full

What Are Dentures?

Dentures (also known as false teeth) are removable prosthetics that act as replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are predominantly made of acrylic and fit snugly over the gums or between existing teeth (depending on the type). Dentures are used to deal with any potential problem that may arise because of gaps left by missing teeth. These gaps, if left untreated, can not only cause adjacent teeth to grow into them, but also lead to various eating and speech issues. Dentures may also improve your smile and help you feel more confident about your appearance.

To get dentures, consult a dental doctor near you or visit a dental clinic in Hyderabad.

How Are Dentures Made?

The denture-building process will take several visits to your dentist over a few weeks. After deciding on the best possible treatment option for you, these are the basic steps for the procedure :

Taking impressions of your jaw to measure and understand the specific relation of your jaws and the space between them
Making molds, wax forms, models or plastic patterns of the measurements taken previously; these will be identical to your dentures. The purpose is to try these models and the dentures will be analyzed for fit, color, and shape before casting the final denture.
Casting the final denture and making adjustments if necessary

Who Should Get Dentures?

Dentures are specifically designed to replace missing teeth. People can suffer tooth loss for various reasons, the most prominent one being removal due to dental disease. Other reasons include dental trauma, pregnancy, drug use, developmental defects, and malnutrition. People who have become completely or partially edentulous (missing teeth) should consult a dentist, who then might recommend dentures.

Why Should People Get Dentures?

Complete or partial tooth loss can cause several problems in life and affect regular functioning. Here are some of them :

Shifting Teeth – Your remaining teeth move to fill in the gaps created, which in turn causes other teeth to shift. This leads to crooked teeth and biting difficulties.
Increased Risk of Gum Disease – The absence of teeth leaves the gums exposed, which leads to an increased danger of various gum diseases.
Bone Structure Shrinkage – Missing teeth can cause your jawbone to shrink and impact the shape and structure of your face.
Speech Problems – Teeth also play a role in producing speech and their absence can cause you to slur, whistle or even spit while speaking.

How Many Types of Dentures Are There?

There are mainly 2 types of dentures. Consult your dentist to know the best possible option for you based on your oral health status. The types are :

Complete Dentures – Also called Full Dentures, they are replacements for entire sets of teeth. They are further divided into two subtypes :
- Conventional Dentures – These are made after tooth removal and after the healing process of the gums has started. They are ready for placement 8-12 weeks after removal of teeth.
- Immediate Dentures – These are made in advance and can be placed instantly after tooth removal, but, because gums and bones shrink over time, they have to be adjusted frequently during the healing process.

Partial Dentures – These are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the respective arch. They are also divided into two subtypes :
- Fixed Partial Dentures – Also called Implant-Supported Bridges, they use existing teeth as the main support for the denture. They are not removable.
- Removable Partial Dentures – These consist of removable teeth attached to a plastic, gum-colored base. They can be removed and replaced easily but feel less stable.

What Are the Advantages of Dentures?

Dentures have numerous advantages that can improve your quality of life. Not only do they solve problems caused by missing teeth like speech problems, bone structure change, risk of dental infections, etc, but they also help by eliminating dietary restrictions, making you feel more confident about your smile, and preventing your facial muscles from sagging.

What Are the Possible Risks of Dentures?

You may experience some issues with your dentures, and you must be aware of risks such as:

Pain
A gum abscess (A pus-filled sore)
Swelling
Inflamed/bleeding gums
Bad breath
Infections due to wounds from ill-fitting dentures

Conclusion

Dentures are the common solution to the significant problem of missing teeth. While there are some possible complications, the benefits outweigh the risks. If you feel you need dentures, please consult a dental specialist near you. If you’re unsure about which dentist to contact, Apollo Dental in Hyderabad offers the best standard of dental healthcare.

Request an appointment at Apollo Dental, Hyderabad. Call 18001020288 to book an appointment OR visit

Will I need to replace my dentures?

Your dentures will need to be relined, rebased or remade due to natural wear and tear, age-related physical changes or if they become loose. Complete dentures usually last for about 5-7 years before they need replacing.

How often should I visit a dental clinic after getting dentures?

Your dentist will advise you on how often to visit, but, generally speaking, a visit every 6 months should be the norm.

How do I clean my dentures?

First, you should brush your dentures with toothpaste, then soak them in a denture-cleaning solution, and end by brushing them softly again.