Dentures

There are many reasons for a tooth loss (periodontals disease, decays or trauma). Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for many years now.

The loss of your teeth can have a negative impact on your self-confidence, your ability to chew food and your bite. Since your teeth provide structure and support to your cheeks, tooth loss can result in the sagging of your cheeks and make you appear older than you are. It is essential that your missing teeth are replaced as soon as possible. Alternative methods other then dentures used to replace missing teeth include dental implants and fixed bridges.

Dentures are removable replacements for your teeth, designed to look and function like your natural teeth and surrounding gum tissues.

Types of dentures

Partial Dentures
Recommended for patients who are missing some of their teeth on a particular arch. Fixed partial dentures better known as “Crown and Bridge”, are made from crowns that are fitted on the remaining teeth to act as abutments and pontics made from materials to resemble the missing teeth. Fixed bridges are more expensive than removable appliances but are more stable.

Complete Dentures
Complete dentures or full dentures are worn by patients who are missing all of the teeth in a single arch or both arches.

Dentures are generally fabricated from acrylic resins. With advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, there are a wide variety of materials available for dentures, and your dentist at Sunrise Dental Clinic will recommend and explain those different options, including the latest flexible cosmetic dentures.

Placing and holding dentures in place

Dentures should be held in place by dentures’ natural suction to your gums. However, your dentist may decide to use a fixative. Dentures can be fixed securely in place by dental implants or mini implants, which can give you the confidence to eat whatever you want without having to worry about your dentures coming loose or falling out. More patients seem to be opting for treatment with implants, which offers them dramatic aesthetic effect thereby improving the quality of the patient’s life.

Tips to look after your dentures?

It is very important to keep your dentures clean at all times. You should remove your dentures at night to give your gums rest and this will also give your gums the chance to be exposed to your natural saliva, which will keep them healthy. It is recommended that you brush your dentures and leave them outside to dry at night. This is the best way to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungous on the denture’s surface. You can add special cleaning tablets to the water when you soak your dentures to clean them for the limited time as noted in the brochure. Always brush your dentures before putting them back into your mouth. If your dentures begin to collect debris or stains that you cannot remove by normal brushing, your dentist or hygienist at Sunrise Dental Clinic will be able to professionally clean your dentures for you. It is important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your dentures are in good condition and continue to fit your gums, as the shape of your gums and underlying bone can change with time.

What is the life time of dentures?

The life time your dentures depend on many factors, including how you take care of them and also how much you use them in terms of general wear and tear. Over time, dentures can become loose as your gums shrink and your bite changes. When this happens, you may want to visit your dentist at Sunrise Dental Clinic, and your dentist will make suggestions your needs, which may include modifications to your old dentures or obtaining new ones.