Dentures
Dentures are removable replacements of missing teeth. They are usually made from Acrylic/plastic or with a combination of a metal skeleton. You can either have a denture for the upper jaw, the lower, or Both depending on what you need.
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There are 2 types of dentures: Partial and Complete/Full Dentures.
Full Dentures
Full Dentures are provided to patients where no teeth are present on one or both jaws, to replace the aesthetic appearance and Function(chewing). Full dentures are usually fabricated from Pink Acrylic to imitate the gum colour and Durable life like plastic teeth, which can endure normal chewing forces and restore the look of natural smile. An important thing to remember is that, although dentures are made to look and function like natural teeth, you will need some time to adapt, as chewing and talking would feel different initially.
Partial Dentures
Partial Dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the lower or upper jaw. They are made generally from pink acrylic, metal or a combination of these two. The main purpose of partial dentures is to replace the missing teeth and achieve more efficient chewing.
How do Dentures stay in?
Full Dentures Stay in, as suction is created when they are pressed on the gum/bone where they sit. This requires precise fabrication and accurate fit.
Usually adjustments are required to be done on the initial period of adaptation. For extra retention when suction is not so strong,or not enough bone is apparent for mechanical retention, the use of Denture Adhesive helps to keep the denture in place.
To avoid frequent dislodging of the Denture it is advised:
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To take small bites of soft food.
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Chew from both sides at the same time so the denture does not tip.
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Chew slowly.
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Don't eat anything sticky.
For Partial dentures on the other hand, small arms (clasps) can be attached on them, so they wrap around adjacent natural teeth preventing any movement while eating or talking. You can also have partial dentures without clasps, where they stay in by precise "tight fit" between the natural teeth, so through friction movement is limited.
How Do I Take Care of My Dentures?
Taking care of and cleaning your dentures at home is an important task you have to do everyday
so your dentures look and function their best.
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1. After eating you should remove your denture and rinse it in the sink. Care should be taken so the denture does not fall, or pressed to hard and bends.
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2. After you remove the dentures you should clean your mouth as well. You can use a normal toothbrush to brush your existing teeth and gum, or a soft brush to clean the gum, roof of mouth and cheeks if you don't have any teeth.
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3. Brush Your Denture Daily. Use a soft bristled brush to brush you denture with denture cleansing solution, between the teeth and from the inside, especially
If you used denture adhesive, make sure you cleaned it well and then rinse.
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4. Soak your dentures overnight. Soaking the dentures overnight is important so they don't shrink and deform. Submerge your clean dentures
in a denture soak solution overnight. In the morning, rinse the dentures thoroughly under water before wearing them.
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5. If the Denture starts to get loose, then you need to book a check up with your Dentist.