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    Dentures

    Denture Treatment

    A denture is a removable replacement option for missing teeth and their surrounding tissues. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one's natural teeth, today's dentures are more natural looking and more comfortable than ever.

    There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the type of denture that's best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced and the cost involved.

    Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. Your dentist will determine which material would be best suited for you.

    Types of Dentures

    Generally speaking, there are 3 main types of denture materials:

    acrylic dentures

    Acrylic

    Acrylic is a gum-like material that can be molded according the required shape and design as a substitute for natural teeth.

    Acrylic is quite popular and is the usual go-to material particularly for partial dentures, but can also be used for complete dentures.

    • Advancements in technology has made acrylic dentures more durable and long-lasting. Hybrid acrylic materials have longer lives and greater adherence capability.
    • Acrylic dentures cost less than metal and flexible dentures
    • Acrylic dentures are prone to wear and tear are require replacement every five to eight years.
    • Acrylic is also more prone to fractures and cracks compared to metal dentures

    Metal

    Metal Dentures are made of a mixture of two metals: cobalt and chromium. Only the base of the denture is made of metal while the visible portion of the dentures, which are the artificial teeth and gums, are not made of metal.

    • Metal dentures are slim and sturdy.
    • They are long-lasting and more durable than acrylic dentures
    • They can cost more than acrylic or plastic dentures so choose them only if you have the required budget.
    • Some patients may be allergic to the metal.
    metal dentures
    acrylic denture

    Flexible Material

    Flexible dentures are made of materials such as nylon, polyester, polycarbonates and polypropylene.

    • Flexible dentures do not require additional metal hooks for keeping the denture in place. The dentures have inbuilt hooks which not only make the adjustment process hassle-free, but also make the dentures look more natural and aesthetically pleasant.
    • Greater malleability of the flexible material makes the denture less prone to breakage and wear and tear.
    • Flexible dentures do not cause allergic reactions.
    • They can cost more than acrylic or plastic dentures so choose them only if you have the required budget.
    • This material may not be suitable for every denture case.

    What to Expect for Your Dentures Treatment?

    Before commencing any denture treatment, our dentists at Allsmiles Dental Care will first assess your gums and dentition to ensure that they are healthy and ready for dentures.

    If there are any pre-existing problems that may affect your future dentures (such as gum disease, shaky teeth or tooth decay), it is important that we first deal with them before starting any denture treatment.

    In the event that you need tooth extractions, it is best that we wait at least 3 months for the wound to stabilize before taking any impressions or records for your denture.

    The entire process of denture fabrication can take a few visits (ranging from 2 to 5 visits depending on the complexity of the case).

    This process typically involves taking records and measurements of your teeth and how you bite in order for the dental laboratory to accurately construct a set of dentures that are customized to your mouth.

    For cases that are more complex or aesthetically sensitive, some visits will involve us trying in a mock setup of the denture to better gauge and assess the case. This visit allows us to see what the dentures will look like, adjust them for size and get the laboratory to make any final adjustments.

    Once the dentures have been fabricated, we will need to carry out some minor adjustments to allow the new denture to be properly seated in. Over the next few days or even weeks, you may need to come back for some easing or adjustment especially as you get used to the new dentures.

    You have just received a new appliance, which will require a period of adjustment. First-time denture patients may require several weeks to get used to their new appliance. Normal functions like talking and chewing with the denture may be difficult at first. For the first few days, you should try to wear your denture as long as possible.

    Do note that some degree of discomfort or pain is expected when wearing a new set of dentures. If this pain for discomfort lasts more than 2 to 3 days or ulcers have started to form, please inform us so that we can make the necessary adjustments for you.

    In general, the less natural teeth you have to support your dentures, the more pressure and stress your gums will experience from your dentures which in turn leads to a high likelihood of discomfort and pain from your dentures.

    You may also experience a slight speech difficulty or lisping at first. Reading out loud will help with learning to speak more comfortably with the denture.
    You may notice an increase in saliva flow at first while wearing your new denture this is normal and will decrease in a few days after wearing your denture.

    Dentures do not have the same chewing efficiency as natural teeth and may affect your taste of food. Always chew your food on both sides to keep your denture balanced and to prevent any rocking. We suggest you start chewing with small bites of soft foods at first.

    Do not wear your dentures to sleep. Taking your dentures out at night is generally recommended. It gives your gums a chance to breathe and helps prevent denture stomatitis.

    It will also help reduce wear on them caused by clenching and grinding and this can prevent fractures from happening.

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    How Should You Clean Your Dentures?

    Clean your dentures where possible after every meal or at least twice a day. At the very least remove them and rinse off any food and debris with warm or cold water.

    To clean your denture, take a small or medium sized toothbrush that can access all parts of the denture and gently scrub all parts of the dentures. Be careful not to use toothpaste or strong abrasives to clean your dentures as this can damage the acrylic resin.

    You should never clean your denture with it still in your mouth. It may sound obvious but lots of people do. You will miss the most important place on the denture, the underside - which could end up causing denture stomatitis.

    More importantly, it will prevent you from doing a proper job of cleaning your natural teeth and you will inevitably miss large areas of plaque sheltered by the denture which can lead rapidly to gum disease and dental decay.

    When cleaning your denture, half fill the sink with water and do it over this - We can’t tell you how many repairs and broken dentures we see from people dropping them in the sink during cleaning and the water will prevent this from happening. Grip them firmly but don’t squeeze too hard, so as not to bend or risk breaking them.

    How Should You Store your Dentures?

    medical denture smile jaws teeth on white background

    When you are not wearing your dentures, be sure to store them in a safe and moist place. The classic image of dentures in a glass has the right idea, but it is far better to get a denture box - most dentists will be able to give you one if you ask.

    Store the dentures in some water to prevent them from drying out and warping. We receive our dentures in little sealed bags (zip lock bags) with a small amount of water in them, this can be done then the denture placed in the box.

    FAQs

    The costs differ based on the types of dentures:

    1) Acrylic/plastic dentures: From $375 to $750 per denture

    2) Metal dentures: From $675 to $1050 per denture

    3) Flexible dentures: from $685 to $1050 per denture

    When wearing dentures, you should avoid the following food:

    • Sticky foods such as peanut butter and gummy candies.
    • Foods with small but stubborn pieces such as popcorn kernels, sesame seeds on roll, and shelled nuts or seeds stucked within the dentures.
    • Hard foods such as apples, carrot sticks and corn on the cob
    • Tough meats such as pork chop, steak and ribs

    Regardless of the type of dentures you wear, having them on all the time is not a good idea. This is because bacteria is built up over time, causing bad breath or even gum inflammation.

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