Why do I need to wear dentures now?
Dentures are usually the result of many factors related to the unfortunate change of oral circumstances, such as, forceful damage to the physiology of the teeth and supporting, surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral ridges. Pathological and chemical-depletive changes to the oral physiological arena can cause many problematic factors to the mouth.
These are the issues and factors that dental prosthetists and denture practitioners deal with every day of their working life, hoping to succeed and overcome as many patient problems that they encounter continually.
The practitioner works on patients that require replacement of a synthetic dental appliance to help in easthetics and function.
Is there one specific type or denture or are there a number of them?
There are many different denture formats such as,
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Complete dentures; replacing all the dentition on that arch.
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Full/Complete dentures have to contend with no retention, due to the physiologically inept ridges of the totally removed dentition and deficient oral condition.
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Partial dentures replace only the missing dentition. These dentures are re-tented somewhat more than their full/complete denture cousins. The retention factor of which, is crucial, and much more acceptable of course, when there is available dentition, regardless of whether scattered or not. These more ideal conditions allow for a more stable and functional scenario. Partial dentures rest and wrap the internal or lingual surface of the available remaining teeth, namely “tooth borne resting”. The anchoring or clipping that holds the dentures in place is referred to as “tooth borne retention” and normally expressed to patients as “clasping”. The rest of the denture in most cases simply just sits onto the soft tissues commonly referred to as “gums” This is termed as being “tissue borne”.
What is a partial Denture?
Partial dentures are designed to replace sections missing dentition, and help preserve natural dental placement and prevent the existing healthy natural teeth from migrating to a different position; as apposed to full dental appliances which generally replace an entire removed dentition in a totally edentulous mouth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
There are many Benefits to Dental Implants, such as being a great alternative replacement to the loss of natural teeth in terms of their function and aesthetics and can be considered as superior as natural teeth. The amazing thing is that implants have proven slow the shrinking process of bone and gum tissues. Dental implants are applauded as being the most advanced tooth replacement system available to date although there is much research in this arena concerning grafting and genetics. Implants have a long-term lasting period of longer than 20 years in some cases. Although decay is no longer a problem the hygiene process is still required and is as basic as cleaning and flossing like on would natural teeth. The other positive attribute about implants is that can be fitted to almost every jaw type without disoccluding anybody for any reason like age.
An overdenture fits over two or more natural teeth, of which are specially prepared, or otherwise the use implants, another option of which are screwed and imbedded directly into the Jaw bone, which secure the denture in place onto the nominate ridge and stabilize it. Mainly over-dentures are a more appreciated procedure to the lower jaw, but can also be used on the upper jaw. It is particularly beneficial because the presence of teeth or implants helps to preserve the jawbone.
What the benefits of an Over-Denture?
Over-dentures help to relieve pressure and stress of chewing, helping with the prevention of pain spots and irritation. If the patient is fortunate to still have a couple of natural teeth that can be used, all that is need to be done is that the remaining dentition have to be reshaped to act as abutments by a dentist to fit an overdenture.
How long will it take for my denture to be completed?
The time it takes for your denture or dentures to be complete, depends highly on the type of denture being hand crafted for your situation and circumstance. For instance, complete dentures take a longer period of time, if extractions have occurred. This is because once the gums have under gone the stress and pressure from the removal, the gums must be given the time to heal and repair. Once the gums have recovered, impressions are then taken. From the dental specialist, these very important and needed impressions are taken to the dental laboratory, where the dental appliance will be hand crafted.
Will I be able to eat normally like I did with my natural teeth?
Patients should be aware that once they have entered the beginning of the denture life, patients might possibly need to make various alterations with their eating habits. These alterations may include for soft foods to be cut up into small pieces, which will allow the patient to eat with ease. Also, these alterations will include, for the patient to stay away from tough foods, such as, crunchy fruit, uncooked vegetables, and most of all, tough meat. However, the good news is, that all patients will return back to their normal eating routines, as the patient will adapt to their dental appliances.
Are frequent dental examination, appointment and consultations needed?
Yes, dental examinations and check-up appointments should be an on going routine for the patient. Dental specialists are most likely to suggest how frequently the patient should come in for an assessment. Check-up appointments are necessary as natural changes occur within the mouth and the jaw with age. Also, appointments are generally set to evaluate the patient’s state, for any recent problems or irritations that may have been brought to the their attention. Also, dental examinations are vital because it allows the dental specialist to continually provide the patients with a perpetual and proper fit of their dental appliance. Dental specialists who may find any fixable problems can adjust the dental appliance in their dental laboratory within that appointment. However, in some situations, a dental appliance may not be repaired, due to an old denture and/or the cause of nature, which, in that case, a new denture in necessary.
Will I be able to communicate with my new dental appliance?
Initially, patients may experience difficulty making particular noises and sounds, vocally. Patients who do find speaking difficult after the appliance has been positioned, should most definitely practice their specking skills. The approach to this minor and fixable problem is to, speak quietly, slowly and fluently, which will allow the patient to gradually get their tongue around the specific words. With these exercises taken on board by the patient, they will also help to keep their dental appliance from clicking and clacking whilst speaking, and within time, the patient will no longer have the embarrassing problem apparent.
Will I experience any soreness?
Any sign of a loose fitting appliance could instantly create tremendous strain on your jaw and gums, directly making them targets for pressure points. These pressure points are home to sores and possible infections. Shrinkage of the jawbone and neighbouring gum tissues do not support the dentures to rest comfortably on the gum ridge, which is the main cause of ill-fitting dentures.
It’s important that patients understand that it is not acceptable to consume excessive amounts of alcohol and smoke a large number of cigarettes if they are under the influence of prescribed medication for soreness, infections or pains inside the mouth. The consumption of any of these products could prolong or intensify any painful oral issues.
Can I fix my own dentures if they break?
Dentures are delicate and can easily chip, break or crack if not handled with care. Patients, who believe they can fix their own denture, must understand that, people who try to fix or modify their own dentures cause the majority of denture damages. Because of this, it is imperative to see a dental specialist for any repairs or adjustments. Therefore, under no circumstance should patients try to mend, adjust, correct, glue back together or fix their own appliance. By taking a ‘fix-it-yourself’ stance, it could inevitably create a far worse problem, than the original one.
It has been statistically proven that there are over 60 million people currently wearing dentures. Further investigations have shown to suggest that more than 1/3 of that 50 million figure that are over the age of 65 don’t have any teeth at all. Other statistical evidence leads us, as practitioners to believe that 1/3 of the denture population contain less than half of their natural teeth. With such a high population of people wearing denture, it is crucial that each patient is addressed to and examined perfectly to ensure that each denture is fitted to the exact size and dimensions to every individual patient.
Occlusion is the contact of the upper and lower teeth in any jaw position.
Proper Occlusion is when every tooth is perfectly fitting and straightened, from the top to the lower dental appliance. The ideal interdigitation of the teeth, in which there is no cuspal interference in lateral excursions of the mandible.
In prosthetic dentistry the simultaneous contact of all occlusal areas to prevent the tipping or rotating of the dental appliance base. The relationship of the upper and lower dental appliances, are when the teeth are brought into contact from centric relation.
Malocclusion is any deviation from the normal occlusion of the teeth, resulting in impaired or incorrect function.
How does Malocclusion Occur?
Malocclusion can occurs when there is interference and or a lack of balance between the upper and lower teeth. It can also occur after the loss of a tooth and or the addition of a filling, which in hindsight has the potential to create tremendous strain and pressure points in and around the mouth making it quite uncomfortable for the patient.
What will adhesives do for me?
Adhesives can provide the patient with the ability to help in more ways that one. Regardless of whether it is a newly constructed dental appliance, or an old appliance that a patient has had for sometime, rest assured that your dental prosthetist with provide the patient with the perfect solution, an adhesive.
Adhesive do not only provide the patient with less fear and less stress, but they also gift the patient with extreme comfort, everlasting protection and very high levels of confidence. Whether the patients an active sport lover, a public speaker, part of the working environment, or even a mum, dad or grandparent, rest assure that a denture adhesive will make all these activities and positions much easier to deal with.
In some cases it is prudent for patients to use a denture adhesive, although in most cases adhesives should not be used if dentures fit well as it may cause patient to relent their oral musculature experience ability of maintaining the denture adequately from a physiological perspective.
What is a temporary Soft liner?
A temporary soft liner is what is used to assist and help maintain good healthy gums and tissues. The process of the temporary soft liner initiates, by captivating all sorts of pressures whilst and during eating phases. The soft liner works and responds like a conditioning agent, which results in less, pain and pressure in and around the mouth. Temporary soft liners also provide practitioners with the knowledge of possible pressure points and indicate maximum retention between the dental appliance and the gums.
Will my dental appliance need further work done to it?
It is imperative that patients understand that their dental appliance is going to need to undergo adjustments over time. If overtime you have found your dental appliance becoming loose, it is crucial you seek advice from your practitioner. Any sign of a loose fitting appliance could instantly create tremendous strain on your jaw and gums, directly making them targets for pressure points. These pressure points are home to sores and possible infections. It’s advised that you regularly visit a dental specialist to prevent possible future infections and complications. This visit could provide you with the knowledge and opportunity to get some information on how your appliance is functioning. It will also grant you the chance to have the appliance repaired, relined or maybe even replaced.
TMJ is short for Temporomandibular Joint, and it can be found between the mandible and the temporal bones. It’s also known as the articulating jaw of the bone. The Temporoparietalis muscle is the muscle that tightens the scalp.
I feel nausea, is that normal?
It’s not uncommon for patient’s to undergo and experience the feeling of nausea. Suffering from nausea can be related to nerves and stress, however, in some cases, could be of the foreign and unfamiliar presences of dental appliance. This feeling will most definitely subside over time leaving you feeling comfortable and at ease.
