What Are Dentures? An Inside Look Into What They Are, Types, and How to Care for Them
Dec 01, 2020
Having missing teeth is not uncommon. In fact, six percent of the Canadian population are missing all their teeth. Thanks to modern dentistry, we have different options that can help restore your smile. One of the simplest yet effective missing teeth replacements is dentures in Calgary, AB.
Dentures are used to restore smiles. While dentures near you may take some getting used to, our prosthodontist in Calgary, AB, Dr. Nimet Adatia, can help you ease into your new set of teeth.
Missing teeth can be a confidence buster, but you do not have to continue living with missing teeth. Our prosthodontist near you has dentures in Calgary, that can restore your smile makeover Calgary.
Dentures 101
In a nutshell, dentures are missing tooth replacements that are fashioned from acrylic, metal, or porcelain. These dental prostheses are designed to fit snugly on your gums or attached using dental implant near me, and just like that, you have a full set of teeth.
Why Do You Need Dentures?
Full dentures can be used to restore your speech and aid you in eating well. When you have missing teeth, your facial muscles tend to sag, and you may have a sunken in appearance, especially at the cheek and jaw area. Dentures can help restore your facial integrity, making you appear younger.
On the other hand, partial dentures can be used to fill gaps in your smile. When you are missing a tooth, your other teeth can start moving or tilting into space left by the missing teeth. Partial dentures can be used to keep your remaining teeth in place.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures that our prosthodontist near you offers, including:
Traditional Full Dentures
This denture is placed when all your teeth have been extracted. You are involved in the designing of your denture in our office. They are customized to suit your smile, so that means that it will look natural. They are placed on your gums within eight to 12 weeks after tooth extraction.
Immediate Dentures
Just as the name suggests, these dentures are placed immediately after tooth extraction. Typically, they are prepared beforehand and are set during your second visit. You don’t have to be toothless for two months.
Partial Dentures
When you still have some of your pearly whites, and you need to fill the spaces, then partial dentures can be a good idea. They are made of a metal piece and a pink-colored base. They help stop the movement of teeth when you have gaps.
Fixed Implant Dentures
Unlike the other types of dentures that depend on suction and special adhesives, these use dental implants for anchorage. The implants provide stable support that allows you to chew more like your natural teeth. They are fixed in place, meaning you do not have to take them out at night to sleep, as you would with traditional dentures. This type of denture is U-shaped for both the upper and lower, so it will not cover the roof of your mouth. It has the most natural appearance and lasts the longest out of all the denture types.
Snap-In Dentures
These are very stable dentures since they are secured in place with snaps. The difference between these dentures and the fixed implant dentures is that they have locator attachments fitted within the tissue part of the denture. The locator snaps onto the implants, which means that these dentures can be removed like traditional dentures.
After Care
For you to enjoy your artificial teeth a bit longer, you will have to adopt excellent dental habits. Here are some pointers:
- Brush your dentures every day to remove food debris and keep them clean and bacteria-free.
- Ensure that they are moist all the time. If you are not wearing them, place them in water (avoid using hot water as they can warp) or denture cleanser solution.
- Before you wear your dentures, brush your gums, palate (roof of the mouth), and tongue to remove food debris and bacteria.
- Maintain annual dental visits, but when they are cracked, chipped, or loose, come and see our dentist immediately.
- If you have fixed implant dentures, you will have to purchase a Waterpik to aid in cleaning under the denture every day. You will need to have the denture removed and cleaned at regular hygiene visits in our office.
Traditional dentures typically last five to seven years and fixed implant dentures can last twenty + years with proper care. You can contact our prosthodontist in Calgary, AB, Dr. Nimet Adatia, at Northwest Prosthodontist if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.