Dentures
Dentures have been around for a long time to replace missing teeth.
Put aside your memories of Grandad’s false teeth, denture technology has come a long way, and modern dentures not only look better, but they are superior in comfort and stability, while offering an improved ability to chew efficiently. When properly made, they can also provide support for the lips and cheeks.
Dentures: An Affordable and Effective Solution for Missing Teeth
Dentures offer a cost-effective alternative for replacing lost teeth, especially when compared to dental implants. They not only help restore a more youthful appearance, but also improve your smile and your confidence. Most importantly, dentures enable you to regain the ability to eat comfortably.
Dentures: An Affordable and Effective Solution for Missing Teeth
Dentures offer a cost-effective alternative for replacing lost teeth, especially when compared to dental implants. They not only help restore a more youthful appearance, but also improve your smile and your confidence. Most importantly, dentures enable you to regain the ability to eat comfortably.
Why Consider Dentures?
Losing teeth can affect more than just your appearance. It can also impact your ability to eat, speak, and smile naturally. Furthermore, missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, cause remaining teeth to shift, and alter the shape of your face. Perhaps most importantly, missing teeth can hide the beauty of your smile, making it harder to laugh and speak freely.
Dentures are custom-made to restore both the look and function of your smile, and they are easy to care for. Modern dentures are more natural-looking, comfortable, and durable than ever before, lasting for many years with proper maintenance. If you’re missing one or more teeth, dentures could be a long-term solution worth considering, alongside alternatives like dental implants or bridges.
Types of Dentures:
1. Full Dentures
Full dentures are removable appliances designed to replace all missing teeth. Full dentures are often necessary when all teeth are lost and can help restore facial appearance, boosting confidence in your ability to eat, speak, and smile again. While some people may only need upper dentures (for the top teeth), many patients opt for complete dentures to replace both their upper and lower teeth. To make a new set of dentures, it needs 4-5 appointments over the period of 8-12 weeks.
Dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth. However, as with a new pair of shoes, even the best made dentures can still feel a little irritating at first as you adjust to how they fit and feel within your mouth. You may need to return to your dentist for minor adjustments to the denture until it can be worn comfortably. With good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and cleansings, they should last several years.
Over time, dentures will begin to wear down. When this happens, they will need to either be replaced or relined to ensure that the jaw maintains normal alignment. Due to the extraction of teeth, the jaw alignment will gradually change as the gum ridges and bone shrinks and recedes. It’s important for patients to have regular dentist examinations to ensure that the oral tissues are free from unhealthy changes or disease.
1. Full Dentures
Full dentures are removable appliances designed to replace all missing teeth. Full dentures are often necessary when all teeth are lost and can help restore facial appearance, boosting confidence in your ability to eat, speak, and smile again. While some people may only need upper dentures (for the top teeth), many patients opt for complete dentures to replace both their upper and lower teeth. To make a new set of dentures, it needs 4-5 appointments over the period of 8-12 weeks.
Dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth. However, as with a new pair of shoes, even the best made dentures can still feel a little irritating at first as you adjust to how they fit and feel within your mouth. You may need to return to your dentist for minor adjustments to the denture until it can be worn comfortably. With good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and cleansings, they should last several years.
Over time, dentures will begin to wear down. When this happens, they will need to either be replaced or relined to ensure that the jaw maintains normal alignment. Due to the extraction of teeth, the jaw alignment will gradually change as the gum ridges and bone shrinks and recedes. It’s important for patients to have regular dentist examinations to ensure that the oral tissues are free from unhealthy changes or disease.
2. Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace missing teeth by anchoring around one or more existing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures are a great option for filling the gaps in your smile when some teeth are still healthy and intact. Though missing back teeth might not always be obvious, a partial denture can restore proper chewing function, which aids in digestion. We offer various types of partial dentures, including acrylic, flexible, and metal-framed options.
- Acrylic Dentures: Acrylic dentures are the most affordable and traditional option. Made from rigid acrylic, they can be used for both full and partial dentures. They can take some time to get used to and may have wires to support the dentures. Though they may require some adjustment, they are a reliable choice for many patients.
- Flexible Dentures (Valplast): Flexible dentures are a comfortable and discreet option for partial dentures. Unlike acrylic dentures, they don’t use metal wires for support, making them lighter and more flexible. They bend and absorb the forces in your mouth, which helps make them easier to wear. This flexible denture material is not suitable for full dentures.
- Metal Partial Dentures: Metal partial dentures offer enhanced durability thanks to a strong metal framework. The metal is often invisible when you smile, and its thin design makes these dentures more comfortable and stable. Metal partial dentures are an excellent option for those seeking a long-lasting solution.
3. Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are designed to be placed right after natural teeth are extracted. For those who prefer not to be without teeth, immediate dentures are typically the best option, as they allow you to start smiling again right away. Your dentist will ensure that the fit of your dentures is optimal from the start, though some adjustment may be needed later. Once your gums started to heal, dentures will start to become loose and need reline to make them fit to changed gums.
First reline is called Soft reline and done in 3 months’ time or earlier. It is done in one visit by your dentist which improves the fitting of the dentures. It is a temporary solution to make your denture comfortable while you are waiting to get hard reline.
Second reline is called Hard reline which is done after 6 months. It is done in two visits and we need to send your dentures away to lab for 3 weeks. If you do not want to be without teeth for 3 weeks, we can make new dentures for you instead of getting hard reline of old dentures but it will additional cost for new dentures.
Sometimes, after the healing process, significant changes in the shape of the gums may occur, necessitating the fabrication of new dentures to achieve an optimal and improved smile. Therefore, Not everyone is suitable for immediate dentures, so it’s important to discuss your individual needs with your dentist.
3. Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are designed to be placed right after natural teeth are extracted. For those who prefer not to be without teeth, immediate dentures are typically the best option, as they allow you to start smiling again right away. Your dentist will ensure that the fit of your dentures is optimal from the start, though some adjustment may be needed later. Once your gums started to heal, dentures will start to become loose and need reline to make them fit to changed gums.
First reline is called Soft reline and done in 3 months’ time or earlier. It is done in one visit by your dentist which improves the fitting of the dentures. It is a temporary solution to make your denture comfortable while you are waiting to get hard reline.
Second reline is called Hard reline which is done after 6 months. It is done in two visits and we need to send your dentures away to lab for 3 weeks. If you do not want to be without teeth for 3 weeks, we can make new dentures for you instead of getting hard reline of old dentures but it will additional cost for new dentures.
Sometimes, after the healing process, significant changes in the shape of the gums may occur, necessitating the fabrication of new dentures to achieve an optimal and improved smile. Therefore, Not everyone is suitable for immediate dentures, so it’s important to discuss your individual needs with your dentist.
4. Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures are a modern and innovative option for securing both upper and lower dentures. Unlike a regular denture, which rests on your gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored in your mouth by dental implants. Most often, this form of denture is placed in the lower jaw because dentures tend to be less stable in the lower jaw. However, implant-supported dentures can be placed in the upper jaw as well.
In this type of denture, your implant-supported denture snaps into place on the implants surgically placed in your jaw. This prevents the denture from slipping or coming loose in the mouth. It also removes the need for denture paste or adhesives. The implant-supported denture can be removed at night for cleaning or, if you have a fixed implant-supported denture placed, your dentures will act as permanent teeth. Your dentist will discuss various options and help you determine the best approach for your needs.
Types of Implant-Supported Dentures
There are two types of implant-supported dentures: Bar-retained dentures and Ball-retained dentures. Both types of dentures require two or more dental implants to be placed; both will provide you with a beautiful, natural smile.
Benefits of Implant-Retained Dentures
For full dentures, implant retention mimics the functionality of natural teeth by anchoring the dentures to your jawbone with implants. Using strategically placed dental implants, your dentures are securely attached, providing a precise and comfortable fit. In addition to improved function, implant-retained dentures offer a more natural-looking smile. Here are some key advantages:
- Secure and Reliable: With dental implants, there’s no need for messy adhesives or worrying about dentures slipping.
- Improved Eating: Implants restore your ability to chew efficiently, just like with natural teeth, so you can enjoy your favorite foods without discomfort. Additionally, implants allow for the palate of your upper denture to be removed, giving you back your sense of taste.
- Better Speech: Ill-fitting dentures can slip, causing mumbling or clicking sounds while speaking. Implant-supported dentures stay securely in place, allowing for clear speech without discomfort.
- No More Food Traps: With implants, you won’t have to worry about food getting stuck under your dentures.
Benefits of Implant-Retained Dentures
For full dentures, implant retention mimics the functionality of natural teeth by anchoring the dentures to your jawbone with implants. Using strategically placed dental implants, your dentures are securely attached, providing a precise and comfortable fit. In addition to improved function, implant-retained dentures offer a more natural-looking smile. Here are some key advantages:
- Secure and Reliable: With dental implants, there’s no need for messy adhesives or worrying about dentures slipping.
- Improved Eating: Implants restore your ability to chew efficiently, just like with natural teeth, so you can enjoy your favorite foods without discomfort. Additionally, implants allow for the palate of your upper denture to be removed, giving you back your sense of taste.
- Better Speech: Ill-fitting dentures can slip, causing mumbling or clicking sounds while speaking. Implant-supported dentures stay securely in place, allowing for clear speech without discomfort.
- No More Food Traps: With implants, you won’t have to worry about food getting stuck under your dentures.
Choosing Between Implant-Retained Dentures and Traditional Dentures
Why Tooth Care Pukekohe?
We proudly offer state-of-the-art equipment, including a CBCT scan (3D scan) for detailed imaging, Primescan for accurate impressions, and CEREC for restorations. This means we can provide you with the best care in a comfortable and efficient manner, so you can spend less time in the chair and more time enjoying life.