Are you considering dentures? Continue reading to learn how this device can benefit you today.
Dentures are prosthetic teeth that are designed to replace missing or diseased teeth. They are custom made to fit securely in the mouth cavity and are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues.
Why Do We Need Dentures?
Dentures are worn by patients who have lost their teeth or have decayed teeth as a result of gum disease or Dentinogenesis Imperfecta. Your Edmonton dentist will advise you to receive dentures if the above applies. Dentures are a last resort option and are worn by patients who have attempted other treatments that were unsuccessful, such as dental cleanings, medication, and gum flap surgery.
Your teeth function to mechanically break down the foods that you consume. Not only that, natural or artificial teeth support your lips and cheeks for a more “youthful appearance”. Your teeth are vital to your body, without them you cannot chew and your facial appearance will be greatly compromised.
What Are The Different Types of Dentures Available?
Your dental clinic in Edmonton can provide you with two different types of dentures; these include partial dentures or complete dentures. The type of dentures you wear will be dependent on your specific needs.
Partial Dentures
You will wear partial dentures if you are missing only some of your teeth. Partial dentures can be removable or fixed, and you will be asked to choose between the two options. If you are missing only one or two teeth, your Edmonton dentist will likely suggest a fixed partial denture in the form of a crown and bridge arrangement.
Removable dentures are similar; however, they do not have the crowns and are held in place by clips instead. This type of denture offers less stability than fixed partial dentures and is generally less expensive.
Complete Dentures
Your Edmonton dentist will recommend complete dentures if your entire set of teeth on the lower or upper jaw must be replaced. There are 4 different types of complete dentures, these include, immediate dentures, implant retained dentures, and Cu-Sil dentures.
Standard Dentures
This is used when your entire set of teeth are missing. For maximum stability and retention, the back of the denture ends behind the hard bone in the roof of your mouth.
Immediate Dentures
These are also referred to as temporary dentures; they are prefabricated and are worn immediately after a tooth extraction procedure is performed by your Edmonton dentist.
Cu-Sil Dentures
This type of denture stabilizes loose teeth and extends the lifetime of them. Cu-Sil dentures have holes that are surrounded by a gasket of silicone rubber that clings to your natural teeth allowing the rest of the dentures to rest on your gums.
Implant Supported Dentures
This type of denture is supported by and is attached to dental implants. When you chew with this type of denture, the pressure is placed onto the implants, preventing the bone from eroding.
Plastic or Porcelain Dentures
Dentures can be made from plastic or porcelain, however, your Edmonton dentist will usually advise you to choose plastic teeth instead of porcelain as they are more durable.
What Problems Are Associated with Complete Dentures?
Every patient adjusts to dentures differently; however, when you first begin wearing them your mouth will produce excess saliva. Additionally, your new dentures may rub or scrape against the inside of your cheeks. Your Edmonton dentist can correct this issue by making minor adjustments to the dentures.
What are Important Factors to Consider?
The three factors you must consider when wearing dentures is the support, stability, and retention of them. During your consultation at a dental clinic in Edmonton, discuss these factors with your dentist first, to make sure you will be satisfied with your new device.
Replacing Your Set of Dentures
“When and how do I replace my dentures? Should I visit a dental clinic near me?” These are common questions patients have. The truth is, your dentures won’t last for the rest of your life and you should receive a new set every 5 to 7 years. Over time, the bone that supports the dentures will erode causing irreversible changes to the shape of your face. Visit your Edmonton dentist every 6 months or sooner, to ensure your dentures are fitting and functioning properly.
