Specialty Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.
Types of Dentures
Complete dentures replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position.
Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech, and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.
Complete/Full Dentures
Made when all of your natural teeth are missing. You can have a full denture on your upper or lower jaw, or both.
Immediate Dentures
Inserted immediately after the removal of remaining teeth. The wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.
Conventional Dentures
Made once the tissues have healed after tooth removal. Healing may take at least 6-8 weeks.
Over Dentures
A removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants for stability and support.
Partial Dentures
Often a solution when several teeth are missing. Consists of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases connected by metal framework.
Precision Attachments
More aesthetic than metal clasps and nearly invisible. Crowns on natural teeth may improve the fit of removable partial dentures.
Note: Bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the first six months after tooth removal. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly.
How Are Dentures Made?
The denture process takes about one month and five appointments:
Initial Diagnosis — An impression of your jaw is made using special materials and measurements are taken.
Impression & Wax Bite — Determines vertical dimensions, proper jaw position, and bite relationship.
Shade Selection — The color or shade of your natural teeth is determined for a custom match.
Try-In — A "wax try-in" is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit before completion.
Final Placement — Your final denture is placed following any minor adjustments.
The dental laboratory makes a mold or model of your jaw, places the teeth in a wax base, and carves the wax to the exact form wanted in the finished denture.
The denture is completed using the "lost wax" technique. A mold of the wax-up denture is made, the wax is removed and the remaining space is filled with pink plastic in dough form. The mold is then heated to harden the plastic. The denture is then polished and ready for wear.
Getting Used to Your Denture
For the first few weeks, a new denture may feel awkward or bulky. However, your mouth will eventually become accustomed to wearing it. Inserting and removing the denture will require some practice. Your denture should easily fit into place. Never force the partial denture into position by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps.
Initial Wear Period
You may be asked to wear your denture all the time at first. This helps identify parts that may need adjustment.
Eating Tips
Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid sticky or hard foods, including gum, while you adjust to the denture.
Care of Your Denture
Stand over a folded towel or sink of water when handling your denture.
Brush daily with a denture brush to remove food deposits and plaque.
At night, place in soaking solution or water to maintain proper shape.
Look for denture cleansers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean dentures is also acceptable. Other types of household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used for cleaning dentures.
Don't Forget: Even with full dentures, brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before putting in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation.
Adjustments
Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, resulting in a loose-fitting denture.
Avoid DIY Repairs
Do-it-yourself kits can damage dentures beyond repair. Over-the-counter glues often contain harmful chemicals.
See Your Dentist
If your denture breaks, cracks, chips, or doesn't fit properly, see your dentist immediately for same-day repairs.
Over time, dentures will need to be relined, re-based, or re-made due to normal wear. To reline or re-base a denture, the dentist uses the existing denture teeth and refits the denture base or makes a new denture base. Dentures may need to be replaced if they become loose and the teeth show signs of significant wear.
Common Concerns
Eating with Dentures
Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping.
Speaking with Dentures
Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help. If your dentures "click" while talking, speak more slowly.
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New Smile Dental
405 S. La Brea Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90301