Summary
Are you struggling with a missing tooth and looking for alternatives to replace it at the earliest?
Look no further; you’ve landed on the right blog!
Dentures are an excellent option for individuals missing one or more teeth. These prosthetics last longer than average appliances and are a great option for individuals looking for a permanent replacement for their teeth.
Interestingly, it’s more common than you may think. Nearly 40.99 million Americans have chosen dentures to renew their smile and oral health.
Therefore, in this blog, we take a closer look at dentures via topics like:
- What are Dentures – An Overview
- Types of Dentures You Need to Know About!
- The Denture Process – What Goes On Behind the Scenes
- Caring for Your Dentures
So continue reading as we learn more about the appliance in the following sections.
What are Dentures – An Overview
Dentures are dental prosthetics designed to replace lost teeth. They are your best bet if you need to replace one or a few missing teeth. They are of two types: complete or partial.
These appliances are composed of a gum-colored acrylic foundation that fits over the gums and supports prosthetic teeth made of resin material or porcelain. The base is custom-made to fit your mouth, providing maximum comfort and functionality.
However, getting dentures isn’t a one-step process! Multiple stages are involved in achieving a correct fit with dentures. The steps generally include mouth impressions and bite registration.
It goes without saying that you cannot implant dentures on your own! You must consult with your nearest dentist in Farmington to get access to the treatment. They will consider factors such as your face’s size and shape when designing natural-looking dentures that improve your appearance.
Types of Dentures You Need to Know About!
Complete or Full Dentures
Complete dentures are a full set of artificial teeth that replace all lost teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They offer a practical and aesthetically pleasing option for those who have lost all of their teeth, restoring their ability to talk and eat properly while improving their smile.
The Process in Details
Complete dentures are obtained by taking impressions of the mouth, establishing a bite registry, and fitting the dentures. In some circumstances, axial and tilted implants may provide further support.
However, complete dentures may not be an ideal choice for everyone. They might be unpleasant and require regular adjustments. These appliances can also create discomfort and painful places in the mouth and should be changed regularly.
Partial Dentures
Dentists will suggest partial dentures in Farmington, NM if you want to restore your smile with a few missing teeth. These dentures have artificial teeth affixed to bases made of gum- or pink-colored plastic. They also prevent your remaining teeth from moving from their original position.
However, based on your oral health, your dentist might also suggest replacing one or more teeth with a fixed bridge. This setting comprises prosthetic teeth attached to crowns which are affixed to the teeth on each side of the gap. In some circumstances, a bone graft may be required to guarantee a solid base for the permanent bridge.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures combine the stability of dental implants with the cost of dentures. This form of denture is more secure and comfortable than standard dentures, making it ideal for people who have lost many teeth.
The dental implant treatment entails:
- Anesthesia
- A temporary repair will be performed on the same day as the surgery.
- Implant placement
- Placement of the final repair when the jaw has completely healed
With the All-on-4 technique, just four implants support a whole arch of teeth, including posterior implants. This minimizes jawbone degradation and fights face resorption, giving the appearance of genuine teeth.
The Denture Process – What Goes On Behind the Scenes
Dentures are made in a series of processes, including taking impressions of the patient’s mouth, documenting their bite, and undergoing fittings to guarantee a pleasant, functional fit.
These stages are critical for creating a denture that looks natural while also providing the patient with the required support and stability. Let’s review these processes in greater detail below.
Stage 1 – Taking Impressions
The first step in getting dentures is taking accurate impressions. Correct impressions of the patient’s mouth ensure they receive dentures that fit them perfectly. In this stage, the dentist creates a mold of the patient’s mouth with putty, which is then transported to a laboratory to be made into dentures.
Stage 2 – Bite Registration
Bite registration is another crucial stage in the denture construction process. This step ensures appropriate alignment and performance of the dentures.
In this stage, your dentist in Farmington, NM, obtains an imprint of the upper and lower teeth in their bite position to produce a model of the patient’s bite. This model is then utilized to fabricate and fit the dentures.
Proper bite registration helps the dentures fit comfortably and guarantees that the patient’s bite is properly aligned. It further improves the dentures’ overall functioning and comfort.
Stage 3 – Analyzing the Fitting
Fittings are essential to the denture construction process! They allow the dentist to make any required alterations to the dentures to guarantee maximum comfort and performance.
During the fitting procedure, the dentist will:
- Take imprints of the patient’s mouth cavity.
- Make modifications to the dentures as necessary.
- Confirm that the dentures fit well and are comfortable for the patient.
Without an adequate fit, the dentures may cause discomfort or even suffering. Therefore, this stage is critical to attaining a satisfactory outcome.
Caring for Your Dentures
After considering the numerous options for dentures, it is essential to understand their proper care and maintenance. Dentures are often made of an acrylic base and teeth, although they may also incorporate chromium.
For proper denture maintenance, use a denture cleaner and brush them daily. Furthermore, dentures should be removed at night and placed in a denture cleaner solution.
Here are five critical tips for adequately caring for dentures:
- Use a denture cleanser and brush daily
- Remove dentures at night and place them in a denture cleanser solution
- Clean and brush dentures to maintain their original shape
- Visit a dental professional regularly to ensure proper fit
- Ensure the neuromuscular control is not affected by the denture
Daily cleaning and brushing of dentures are essential to maintain their original shape and prevent bacteria and plaque buildup. Additionally, proper care of dentures should include regular visits to a dental professional to ensure that the denture fits correctly and that the neuromuscular control is unaffected.
Takeaway
- Dentures are dental prosthetics designed to replace lost teeth.
- Proper bite registration helps the dentures fit comfortably and guarantees that the patient’s bite is aligned correctly.
- Dentists will suggest partial dentures if you want to restore your smile with a few missing teeth.
- Complete dentures are a full set of artificial teeth that replace all lost teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
- Don’t let missing teeth hold back your smile; connect with our experts at Four Corners to get the smile of your dreams today!