Dentures

About Dentures

What are Dentures?

Denture meaning

Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth. They are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity.

Conventional dentures are removable (removable partial denture or complete denture “full denture“).

However, there are many denture designs, some which rely on bonding or clasping onto teeth or dental implants (fixed prosthodontics).

There are two main categories of dentures, the distinction being whether they are used to replace missing teeth on the mandibular arch or on the maxillary arch.

Complete Dentures are worn by patients who are missing all of the teeth in a single arch—i.e., the maxillary (upper) or mandibular (lower) arch—or, more commonly, in both arches.

What Dentures look like?

Dentures are made from pink or gum coloured acrylic resin. The denture teeth are made of similar material with the more complex structure of layering. It’s for a more aesthetic appearance and more natural colour to suit the individual person.

The teeth can be set in an individual arrangement. It allows to mask the fact that the patient actually is wearing Dentures with differing shades and moulds of teeth.

This has the ultimate effect of the Dentures becoming virtually un-noticeable once in the situ!

What Dentures are made of?

Dentures are mainly made from acrylic due to the ease of material manipulation. And likeness to intra-oral tissues (gums).

Most dentures made are fabricated from heat-cured acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate) and rubber-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate. 

Colouring agents and synthetic fibres are added to obtain the tissue-like shade. It allows to mimic the small capillaries of the oral mucosa, respectively. 

However, dentures made from acrylic can be fragile and fracture easily if the patient has trouble adapting neuromuscular control.

This can be overcome by reinforcing the denture base with cobalt chromium. They are often thinner (therefore more comfortable) and stronger (to prevent repeating fractures).

What Dentures are best?

Depending on your individual situation and the budget that you have would determine the best type of Denture. Discussion with your Proving Dental Prosthetist as to this is recommended.

Which Dentures are the most comfortable?

Dentures which a re made Bespoke for the individual will be the most comfortable.

A standard operating/manufacturing processe must be followed. The individual circumstance at the time of treatment will determine the most comfortable option.

Which Dentures are flexible?

Dentures, by their inherent nature are not made to be flexible. This would render the fit and retention to be somewhat compromised!

In the past there have been dentures with this characteristic. But ultimately, they have not been as successful as the tried and tested polymethyl methacrylate resin denture base.

Which are better Dentures or Bridges?

Dentures are for the restoration where there is no retained teeth in the mouth.

Bridges are constructions of metal and porcelain. They incorporate elements to simulate missing teeth on existing dentition.

Circumstance and choice will determine which is the better choice of the two.

Which is better Dentures or Implants?

Implants are superior to Dentures.

Though, depending on whether one wants a permanent solution with the budget to suit, then dentures can be an economical solution.

If the budget does not allow the option of implants, dentures can be a great alternative.

Can Dentures be made in one day?

Yes, dentures can be made in the one day.

If preparations are made with the servicing provider to enable the treatment to be carried out in the time allotted.

There is usually a cost for this service as can be discussed at the time with your provider.

Can Dentures cause bad breath?

If proper dental hygiene is not followed then yes, Dentures can contribute to bad breath.

Usually this takes the form of a build-up of food detritus under the denture and a breaking down of this food and subsequent odour by the oral flora and fauna!

Can Dentures look good?

Dentures serve a functional and an aesthetic purpose. The goal is to renew not only the ability to chew and talk efficiently but to give the opportunity to enhance ones physical appearance.

This is often referred to as the “psychological” aspect in the treatment plan.

Dentures how to use them?

Owing to the undeniable fact that Dentures are not the original oral condition, the expectation that they would be as efficient as natural dentition is a fallacy.

They in fact, probably have only 30% the efficiency rating as natural dentition.

So, the expectation should be accordingly be respected.

Once issued with a Denture that has been produced following the guidelines, then the patient should adapt to their dentures after a short period of adjustment and experience.

Use them as they would be expected to as the option is either total mouth reconstruction, NO teeth or something of a compromise somewhere in-between.

Dentures how to wear them?

You’ll soon get used to your new dentures and enjoy renewed confidence in your smile.

But it may take patience and a little bit of practice as you adjust to them in the short-term.

Here’s what you may experience:

• Your saliva flow may temporarily increase.
• You might experience mild irritation or soreness which should ease in time.

Some foods may be difficult to chew at first, so you might want to start with soft food as you’re adjusting to dentures. Be mindful of chewing on both sides of the mouth to keep the pressure even.

Gagging is common for someone who’s wearing dentures for the first time, but try not to let it put you off. Simple breathing exercises and relaxation techniques will take your mind off it and help you feel controlled and at ease.

You could even consider listening to your favourite piece of music while putting in or removing your dentures to give your mind something else to focus on.

You may also need to practice talking with your dentures. You could try reading out loud or pronouncing trickier words in front of the mirror. You’ll soon build your confidence in conversations with others.

Some people find that it helps to use a denture adhesive while they’re getting used to dentures in order to provide extra stability, so this might be something you want to discuss with your dentist.

Wherever your day-to-day routine takes you, nobody else has to know you’re adjusting to new dentures, so you can continue to play, work and live life as you always have.

When are Dentures medically necessary?

Dental treatments are normally only covered by Medicare if they are considered essential for the patient’s wellbeing.

While some dental procedures are covered, most general dental examinations and treatments are not.

As Dentures are not considered a primary function for existence then the necessity to have them for medical reasons is not deemed a priority. However, they can and do have psychological advantages for an individual if done correctly.

When are dentures the best option?

So, there are plenty of advantages to wearing dentures. The main benefit is for people who have lost many of their natural teeth.

Without the option of dentures, these people are resigned to a lifetime of problems with chewing, swallowing, and speaking.

If multiple teeth are missing on one row, the facial tissues can begin to sag and cave inwards. This means that dentures can be a way for people with missing teeth to feel and look normal again.

If your dentist has recommended that you try dentures for the first time, do not be afraid to dive in head first. This option may mean that your natural teeth are no longer healthy enough for use, but it also means that a viable alternative has been found.

Dentures are extremely common these days and they allow a person to live much as they would with normal teeth. So, there is nothing to fear and nothing to be worried about; your dentist will tell you the same.

Are Dentures good?

They can transform lives, especially for those who have consistently struggled with eating and chewing and resigned themselves to such problems.

Also, if a person has battled with painful teeth throughout most of their life, it can actually be quite a relief to have bad teeth pulled and replaced with a pain free alternative.

And as modern dentures are sturdy, flexible, and easy to maintain, they come with few downsides.

Dentures vs Implants

Dentures can be a stand-alone option or they can be combined with implant technology to facilitate a more refined result than dentures alone.

It would depend on the financial circumstances of the client and whether or not the client was prepared to undergo the treatment plan required for Implants and subsequent over denture.

Dentures vs Bridges

Dentures are removable and can be easily cleaned and refreshed as opposed to Bridges, which are fixed in position and are unable to be removed and cleaned other than by a dentist.

Dentures vs Crowns

Dentures are removable and can be easily cleaned and refreshed as opposed to Crowns, which are fixed in position and are unable to be removed and cleaned.

Dentures vs Veneers

Dentures are removable and can be easily cleaned and refreshed as opposed to Crowns, which are fixed in position and are unable to be removed and cleaned

Dentures vs False Teeth

Dentures and False Teeth are the same things essentially.

The difference being in an older generation using the term “False Teeth” and the newer generation the term ” Dentures“.

Dentures for front teeth

Dentures can and do replace front or anterior teeth. They restore function and form to the face and mouth. Cosmetics in this area of the mouth is critical to the acceptance of the denture by the client.

Dentures for missing teeth

Dentures can and do replace front or anterior teeth to restore function and form to the face and mouth

Dentures for back teeth

Dentures can and do replace front or anterior teeth to restore function and form to the face and mouth, primarily for the chewing and masticatory function.

Where to buy Dentures

Dentures are made by a dental prosthetist and can be bought in a clinic, or through a registered specialist.

Call us to book your Denture appointment.

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