“Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Did you know that Clark Gable said that famous line through a set of dentures?
Dentures are much more common than you think, and it just goes to prove that a good set of dentures can fool everyone into thinking that they’re the real thing.
People of all ages can use dentures to replace teeth and improve their appearance, and they come in a variety of options.
Why Are Dentures Necessary?
There are a variety of reasons why someone may lose their permanent teeth. The most common reasons for adult tooth loss are irreparable tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture, or as a result of injury.
The loss a tooth can have a significant impact on a person’s appearance and self-esteem, their ability to speak properly, and to chew efficiently. These problems are compounded if multiple teeth are lost. Teeth need each other for support, and failure to replace a lost or missing tooth can start a cascade of changes that can negatively impact surrounding teeth, putting them at greater risk for being lost. These changes can dramatically increase the time, effort and cost of future replacement, or make replacement impossible.
In spite of all we know about prevention and early diagnosis, sometimes tooth loss cannot be avoided, or is the only viable choice. In those cases, partial or complete dentures can be an excellent treatment for patients suffering from loss of their teeth. Dentures can restore a patient’s ability to smile, speak and chew efficiently and confidently.
The Different Kinds Of Dental Dentures
There are a variety of different dentures, and the set that you choose will be determined by your needs and a consultation with Dr. Klein.
The most common types include:
Complete Dentures
As the name implies, these replace all of a patient’s teeth. They are usually made of a pink acrylic denture base with acrylic denture teeth set in the base.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is used when a patient is missing some but not all of their teeth. A partial denture typically has a metal framework on which a pink acrylic base and denture teeth are set. A partial denture holds on to natural teeth to stabilize and secure it.
Removable Dentures
Some dentures are made for the patient to easily remove. This allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, but also allows for unwanted movement while talking or eating.
Fixed Dentures
Some dentures that are fixed in place and cannot be removed, except by a dentist. Since they are fixed in place, they don’t fall or shift unexpectedly while talking or eating. While fixed dentures are an excellent option for replacing lost teeth, they require special daily cleaning and routine maintenance can be more complicated and expensive.
Immediate Dentures
These are fabricated before the natural teeth are extracted, are delivered immediately after extraction, and are intended to be the definitive prosthesis. The major benefit of immediate dentures is not having to go without teeth. There are however several downsides: less-than-ideal esthetics due to the inability to try them in before delivery, unsatisfactory fit and retention during healing, extensive modification required to maintain comfort during healing, and the need for relining or rebasing after healing is complete.
Temporary Dentures
Like immediate dentures, these are fabricated before the teeth are extracted, are delivered immediately after extraction, but are not intended to be the final prosthesis. Temporary dentures are the same as immediate dentures, but made using less durable and less luxurious materials for the purpose of reducing cost. They are intended to be worn for 6-12 months during the healing phase, then will used as an aid in fabricating a new, definitive denture. A major benefit of utilizing the temporary denture technique is that after the definitive denture is complete, the temporary denture can be kept as a spare in case of emergency.
Over-Dentures
Over-dentures are complete or partial, removable or fixed dentures that fit over, or attach to natural teeth or dental implants. The supporting teeth or implants enhance the denture’s stability and retention, and dramatically increase chewing forces, allowing patients to enjoy more challenging foods like steak, pork chops, corn on the cob and seeds or nuts.
How To Care For Dentures
It can take some time to get used to wearing your new dentures. When you are first fitted for them, it’s normal to experience minor irritation, but this should subside as your mouth becomes accustomed to them. Eating will be a bit awkward at first, but practice makes perfect, and soon you won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Denture Care Made Simple
Caring for your dentures is a lot like caring for your real teeth, and diligent care will prolong their life and reduce unwanted bacteria. The best method is to first brush to remove any food particles or debris, and then soak them in an effervescent denture cleaner. Finally, brush the dentures again to make sure all plaque and build-up is removed.
It’s best to use a small or medium toothbrush and toothpaste, making sure to clean all surfaces of the dentures — including the part that sits on your gums, which should be cleaned thoroughly to avoid build-up. If you find there are stubborn stains or scale build up that you can’t remove yourself, you may need to have your dentures professionally cleaned by your dentist.
Call Klein Dentistry in Grandville, MI To Start The Process Of Getting New Dentures
To learn more about how we can help you with your denture care, feel free to contact us anytime. We provide fully-customized dentures to provide patients the highest level of realism and beauty.
We’d love to learn more about your unique situation and find a treatment plan that’s right for you.