures?
You should wash your dentures after every meal and as frequently as you would your natural teeth (at least twice daily, in the morning and at night).
6. Can I eat anything while wearing a traditional denture?
Consume soft meals in moderation when you first start wearing dentures and make sure to chew everything thoroughly on both sides of your mouth. Chewing gum and foods with sticky, hard, or sharp edges should be avoided. You can gradually resume your previous diet.
7. Are adhesive dentures effective if I have a decreased jawbone since I lost my teeth years ago?
Yes, glue can be the only option to keep your dentures in place if your jawbone has been severely reduced.