A denture is an artificial replacement for missing teeth and their surrounding tissues. There are both complete structures, which are used in the absence of all the patient’s teeth, and partial ones – designed to replace from one to several teeth.
Partial absence of teeth affects up to 75% of the population in various regions of the globe. Complete absence is noted at the age of 50-59 years – in 5.5%, over 60 years – in 25%. One of the main reasons for the formation of these defects is caries and its untimely or poor-quality treatment. Among others, periodontal diseases, accidents, removal according to indications are distinguished.
Before starting prosthetics, the specialist examines the patient’s oral cavity. If necessary, therapy is carried out: treatment of carious cavities, removal of deposits, removal of decayed teeth, depulpation of prosthesis supports.
Then, depending on the type of defect, the orthopedic dentist determines the tactics of prosthetics. Moreover, it should be taken into account that experts do not consider prosthetics to be fully completed rows mandatory.
A correctly made denture restores the aesthetic and functional value of the masticatory apparatus, protects it from further destruction, improves the appearance of the patient, and normalizes speech function.
If you lost some or all of your natural teeth, dentures can replace your missing teeth. Dentures can be made to look like your natural teeth and can make eating and speaking easier. They can also support your cheeks and lips so facial muscles don’t sag.
There are several types of dentures available and different things to consider for each. This brochure covers three denture options.
Conventional complete dentures have replacement teeth fitted into a plastic base. The base is made to closely match the color of your gums. Any natural teeth you may have will need to be removed before your dentures are placed.
Implant-supported complete dentures are attached to dental implants. Implant-supported dentures require that all your natural teeth be removed. If teeth are removed, your mouth will need to heal before this type of denture can be placed, which could take several months. In some cases, your dentist can make an immediate denture (see below) for you to wear during this healing period.
Not everyone should get implants. This type of denture requires surgery, so you must be in good health and have enough bone to support the implants. Ask your dentist if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Immediate dentures may be an option for some people. These dentures are made before the remaining teeth are removed. Once the denture has been made, your dentist removes your teeth, and the immediate denture is placed right away.
Conventional complete dentures
Denture fitted over implants
When you get new dentures, your dentist may tell you to wear them most of the time. Dentures should not be worn 24 hours a day, unless recommended by your dentist during the adjustment period. Your dentist may tell you to take them out when you go to bed and put them back in when you wake up.
Wearing your denture around the clock can cause the tissues in your mouth to become irritated.
Your dentist may tell you to use a denture adhesive as you get used to wearing your denture. But, a denture that fits correctly usually only needs saliva to create a tight seal that holds it in place.
Denture adhesive can help a loose-fitting denture for a short time, but if you need to use adhesive all the time, it may be because your denture doesn’t fit correctly. A denture that does not fit well may cause irritation and can lead to mouth sores and bone loss. If your denture is loose, have your dentist check it. If you are using an adhesive, make sure you follow the instructions for use.
Even if you wear dentures, it’s important to take good care of your mouth.
Brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth twice each day with a soft-bristled brush before you put in your denture. Eating a balanced diet is also important to keep your mouth healthy.
You will still need regular oral exams by your dentist even after you have lost your natural teeth. During a visit, your dentist will look for signs of disease such as fungal infection (also called thrush), oral cancer or cancer of the head and neck. Your dentist will also check to see if your dentures fit well or need adjustments.
Like natural teeth, you must take good care of your denture. Plaque and stains can still form on dentures. Here are some tips on how to care for your denture:
Clean your denture every day. Take it out of your mouth and rinse off food particles. Use a special brush made for cleaning dentures or a toothbrush with soft bristles. Brushes with hard bristles can scratch the surface of the denture. Wet the brush and, if you like, you may use a nonabrasive denture cleanser paste to gently clean all surfaces of the denture. You may also submerge your denture in a solution containing denture cleanser for the recommended time.
Be careful when handling your denture. It is delicate and can break if dropped. When removing, handling or cleaning it, try to stand over a sink covered with a towel or filled with cool water in case it falls. Keep your denture away from children and pets when you are not wearing it.
Your dentist is the only person who should make repairs to your denture. Trying to make your own adjustments can harm your denture and your mouth. Don’t use over-the-counter reline materials or glues on your denture. They may contain harmful chemicals and aren’t a long-term solution for fixing your denture.
The normal lifetime of dentures is about 5 to 10 years, but this can vary widely depending on the patient. Your gumline and dental ridge will continue to change in shape and shrink, even if you wear dentures. Over time, dentures may need relining, rebasing or replacing.
Relining is when your dentist adds new material to the underside of the denture base to fit to your gums.
Rebasing is when a new base is made using your existing denture as a model. The artificial teeth from the old denture are used on the new base.
It’s important to replace worn or ill-fitting dentures before they cause problems. Your mouth changes naturally with age. Your jaws may line up differently as bones and gum ridges recede and shrink. At some point, your dentures might not fit well and may need to be remade. Your dentist will let you know when it’s time to replace your dentures.
For more information about taking care of your mouth and teeth, visit MouthHealthy.org, the ADA’s website just for patients.
Produced in cooperation with the American College of Prosthodontists
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