The Denture Process and Caring Tips

Dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace missing teeth and restore a patient's smile, bite, and speech. Getting dentures involves a comprehensive oral examination, impressions and measurements, and adjustments to ensure a proper fit. Caring for dentures is vital to maintain longevity and ensure good oral health, including daily cleaning and proper storage. 

To get dentures, a patient undergoes a series of steps that take several weeks, including a comprehensive oral evaluation, creating a mouth model, and adjusting the dentures for a proper fit. Patients must also take care of their dentures by cleaning them daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap, avoiding abrasive cleaners and toothpaste, and keeping them stored in a clean, dry place when not in use. By following these steps, patients can enjoy the benefits of dentures and maintain their oral health. 

"Studies have shown that the success rate of dentures is relatively high, with up to 90% of patients reporting satisfaction with their dentures. Additionally, modern advances in denture materials and techniques have improved the fit and comfort of dentures, making them more effective and easier to maintain". 

What are Dentures? 

Dentures are dental prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and restore oral function, such as chewing and speaking. They are custom-made appliances that fit snugly in the mouth and provide a natural-looking smile. 

Dentures help people improve their appearance and oral function. According to the American Dental Association, approximately 20 million Americans wear dentures. The first recorded use of dentures dates back to the 7th century BC when the Etruscans made dentures from animal teeth. 

Dentures can help improve oral health by preventing the remaining teeth from shifting and reducing the risk of gum disease. Modern dentures use acrylic, porcelain, and composite resin materials; dentists design them to fit securely in the mouth. Adhesives or dental implants can hold them in place. 

Dentures are popular dental prosthetic devices to replace missing teeth and restore oral function. They have been used for centuries and are a viable option for improving their appearance and oral health. Dentures offer a significant benefit, i.e., customization to fit each patient's unique needs. Getting dentures involves several steps, including a thorough evaluation of the patient's oral health, impressions of the mouth, and adjustments to ensure a proper fit.

Types of Dentures

• Complete dentures help replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Dentists fit them over the patient's gums made of acrylic resin. Full dentures are held in place by suction or an adhesive and may need occasional adjustment to ensure a proper fit. 
• Partial dentures serve as a replacement option for one or more missing teeth. They are made of acrylic resin and metal and fit around the remaining natural teeth. Partial dentures can be attached to the natural teeth using metal clasps or held in place with dental implants.

Within these two main categories, there are different types of dentures available: 

• Conventional dentures are removable dentures designed to be worn all day and taken out at night for cleaning. 
• Immediate dentures: These are temporary dentures placed immediately after tooth extraction, allowing the patient a natural-looking smile. At the same time, the gums heal till the permanent denture arrives. 
• Implant-supported dentures: These are attached to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, providing a more stable and secure fit. 

Who is a Candidate for Dentures? 

Dentures may be suitable for individuals who have lost all or some of their teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease, injury, or other oral health conditions. Candidates for dentures may experience difficulty speaking or eating, have missing or loose teeth, or have experienced significant bone loss in the jaw. 

Additionally, candidates for dentures should have healthy gums and a stable jawbone to ensure the proper fit and function of the denture. It's essential to consult with a dentist or prosthodontist to determine whether dentures are the best option for your individual needs and oral health condition. 

The Denture Process: 

Getting dentures involves several steps depending on the patient's needs and oral health. Here is a description of the procedural steps of getting dentures: 

• Initial consultation: The dentist will perform a comprehensive oral examination to evaluate the patient's oral health, discuss treatment options, and determine whether dentures are the best choice. 
• Impression and measurements: If dentures are deemed appropriate, the dentist will take images of the patient's gums and measures of their jaws and bite. This help creates a model of the mouth to make the dentures. 
• Wax try-in: The dentist will create a wax model of the dentures, which the patient will try in their mouth to ensure proper fit, comfort, and appearance.  
• Final denture fitting: Once the wax try-in is approved, the dentist will create the final denture using the earlier impressions and measurements. The patient will try in the final denture, and the dentist will see if any adjustments are required. 
• Post-fitting care: The dentist will provide instructions on how to care for the dentures, including cleaning and storing them and adjusting to speaking and eating with the new appliance. 

It's important to note that getting dentures may take several appointments over several weeks or months, depending on the patient's needs and the type required. Additionally, regular check-ups with the dentist will be necessary to ensure the dentures are fitting properly and to make any necessary adjustments.

How to Care for Your Dentures? 

Caring for dentures is essential to keep them clean and hygienic and to prolong their lifespan. Here are some pertinent tips on how to care for dentures: 

• Brushing: Brush dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, non-abrasive denture cleaner, or mild soap and water. Do not use regular toothpaste, as it can damage the denture material. 
• Soaking: Soak dentures in water or denture cleaning solution when not in use. It will help remove any debris or bacteria from the surface of the denture. 
• Rinsing: Rinse dentures thoroughly after eating to remove any food particles or debris. It will help prevent staining and bacterial growth. 
• Handling: Handle dentures carefully when cleaning and removing them to avoid dropping or damaging them. Place a towel or soft cloth on the counter or sink to prevent breakage. 
• Denture adhesive: If using denture adhesive, use it as directed and clean the denture thoroughly before applying the sealant. 
• Regular dental check-ups: Dental check-ups are essential to ensure dentures fit correctly and identify potential problems early on. 
• Avoid certain foods: Avoid sticky or hard foods that damage or dislodge dentures. Also, avoid hot liquids that can warp the denture material. 

How Long Do Dentures Last? 

The lifespan of dentures can vary depending on factors such as the quality of materials used, the level of oral hygiene, and the amount of wear and tear they experience. Well-made dentures can last 5 to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance. However, it's important to note that dentures may require adjustments or replacements over time as the mouth changes, such as bone loss in the jaw or changes in the shape of the gums. 

Visiting a dentist or prosthodontist is best to ensure that your dentures fit properly and to identify any potential problems early on. Additionally, following good oral hygiene practices can help prolong the lifespan of dentures and keep them in good condition. 

Conclusion

Dentures can provide many years of use with proper care and maintenance, allowing individuals to enjoy a comfortable and functional mouth. Dentures offer many benefits, including improved speech, easier eating, and a more natural-looking smile. If you are considering dentures, consult a qualified dentist or prosthodontist to determine the best option for your needs and oral health condition.

Contact your Pinole dentists, Dr. Azadeh Hosseini and Dr. Ghazal Hosseini, at Top Pinole Dental to learn more about the denture process.

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Which Type of Dentures fits you?

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.