Dentures Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make dentures look natural?
Our team will advise you on all the elements in your new teeth selection. Color, texture, shape, and gum material are just some facets that determine what looks natural.
What options are there? Tooth shape and color? Gum line? Gum materials? Mold sizes?
Many options go into crafting your new smile. These depend on whether or not the dentures are removable or not and how many teeth are affected.
Single tooth replacement Conventional bridges or implant-retained crowns replace single teeth.
Conventional bridges require that the surrounding teeth, upon which the bridge rests, be drilled down. This increases the wear and pressure placed on those teeth. If the supporting teeth develop cavities or periodontal disease, the conventional bridge may need to be replaced by an implant-retained crown.
Implant-retained crowns are a surgical intervention. A crown is attached to an implanted post. This implant then replaces the support of the lost tooth.
Multiple teeth replacements or dentures
There are several options for replacing multiple teeth:
- Multiple single-tooth implants with fixed partial dentures (also known as implant bridges)
- Removable partial dentures
- Conventional Fixed Partial Dentures
Implant bridges are an expansion on implant-retained crowns. A single post-implant supports a bridge of replaced teeth. Again, this surgical intervention requires posts to be implanted into the jaw bone.
Removable partial dentures involve denture teeth, acrylic gum replacement, and a metal framework. This approach doesn’t require any adjacent teeth to be drilled. It uses metal arms and a framework to keep denture teeth in place.
Conventional fixed partial dentures are similar to bridges, requiring adjacent teeth to be drilled to support the partial. While this option lacks the appearance of metal in the mouth, it does increase the stress placed on the supporting teeth.
All teeth replacement
There are similar options for full-mouth replacements. The decision on the best option needs to be made based on current and long-term bone health. Whenever a tooth is extracted, if there is no structure set inside the jawbone to replace it, the bone will begin to disappear. So, when all the teeth are extracted, something must be done to preserve and encourage bone health.
Conventional removable dentures are prosthetics that sit on top of healed tissue once all the teeth have been removed. They use temporary adhesive to stick to the upper and lower jaw and mouth tissue.
Patients may opt for an immediate complete denture as part of the process. Patients wear This temporary full-mouth denture as their tissue and jaws heal after all the teeth have been extracted. The other approach is
Implant alternatives to conventional dentures are implant-assisted fixed bridges and implant-assisted overdentures. Both of these options require posts to be surgically placed into the jawbone.
Implant-assisted fixed bridges use strategically placed posts to support complete lower and upper jaw prosthetic teeth.
Implant overdentures usually require fewer posts than fixed bridges. The prosthetic includes acrylic tissue below the teeth, giving them a natural look and comfortable feel.
How should I expect my dentures to fit?
This depends on which of the above options you have selected. Also, we encourage our patients to communicate any discomfort they feel while wearing their dentures.
Recognize that after tooth extraction, your jaw and gums heal and change; therefore, how your dentures fit will need to be adjusted.
Does the fit change over time?
Periodic checking of all the above denture products is necessary. The jaw and mouth change with time and use, so attending all regular checkups and calling your dentist if you’re experiencing discomfort or pain is essential.
What can I do to improve the fit?
The best thing you can do is to follow your doctor’s instructions and communicate clearly. From the doctor’s perspective, things can look perfect, but if you’re experiencing discomfort, you must let them know as soon as possible.
How can you give customized looks to the teeth? Can you blend molds for me?
Each of the teeth replacement solutions above offers many options for both aesthetics and comfort. Discuss these with your doctor.
How can I minimize bone loss?
This is something that your doctor will discuss with you. It’s important to understand that once a tooth, a single tooth, or all teeth are removed, the bone will begin to shrink. Your doctor will assess your bone structure and advise on the best treatment to retain as much healthy tissue as possible.
How long is the process from the initial appointment through when the work is completed?
This depends on your current oral health and circumstances, the solution you and your doctor choose, and your body’s healing time. Following your doctor’s instructions will help you heal smoothly and quickly.