Dentures, an option to replace missing tooth
What are the consequences of not replacing the missing tooth/teeth in the mouth?
- If front teeth (often known as anterior teeth) are missing, it hampers the aesthetics and decreases the confidence to smile openly.
- If back teeth (often known as posterior teeth) are missing, it decreases the chewing capacity leading to less food intake. It is said that when the first molars (another name for back teeth primarily used for chewing) are missing, 60% of the chewing capacity is reduced.
- If the missing teeth are not replaced then the adjacent teeth can tilt, closing the gap, which will hinder the bite. Also cleaning of that area will be extremely difficult, leading to gum problems or decays in the surround teeth.
Options for replacing the missing teeth:
- Fixed options: Bridge and Implants.
- Removable options: Acrylic Denture, Cobalt/Chromium Denture and Flexidenture.
Lets discuss about removable options in this article.
Dentures are the appliances that are custom made to replace a person’s missing teeth and restore the appearance and oral functions that were lost. Full Dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while Partial Dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. Only if a upper or lower denture is made than it is known as Full Denture – 1 arch. And if both upper and lower are made then it is known as Full Denture – 2 arch.
Acrylic Dentures are made of acrylic material. These can be used for replacement of one or all missing teeth. These serve as a good option for immediate denture as well. When teeth are extracted and dentures are provided in the same appointment then they are known as immediate dentures. Once the bone healing takes place, the shape of the gums changes making the immediate denture non-fitting in 3 to 6 months. Thus there is a need for another denture or reline/rebasing the current denture. It involves addition of the acrylic material on the base of the denture to make it fitting again.
Dentures that have metal i.e. cobalt/chromium and acrylic together are known as Cobalt/Chromium Dentures. Acrylic material is in the aesthetic zone and the metal is in the area which is not seen when you smile. The metal can be moulded into a very thin sheet which makes it comfortable to wear and are lightweight. Some people prefer this type of denture due to the fact that the heat from the food is better felt. In this denture, little clasps or tiny extensions can be added to increase the strength and durability of the denture.
Flexidenture are made from flexible acrylic material, are totally pink (ofcourse, not teeth) in colour and generally don’t break when fallen. The name flexidenture is because it is comparably more flexible than the other dentures. Unlink the cobalt/chromium denture, flexidenture have invisible clasps that surrounds the natural teeth. They are mostly used to replace upto 4 teeth in a row. Flexidenture tend to fit the contour of the gums better. Thus making it more comfortable and reducing possible injury to the gums.
How to take care of the Dentures?
It is very important to remove the dentures at night.So that it can help the mouth to relax as well prevent any injury if the denture breaks in the mouth while sleeping.
- Always brush the denture after every meal whenever possible in order to prevent the food from sticking and causing it to degrade.
- Use a soft toothbrush or a denture brush with soapy water to clean all the parts of the denture thoroughly in a basin or over a bowl of water to avoid breakage.
- Do not use toothpaste ever to clean the denture teeth as it is very abrasive to the acrylic teeth.
- Make sure to brush the remaining natural teeth with flouridated toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Always keep the denture in the denture box in order to prevent any breakage.
- Always keep the denture hydrated by storing it with water in the denture box.
- If the dentures are loose, denture adhesives such as Fixodent® can be used to keep it in place.
- It is recommended to soak the denture in denture cleanser such as Steradent®.
Every person has a different needs or requirements, so in order to find out the most suitable option for your self please Book an Appointment with one of our Dentists.
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