| Complete Dentures
Dentures have been used to replace teeth since the days of the building of the Pyramids. They are used to replace lost teeth, restoring the looks and eating function of the individual. Nowadays it is possible to get a very good cosmetic result so that other people will not realize that you are wearing false teeth. After the initial "bedding down", dentures will be comfortable to wear and many people forget they are wearing them. |
Video Clip
|
 |
Well made dentures will make you look good, allow you to eat almost all foods without embarrassment and also restore the facial contour around the mouth. Dentures last for many years, but they and the mouth should be checked once a year. Dentures will need to be replaced after about 5 years. |
|
How many visits will it take?
Both acrylic and metal-based dentures will take a number of visits.
Impression stage Initially you will have a series of impressions taken and these are then made into plaster models of the mouth at the laboratory.
Bite stage The technician then makes a wax pattern to allow us to register the way the teeth come together or bite.
|
 |
Try in stage Once this is completed the teeth are added to the wax. In the case of a metal-based denture the metal base is cast and tried in the mouth to check the fit. The teeth and wax are then added. This is where you have an opportunity to look at the teeth and how they are placed. When you are happy with the result the denture can be processed into acrylic by the laboratory.
Fit stage Once you are sure you are happy with the result the denture is finished by the laboratory and will be fitted. You may need to return after a week or so for any minor adjustments to be made. If this is the case return to see us as soon as possible making sure that you wear the denture for about two hours before the appointment. This allows us to see exactly where the denture may be rubbing.
How do I care for my new denture?
Dentures need to be cleaned every day and this can be done either by brushing them with a denture brush and a denture cleaning paste or by soaking them overnight in a denture bath. When brushing the denture you should hold it over a basin filled with water so that it will not be damaged if you drop it. If you have a metal based denture check before using a denture cleaner to ensure that it is suitable, as some are not appropriate for this purpose.
|
Exam and Cleaning
Denture patients should return once a year for examination of their mouth and a professional denture cleaning. If you have remaining teeth, you may be required to return for continuing care more often. When you return for a normal check up our staff will be able to clean your dentures in an ultrasonic bath and polish them. If the denture breaks bring it in to our center immediately and a repair will usually be made on the same day. Do keep the denture in water when it is not being used and never let it dry out completely as this will make it warp. If you get a sore spot you can use a soothing gel but you should return to the dentist if this persists. The staff in the practice or pharmacy will be able to help you find the right product. |
|
Denture Fixatives
Some people find that a denture fixative can help in the first few days of wearing a new denture. This is especially so with complete dentures. However most dentures will stay in place once you have got used to them and learnt to control them with your tongue and the muscles around your mouth. Even though a great deal of care is put into making dentures for many people, the extra security of a denture fixative gives confidence. There is no reason why you can't use a fixative on a daily basis if you are worried about your denture falling down in public. People who have lost all their teeth more than 10 years previously will have reduced amounts of jawbone to help hold the denture in place. A denture fixative may be the only way to prevent the denture dropping when talking and eating in this case. Alternatively you may wish to consider dental implants - feel free to ask us regarding implant options. |
