Synonym

Dentures are sometimes known as false teeth.

Definition

They are artificially manufactured teeth that are custom made to fit almost any patient’s mouth. The first stage of the denture procedure being the cast, can be produced very.

Modeling and making the denture

Dentures can be made even whilst teeth are still present in the mouth.

How long does it take

In streamlining the denture process, the denture can be prefabricated and fitted on the same day immediately after your teeth are extracted. As it is obviously not convenient for patients to go any length of time teeth without teeth, the rapid placement of the denture post the extraction of the teeth is call an “immediate denture”.

Problems with quick fitting

The placement of the denture immediately after extraction can usually give minor discomfort, as the jaw bone is not fully healed at the time the denture is fitted.

Long Term

Therefore, within one year after the procedure, the bone and gum will shrink and the denture will become progressively loose and may need to be relined. The key to a comfortable denture is a firm and formed fit.

Denture types

Consultation with Dr Andrew Sih of Bondi Dental can help in the selection of the most appropriate denture for your particular dental needs. Several denture types may be included for consideration, these being:

Partial dentures: This is a denture type that is clasped into position as to fill only a small selection of missing teeth. Usually a partial denture would be secured to the existing teeth.

Full dentures: A full denture is made when all of the teeth on the jaw plane are missing or require replacements. Based on horizontal platform dentures have been used to replace both top and bottom rows of teeth or in more severe cases both upper and lower rows.

Immediate dentures: As touched on above in “what are dentures” an immediate denture is effectively an immediate solution for cases where teeth have been extracted in the same session.

Over denture: An over denture can cover both dental implants and existing teeth. Preservation of the natural teeth that lay under the denture may be conducted via root canal therapy. Post therapy the teeth involved might be specially connected to the over denture via attachments.

How are dentures made?

The materials used in the making of dentures can vary between acrylic and metal such as chrome. Dr Andrew Sih will assist in advising the best material for each patient’s specific circumstances.

Forming the denture impression

The first stage in making a denture is to take impressions of your mouths gum form. A rubber tray is inserted into the mouth and upon its extraction a cast of the portion of mouth interior needed is formed. In Bondi Dental’s Sydney laboratory Dr . Andrew Sih then takes the new impression mould enabling him to manufacture the next stage of the denture.

Denture evaluation of bite, Shade and translucency selection

Wax rims are now inserted into the mouth. Dr Sih will ask you to bite down. The wax remainder allows for an evaluation of the current bite structure and allowance for the yet to be formed bite that will come with the denture. With all the “moulds” required the denture is now populated with teeth produced in the laboratory. Just as with dental implants the new teeth are to be formed with an artisan approach. Factors such as shade, shape and translucency play vital roles.

Fitting new dentures

The first fitting

An initial “test run” wax denture is made using the artificial teeth that will be used in the final denture. Wax is used for the initial and temporary fitting as it is quite malleable and easy to modify in the interest of comfort and formed fit. Any changes that are required will be made by the dentist and upon a second consultation the final denture will be ready for final fitting.

Final fitting

Generally speaking from this point on the denture fit should be complete. Some small modification may still be required by these can be completed whilst the patient is still present. Keep in mind that dentures will usually take some getting used to. Temporarily patients may experience sore gums, an extra weight in the mouth, gagging, saliva build up and an alteration of speech. Although rare and mostly on temporary these concern should be addressed with Dr Andrew Sih as solutions can be sought.

Caring for your dentures

Avoid breakage

Modern dentures are much stronger than those of the past however it is still possible for them to break. When preparing to clean your dentures always work over a soft surface to avoid the case of the denture breaking if dropped. A bowl or sink of water would be a viable solution.

Cleaning

Denture cleaning agents are available to provide the highest level of care however warm water and toothpaste could also be used. Take the cleaning agent and gently but firmly brush the denture with a tooth brush.

Remember that you will also need to care for the gum under the denture. This cleaning is quite simple and can be done with warm water and a cloth.

Cleaning of the denture should be performed at a frequency quite the same as the brushing of normal teeth. At least twice a day and after each meal is appropriate.

People with partial dentures should take extra care in cleaning their dentures as they risk losing more teeth if dentures and remaining teeth are not properly cleaned.

Do not use cleaning agents or brushes that are too abrasive, as they could scratch your denture and effect the finely crafted translucency and lustre of the artificial teeth.

Do not use hot or boiling water, as the dentures will warp.

Do dentures need to be replaced?

As patients get older the dentures Bondi Dental have made will not change, however a patient’s bone and mouth structure in the gum ridges might. Over long periods of time minor refitting may be required to maximize comfort and fit. Poor fitted dentures have also been known to change the aesthetic of people mouths and general aesthetic.

If such refitting is required never try to fix the problem yourself. Dentist use products and materials only available to dentists and as such over the counter consumables will not suffice as suitable solution.

If you require any services on dentures or denture repairs, call us now at (02) 9365 3988