Dentures are removable, prosthetic devices that act as replacements for missing teeth and are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. They are custom-made in a dental laboratory from a series of impressions taken of your mouth.
Some of the most common types of dentures include:
- Complete dentures – Complete dentures, also known as full dentures, replace all of your teeth in the upper and/or lower dental arch. They are held in place with the help of an oral adhesive.
- Immediate dentures – Immediate dentures are complete or partial dentures that are fitted immediately after your remaining teeth have been removed. They must be relined a few months after being inserted because the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, thereby causing the denture to become loose.
- Partial dentures – Partial dentures are placed in position when some of your natural teeth remain. They rest on a metal framework (special retainers or clasps) that attaches to your natural teeth. Moreover, they offer a removable substitute for bridges.
With the help of your dentist, you can choose the type of denture that is the best fit for you – at the most affordable price.
Tips for caring for your dentures
It is important to recognise that all types of dentures must be cleaned on a daily basis. Even though they are made from artificial teeth, they are not immune to bacterial and plaque build-up, which can cause harm to any of your existing teeth and gums.
Similar to caring for your natural teeth, proper denture care is essential for the health of your dentures and mouth. That being said, here are 5 tips on how to care for your dentures:
- Every day, brush your dentures gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush using a dissolvable denture cleaner or a mild soap. Do not use harsh toothpaste, strong cleaners or any other types of solutions as they are all too rough on the sensitive materials from which the dentures are made.
- Every morning before you put in your dentures and every time you remove them, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This helps to remove food debris and other loose particles, as well as stimulates circulation in your tissues.
- When handling / cleaning your dentures, stand over a thick, folded towel or a full sink of water. No matter how well designed they are, dentures are delicate and if they slip out of your hand, they most certainly can break.
- After every meal, make sure to rinse your dentures to get rid of any lingering food residue. With partial dentures, remove and clean them before you clean your natural teeth.
- Before going to bed, place your dentures in a warm, denture-soaking solution or in plain water to avoid cracking or misshaping. Avoid using hot water because it can cause your dentures to dry out and become warped.
Following the aforementioned denture maintenance tips can help to keep your dentures clean, while preventing damage, slippage, discomfort or a fungal infection.
It is equally important to schedule regular dental checkups in order to have your dentures professionally cleaned. Likewise, your dentist will have the opportunity to examine if the denture is functioning well, as well as to check that you have no underlying dental conditions that may comprise the device.
If your dentures chip, crack, break or become loose, make an appointment to see your dentist. Do not attempt to adjust them yourself, as this may cause damage to them beyond repair.
Achieving a realistic, lifelike set of dentures, made just for you
At Aesthetic Dental and Denture Clinic, we construct, supply, and repair all types of dentures. Whether it is a simple repair or a cosmetic denture implant, we are committed to providing you with the dentures you have always wanted – in look, style, and function.
Quality care and service excellence are fundamental to everything we do, which is why we have armed ourselves with the best people, the best products and the best systems available. We are able to match and blend your denture teeth with your existing natural teeth so that no one will be able to tell the difference.
Above all, we go out of our way to ensure that you receive the best denture care available with the highest level of attention, leaving you with a happy and confident smile on your face.
Contact the team at Aesthetic Dentures to see how we can help you.
