Alternatives to Dentures

Post by: Gerarda on 30 Jan 2020

Today´s blog, is part 5 of a 6-part series.

What are the alternatives to dentures?
One alternative is an implant supported denture which allows you to have a permanently fixed denture. This eliminates one of the concerns most people have about conventional full dentures, that they will lose the denture when eating or while out in public. Prior to the introduction of osseointegrated implants (when the implant has fully healed into the bone) a conventional complete removable denture was the only treatment option available for completely edentulous patients. A denture supported on implants or a bridge are alternatives.

An implant-supported denture uses between 4-6 implants in a jaw. The denture uses the strength of the dental implants to support and retain a full set of false teeth. The denture is fixed permanently in place and the pressure from eating is transmitted to the implants rather than the gums, therefore, you have the safety and security that it will not accidentally come out as your dentist is the only one who can take it out.

Another alternative to a denture is a bridge. A bridge replaces missing teeth by placing two or more specially fitted crowns on either side of the space formed by your missing tooth or teeth. A false tooth or pontic is attached to fill in the space of the missing tooth or teeth. As bridges are cemented in place, they are considered a “fixed or permanent denture.”

What are the benefits of implants?
The obvious benefit of having an implant-supported denture is the security one feels that it will not come out unexpectedly. The denture is anchored firmly in place so is stable in the mouth. There is no discomfort from friction with the gum and they are more hygienic as there is less surface contact with the gums. They also allow you to eat normally and taste your food as there is no acrylic blocking your taste buds.

 

Conventional Full Denture & Immediate Denture

Post by: Gerarda on 12 Nov 2019

Today´s blog, part 2 of a 6-part series.

Conventional Full Denture 
If you are edentulous (completely without teeth) then you would be a candidate for a conventional full denture. Once the teeth have been removed and the gums have healed, typically between 2-4 months, a conventional denture can be made.

Your dentist will begin the process of a conventional denture by taking a series of impressions of the oral tissue that will support the denture. The dental lab will make models of the patient´s mouth based on the impressions. Between the dental lab and the dentist they will slowly build a denture or a set of dentures that will fit your mouth and your mouth only. All of the impressions will go toward building a set of dentures that have a perfect fit. They will be sized to fit the shape of your face and mouth and the color will be in keeping with your complexion and age. A good bite will be established to ensure they are not only esthetically pleasing, but also functional.

This process usually takes about 5 weeks from start to finish and begins after all the healing has taken place and the tissue and bone has been remodeled. Once the patient starts to wear the denture and get used to them, they will most likely notice that further tweaking is needed to make them more comfortable as the gums can be sore in places. That is something that can be done chairside. Remember adjustments to the denture are an important part of the process and it is important to do those adjustments sooner rather than later as otherwise it will continue to irritate the oral tissue.

I can´t be without teeth. What do I do?
While you are waiting for the bone to remodel and gums to heal you would receive an immediate denture so that you have something to wear the same day the teeth are extracted. This type of denture is made before the teeth are extracted and fitted immediately after.

It won´t fit the bone and gum tissue as well as a conventional denture as the tissue is continually healing, therefore, it will require adjustments throughout the healing process.

It is important to remember that an immediate denture is a temporary appliance until the conventional denture can be made. That is made after all the healing and remodeling of the gum and bone has taken place.

When a person is missing teeth, s/he can experience a range of issues from the obvious ones of having difficulty eating and speaking to feelings of insecurity and ill-confidence because the face does not retain its shape. Without the support of teeth the mouth collapses and the lower portion of the face shrinks. A denture suddenly fills out the face as it provides your jaw the height to bring your face back to its normal shape.

Everything is new and can take some time to get used to. If you are new to dentures you may need to learn how to put the denture in and take it out. You may also need to learn how to speak, eat and drink. This too is part of the process.

Having an immediate denture solves two problems;  it helps restore a person’s appearance and gives the patient oral function at the same time. Hence its name, immediate denture.