Top 3 things you need to know about dentures

Dentures are artificial devices designed to look and function as if they are real gums and teeth. They are built for the following purpose:

• Replace rotten, infected, diseased, broken, damaged teeth
• Retain the mouth’s structure by supporting the area around the lips and cheeks
• Allow patients with absent teeth to regain the functionality to chew food and receive nourishment
• Improve one’s smile by replacing or filling gaps caused by missing teeth

Dentists are responsible for customizing dentures that will fit a patient’s mouth. Dentures are made to match the size, color, proportion, and appearance of a patient’s existing teeth.

What are dentures made out of?

Dentures used in the past were created from plastic or porcelain. Currently, most modern dentures are made from hard resin. Compared to real teeth, the materials that make up dentures are considered to be too fragile that they could crack or chip if not properly cared for. As a result, dentures may need to be replaced approximately every 5 years. The artificial gum line found on dentures is made from flexible polymer that snugly suits the natural gum line of the mouth.

How are dentures made?

The initial stages on making dentures require dentists to take impressions of the patient’s mouth.

Based on this impression, the dentist makes a plaster model. This model is then put on an articulator – a mechanical device that simulates the movements of the jaw joints. The dental technician attaches a patient’s chosen teeth with wax to the articulator.

The wax is then molded and carved according to the appearance of the patient’s gums. The dentures are then put in a flask where further plaster will be poured in - the goal of which is to retain the dentures’ shape. The flask is later put in boiling water to remove any melted wax.

Excess wax is rinsed off while the dental technician brushes a liquid separator on the plaster to avoid the acrylic from sticking on to it. Later on, the flask is injected with acrylic in order to cure and replace the wax.

Plaster mold is removed by the technician using laboratory tools. The dentures are immersed in an ultrasonic bath to further remove plaster remnants.

The trimming process is done to remove additional acrylic, while polishing is done using pumice.

Once done, the dentures are ready to be given to the dentist for the patient’s initial fitting.

What are the basic types of dentures?

There are many types of dentures. The following are basic dentures and their usage. Choose those which suit your needs, budget, and dental requirements.

• Permanent or full dentures are made within three to six weeks. They are designed to replace the patient’s entire set of teeth. They are placed atop gums and give the impression of real teeth. Its purpose is mainly functional as it aids in speaking and food chewing.
• Partial dentures are preferred to other methods of tooth replacement. These are used when real teeth lack the strength to support nearby dental bridge structures. Partial dentures are also used in the absence of a tooth or two.
• Immediate dentures are usually placed on the day of a teeth’s removal or extraction. They are made prior to the removal of the real teeth they are set to replace. They are immediately worn after the tooth or teeth has been extracted and continue to be worn throughout the six-month healing process. The use of these dentures are halted upon completion of the healing process, and when the patient is prepared to wear permanent dentures.

Conclusion

When using dentures for the first time, expect to experience a few adjustments because the muscles of your tongue and cheeks are still trying to get used to the new “teeth”. To facilitate the adjustment process, do use a dental adhesive to allow your dentures to naturally fit your mouth.

It may also be normal to find yourself having more mouth saliva, as well as experience minor mouth irritation or soreness, Try not to worry as these issues naturally resolve themselves through time. However, if major issues persist and no improvements are seen, you might need to refer your problems to your dentist so you can have your dentures appropriately adjusted.