Too often dental care is put off until there is literally no other affordable alternative than dentures. However, dentures are not the solution for crooked teeth or severe non-repairable cavities. On the contrary, patients should know there is no substitute for good preventive dental care, because, as soon as the natural teeth are removed, the face will rapidly begin to age due to change in the bone structure over time.
“Dentures” is a process. Several appointments are necessary after teeth extraction to have impressions made, any excess gum tissue removed, the wax try-in dentures fitted and adjusted if necessary, and finally, the actual insertion when the patient walks out of the office with new dentures and a bright smile.
Denture Types
Dentures, or dental prosthesis, may be fixed or removable, full, partial, or implant. There are several types of dentures to suit the patient’s need:
• Immediate dentures are made ahead of time and placed as soon as the teeth are removed. Often the teeth are extracted and the denture fitted at the same appointment. The wearer will not be without teeth. Immediate dentures often become permanent dentures.
• Convectional dentures are placed as long as 8 - 12 weeks after teeth have been removed.
• Standard / Overdentures (false teeth) are removable tooth replacements inserted over existing teeth, or what remains. Essentially these replace where natural teeth were with false teeth. Not everyone can successfully wear them. And healthy teeth that remain can eventually stabilize and undermine the full denture as a result. Overdentures are commonly used in conjunction with root canal procedures.
• Partial, or transitional, dentures are more comfortable and stable than a full denture. They may not be suitable for those with many stable and evenly-spaced natural teeth, however. Partial dentures are intended to fill gaps left by missing teeth, stabilize remaining loose teeth, and help prevent the remaining natural teeth from moving / changing position.
• Mini implants are standard care for lower dentures. There is no 3 to 6 month waiting period like there is for standard implants. Lower jaw mini implants may be placed without any gum incision and old lower dentures can be retrofitted directly over the new implant so the denture may be used immediately. In fact, the entire procedure is estimated to take little more than one hour to complete.
Denture Care
Dentures must be periodically checked, relined, or replaced to provide continued comfort, wear, and attractive smile. An annual exam is necessary to ensure the denture teeth are wearing evenly. Dentures worn too long can begin to change the facial muscles and appearance as well as how the patient manipulates their jaws. The bite may need to be adjusted to maintain equal contact and to avoid sores. If the teeth are looking or feeling worn, it may be time to get a new set made. Typically, dentures are replaced entirely every 4 to 8 years.
Patients also need screened for oral cancer. This is particularly important for older patients and those that frequently use tobacco or alcohol.
When not wearing the dentures, they should always be kept in cool, never hot, water or denture solution. They can warp if they dry out. Brush the dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Greg Sharman is your Dental Prosthetist specialist in Frankston offering, among other products and services,
• Complete and Partial Dentures,
• Implant Retained Dentures,
• Denture Relines and Remodels,
• Denture Repairs while you wait, and
• Adjustments and Cleaning.
• Custom Fitted Sports Mouthguards
We are located at 1b Wells Street in Frankston. For more information on products and services and to schedule an appointment, visit us at http://www.denturesfrankston.com.au.
“Dentures” is a process. Several appointments are necessary after teeth extraction to have impressions made, any excess gum tissue removed, the wax try-in dentures fitted and adjusted if necessary, and finally, the actual insertion when the patient walks out of the office with new dentures and a bright smile.
Denture Types
Dentures, or dental prosthesis, may be fixed or removable, full, partial, or implant. There are several types of dentures to suit the patient’s need:
• Immediate dentures are made ahead of time and placed as soon as the teeth are removed. Often the teeth are extracted and the denture fitted at the same appointment. The wearer will not be without teeth. Immediate dentures often become permanent dentures.
• Convectional dentures are placed as long as 8 - 12 weeks after teeth have been removed.
• Standard / Overdentures (false teeth) are removable tooth replacements inserted over existing teeth, or what remains. Essentially these replace where natural teeth were with false teeth. Not everyone can successfully wear them. And healthy teeth that remain can eventually stabilize and undermine the full denture as a result. Overdentures are commonly used in conjunction with root canal procedures.
• Partial, or transitional, dentures are more comfortable and stable than a full denture. They may not be suitable for those with many stable and evenly-spaced natural teeth, however. Partial dentures are intended to fill gaps left by missing teeth, stabilize remaining loose teeth, and help prevent the remaining natural teeth from moving / changing position.
• Mini implants are standard care for lower dentures. There is no 3 to 6 month waiting period like there is for standard implants. Lower jaw mini implants may be placed without any gum incision and old lower dentures can be retrofitted directly over the new implant so the denture may be used immediately. In fact, the entire procedure is estimated to take little more than one hour to complete.
Denture Care
Dentures must be periodically checked, relined, or replaced to provide continued comfort, wear, and attractive smile. An annual exam is necessary to ensure the denture teeth are wearing evenly. Dentures worn too long can begin to change the facial muscles and appearance as well as how the patient manipulates their jaws. The bite may need to be adjusted to maintain equal contact and to avoid sores. If the teeth are looking or feeling worn, it may be time to get a new set made. Typically, dentures are replaced entirely every 4 to 8 years.
Patients also need screened for oral cancer. This is particularly important for older patients and those that frequently use tobacco or alcohol.
When not wearing the dentures, they should always be kept in cool, never hot, water or denture solution. They can warp if they dry out. Brush the dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Greg Sharman is your Dental Prosthetist specialist in Frankston offering, among other products and services,
• Complete and Partial Dentures,
• Implant Retained Dentures,
• Denture Relines and Remodels,
• Denture Repairs while you wait, and
• Adjustments and Cleaning.
• Custom Fitted Sports Mouthguards
We are located at 1b Wells Street in Frankston. For more information on products and services and to schedule an appointment, visit us at http://www.denturesfrankston.com.au.
