Advancement in technologies, novel materials used in dentistry and innovative dental techniques have led to the development of modern denture solutions for replacing missing teeth. Teeth can be lost due to tooth decay, gum disease or oral trauma. Modern day dentures are able to replace one or more missing teeth.
Assessment for modern day dentures
After assessment, if dentures are suitable, individuals have choices in the type of denture they may prefer. Using dental impressions and images, dentures are custom-made. Time may be needed for gums to heal from extraction before temporary dentures are provided. The bespoke dentures are then fitted and adjusted, providing fully functional teeth with a natural smile.
Options in modern day dentures
Individuals are offered choices in dentures for partial or full teeth replacement. Partial, immediate and complete dentures may be:
acrylic resin bonded to metal base
plastic
Dentures serve to mimic natural teeth and gums, restoring oral function for eating and speaking, and giving aesthetic appeal to the face and smile. Immediate dentures may need adjustment as the oral contours change. Plastic dentures may be less flexible than acrylic resin dentures with a metal base.
It is natural for gum tissue to change over time and dentures may need adjustment. There is also an initial period of getting used to denture wear. For better retention and stability, some people opt for implant-supported dentures that feel and look just like natural teeth supporting facial structures and expression.
Wear and care of modern day dentures
Dentures are designed for daily wear, approximately eight hours per day. Dentures may be soaked in a cleansing solution or lukewarm water overnight and cleaned with a soft-bristled brush, allowing gums to rest overnight. Following dentist-recommended guidelines for oral hygiene practise, denture care and repair allows patients to get the best out of their dentures for longer-lasting results.
If you are interested in having dentures please contact Clifton Dental Studio in Bristol today for a consultation.
If you’ve recently started wearing dentures, here are five top tips and tricks to ensure a smooth transition and to help you get the most out of your dentures:
Practice reading out loud: it can take a little time to get used to speaking with dentures, so try reading out loud and practising talking during the first few days.
Stick to soft foods at first: at first, it may feel slightly odd when you try and eat with your new dentures, but you will soon get used to them and eating will become second nature. For the first few days, we recommend sticking to soft foods such as yoghurts, scrambled eggs, soup and mashed potato. As you become more comfortable with your denture, you can start introducing slightly harder foods. It’s best to avoid anything sticky, such as chewy sweets, when you have dentures.
Use both sides of your mouth when you eat: avoid eating on one side of your mouth only, as this will create an imbalance. Try to chew using both sides, take small mouthfuls and chew slowly until you have become accustomed to eating with your dentures.
Drink plenty of water: it’s a good idea to drink lots of water when you first get your dentures, particularly at meal times and after eating.
Wear your denture every day: it’s important to wear your denture every day so that you get used to it quicker and to reduce the risk of gum recession and bone loss.
If you have any questions about your new dentures or would like advice, don’t hesitate to call and speak to our dentists or pop in and see us.
Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for many years and we are delighted to offer our patients high quality, functional partial and complete dentures to restore your smile and enable you to enjoy a full range of oral functions. Whether you have a few missing teeth or a full arch of missing teeth, we can tailor your treatment plan to suit your needs and your budget. At Clifton Dental Studio we use the finest quality materials and our modern dentures offer amazing aesthetics, as well as exceptional standards of functionality. With dentures, you will be able to speak clearly, eat a wide range of foods and feel confident when you look in the mirror. Our partial dentures are designed to blend in with your natural teeth and our complete dentures are extremely lifelike. Complete dentures are custom-made and they are held in place by the suction power of the gums, while partial dentures are supported by the natural teeth using small clasps. We recommend regular appointments for our denture patients and we check the fit of the denture regularly to prevent soreness and irritation.
Whether you are unable to wear conventional dentures due to bone loss or you are searching for a tooth replacement treatment, which offers greater stability than traditional dentures, we can help. Implant-retained dentures are dentures with a difference. Rather than being held in place by the natural suction power of the gums, these dentures are anchored by dental implants. Dental implants are small titanium devices, which are fixed into small holes in the jaw bone to replace missing tooth roots. Implants are special because they are able to integrate into the bone tissue and once this process has taken place, a denture can be attached to the implants. With implants there to support the denture, patients can enjoy increased bite power, amazing aesthetics and the ability to perform everyday activities with ease. Implant-retained dentures also give you peace of mind; with the implants in place, there is no risk of a denture slipping, irritating the gums or becoming loose and this means you can smile, interact and communicate with others and eat without any hassle or stress. We usually recommend between 4 and 6 dental implants per denture. In cases where bone loss may be a problem, we can fit mini dental implants, rather than traditional implants. Treatment time is around 3-6 months and the results of treatment are incredible!
Dentures have always been a great way to retain the mouths occlusion (bite) and spare the jaw joints from damage after tooth loss. They are also a good for preventing the face from sagging and hence, the appearance of premature ageing. However, people have never felt comfortable wearing them in the past; they not only looked ‘fake’ but they were also hard to keep in, especially as the gums start to shrink over time. However, modern techniques in their manufacture have seen them being produced from softer materials that can cater for such change in the gums and stick better to the inside of the mouth; combined with dental implants and adhesives, dentures sit true and firmly in place. Whether you have full dentures or partial ones, they are a cheaper and more manageable option to choose; plus, they restore your smile and keep you happy. Bath is blessed by having Clifton Dental working in the area and these are the people to get in touch with if you have any questions about dentures; they can tell you all about where to get them done, the costs involved and the other back-up treatments that come with them.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
