What Are Dentures?
Dentures rest directly on your gums and can replace single thing teeth or multiple missing teeth in your upper or lower arch or an entire arch of teeth.
Every denture Clock Tower Dental provides is custom-designed to closely replicate natural teeth and restore your ability to talk and eat confidently and comfortably. Our services also include denture repair to ensure your dentures function optimally over time.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures available. Options depend on the number of teeth to be replaced and your preference. Options can include:
- Full dentures
- Partial dentures
- Immediate dentures
- Flexible dentures
- Dental flipper
- Denture implants
Full Dentures
These dentures can comfortably replace an entire arch of teeth. They have a gum-colored acrylic base supporting natural-looking denture teeth that are arranged to look like your own.
An upper denture is fabricated to cover your upper palate. It gains much of its retention from its shape.
A lower denture is constructed in a horseshoe shape, so it is smaller. It relies on the ridge of bone that originally supported your natural teeth for retention.
Partial Dentures
We may recommend a partial denture if you are missing several teeth in your upper or lower jaws, but some natural teeth are still present.
A partial denture still has an acrylic gum-colored base plate, which is generally fitted over a lightweight metal framework made from cobalt chrome. The metal frame helps strengthen the denture without adding extra weight or bulk. Your partial denture will also have clasps fitting around your natural teeth to help hold it securely in place.
Sometimes, partial dentures can have special attachments. In this case, you would have dental crowns over certain teeth. These crowns have special attachments or slots. Your partial denture would also have special attachments that slot into the crowns, providing extra stability and support. These special attachments would not be suitable in every case.
For smaller areas, Nesbit partial dentures offer a flexible and comfortable solution.
Immediate Dentures
When tooth extractions are required, your gums must heal before we can make and fit a more permanent denture. Naturally, the thought of going without teeth can be extremely concerning for most people. Immediate or same-day dentures solve this problem.
We fabricate the immediate denture before your tooth extractions. It is fitted immediately afterward, so you leave our dental office with your temporary teeth in place.
As your gums heal, they begin to shrink and change shape, so we may need to adjust and reline the fitting surface of your immediate denture several times before we can make your more permanent denture.
Flexible Dentures
Flexible dentures are made from an ultra-thin nylon material. They are only suitable for partial dentures but can be a great solution for some people. You can learn more about these flexible dentures, called Nesbit partial dentures, on the dedicated webpage.
Dental Flipper
A dental flipper is designed to replace a single tooth. It has an acrylic base plate that supports the denture tooth but is normally only provided as a temporary solution. Dental flippers are not very stable or strong, but they can be a good option after removing a tooth and while considering how to replace it more permanently.
Denture Implants
Dental implants are small posts that are surgically inserted into your jawbone. These can be used to support a variety of restorations, including dentures. We can provide implant dentures that clip onto the implants, increasing the strength and stability of an ordinary denture.
You can learn more about this solution on the dedicated webpage.
Benefits of Choosing Full or Partial Dentures
Full and partial dentures are a traditional way of replacing missing teeth but can provide significant benefits. These include:
- Dentures are a cost-effective solution for missing teeth.
- They can protect your overall facial structure by supporting your cheeks and lips.
- Well-made dentures can boost your self-confidence.
- Dentures are easy to maintain.
- A denture can restore your ability to chew food and speak clearly.
The Drawbacks of Choosing Dentures
Even though dentures can be a good solution for many people, others may find them challenging to wear because they are removable.
Full dentures can shift out of place, especially during speaking or chewing, and denture adhesive is only a temporary solution. Additionally, as your jawbone changes shape and shrinks after tooth loss, it can cause facial features to collapse inward.
Unlike dental bridges or implants, dentures can do nothing to prevent jawbone loss.
The Process for Making and Fitting Dentures
Fabricating a well-designed denture will require several visits to our dental office. The steps are outlined below so you understand more about what to expect.
Dental Impressions
We must take digital dental impressions of your upper and lower jaws. You may require more than one set of impressions.
We also take other measurements of your mouth, including the height between your upper and lower jaws, and we will want to record how your jaws meet together. These measurements help us to make a denture that restores facial dimensions and provides the proper support for your cheeks and lips.
Choosing Your Denture Teeth
We can help you choose your new denture teeth carefully, selecting them to complement your facial features, gender, personality, and skin tone. We also have a comprehensive range of different denture teeth available.
There is an excellent choice of different colors, sizes, and shapes to choose from. A wide choice is available, but our experienced dentist is here to offer their help and guidance.
Our dentists can select a gum color that closely matches your natural gums for the acrylic base.
If you need a full set of dentures, you can choose teeth that are brighter and whiter than your original teeth but still look natural.
Creating an Initial Try in Denture
The digital dental impression is used to create an initial try in denture using a wax base and your selected denture teeth. Once ready, we can try this denture in your mouth to check its fit and your bite, making any adjustments required.
Making Your New Denture
Once all the adjustments are completed satisfactorily, our dental lab replaces the wax with acrylic or whatever material is used. They will polish the acrylic to create a surface that closely replicates your natural gums and return the denture for fitting.
Fitting Your Denture
During your fitting we check for any pressure points on your gums and may need to adjust the denture slightly. It’s perfectly normal for a new denture to feel a bit strange at first, and we will probably ask you to return to our dental office a week later so we can make further adjustments as needed.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
It will take a while to become accustomed to wearing your new dentures. Your facial muscles need to get used to holding your dentures in position, and during this adjustment period, they might slip out of place more easily. Over time, your dentures should feel more secure.
Eating
When you first start wearing dentures, it’s best to choose softer foods that require minimal chewing. Cut the food up into smaller pieces and practice chewing on both sides. If your denture becomes dislodged, gently reposition it using your tongue and bite down.
As you get used to wearing dentures, you can gradually introduce more foods into your diet.
Speaking
Practice speaking at home, as you may find certain words are a bit trickier to say initially. You should quickly gain confidence and be able to speak normally.
Taking Care of Your Dentures
Looking after your dentures properly will help prolong their life. Dentures should be taken out at the end of each day and left out overnight. You should not sleep on your dentures as your gums need time to recover.
Clean your dentures using a proper denture brush, gentle dish soap, or a proprietary denture cleaner. We can advise you on which products are good to use.
It’s best to clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a clean towel, so if you drop them, they are unlikely to break.
Soak your denture overnight in a proper denture solution. This will help keep it fresh and hygienic and remove surface stains.
Don’t forget to clean your mouth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your gums and any remaining teeth gently. Brushing your gums helps stimulate them so they remain healthy.
How Much Will Dentures Cost?
The cost depends on the type of denture, the number of teeth needed, and the quality of denture teeth selected. We can provide you with a proper estimate during your initial consultation, show you different denture teeth qualities, and clearly explain the costs.
If you have dental insurance, it will almost certainly cover at least part of the cost, as dentures are essential for everyday activities like eating and speaking.
How Long Will My Dentures Last?
Dentures should last anywhere from 5 to 7 years before you need to replace them. However, this does depend on looking after them properly. During their lifetime, we may also recommend relining the fitting surface. A denture reline can be necessary as your gums change shape and can help your dentures fit more securely.
Do You Need Dentures? Visit Clock Tower Dental
If you have missing teeth, contact our team to learn about dentures and other restorative dentistry options, including dental crowns, dental bridges, and dental fillings.
Schedule a consultation today and discover how we can restore your smile!