Dentures make life easier every day. While you may miss your natural teeth, dentures make it possible for you to eat well, improve your appearance, fill gaps where natural teeth are missing and support your facial muscles so you maintain your appearance. Dentures require special care, however, and so does the rest of your mouth. Daily cleaning and regular dental visits are just as important now that you are a denture wearer as they were before you got your dentures.

WITH COMPLETE DENTURES – HAPPY PATIENT

  Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth typically made out of an acrylic resin which at times incorporate porcelain or metal for additional structural support. There are two main types of dentures. Both Complete Dentures and Partial Dentures are finely crafted, custom-fitted. If you properly maintain your dentures they will appear natural and provide a perfect smile. Additionally, dentures help strengthen muscles controlling your expressions that require the support of your teeth, rid you of pronunciation problems caused by missing teeth and aid with chewing. Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 10 weeks after the teeth have been removed. Unlike Conventional Dentures, Immediate Dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made

PARTIAL DENTURES

A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent) bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This “bridge” is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking appliance

HOW ARE DENTURES MADE?

The denture development process takes about one to two weeks and some appointments. Once your Dentist or Prosthodontist (a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth) determines what type of appliance is best for you, the general steps are to:

1. Make a series of impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them
2. Create models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the denture to be made. You will “try in” this model several times and the denture will be assessed for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.
3. Cast a final denture
4. Adjustments will be made as necessary

TOOTH SUPPORTED OVERDENTURES

  A conventional over-denture rests over some healthy natural tooth roots.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE JAW

Maintaining a denture on the jaw bone ridge (called alveolar ridge) is essential to preventing it from becoming loose during eating, speaking and other activities. Preserving the alveolar ridge facilitates denture stability. The body tends to conserve energy and nutrients by maintaining only structures with apparent. immediate value. A typical example is the bulk reduction of a broken leg held immobile by a full leg cast for a month or more. The body “recognizes” the only one purpose for alveolar bone is to hold tooth roots. Alveolar bone no longer supporting a tooth root is removed, or literally dissolved away by the body. This is called resorption or simply shrinkage. Resorption progresses at varying rates in the same person at different times and at different rates between different people. Resorption progresses rapidly within the first year of loosing a tooth after which time the rate progresses at a slower pace.

PRESERVING THE JAW BONE

If the maximum amount of bone is to be maintained then preserving the maximum number of healthy tooth roots should achieve that end.

PRESERVING THE SENSATION OF HAVING TEETH

Studies demonstrate that even though only roots are preserved, and they are covered by a denture, a patient still has sensory input sensations similar to that experienced with teeth, as opposed to individuals with conventional dentures having no preserved roots. Over-denture patients also appear to have a more natural perceived directional sense in their chewing activities. In other words, many patients relate that they still feel like they have teeth – – a positive comment.

WHY AN OVER-DENTURE?

If a patient is treatment planned to have a denture, and the roots of some remaining teeth are supported in healthy alveolar bone – – then a conventional over-denture is a viable consideration. However, only a licensed dental professional A Prosthodontist can determine if a conventional over-denture is a suitable consideration for a certain person, after a comprehensive examination.

SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF A TOOTH SUPPORTED OVER-DENTURE

Most of a tooth crown (that part of the tooth above the gums) is removed. This often necessitates root canal therapy if not already done. Remaining tooth, projecting above the gum, is rounded and usually covered with a similarly shaped artificial crown-like covering. Various configurations and extensions may be built onto some retained roots. In those cases, that portion of the denture overlying these configurations is modified to contain attachments that clip onto a framework or receive the individual extensions. In addition to preserving alveolar bone and sensory input, the denture is securely held in place, but may be comfortably and easily removed for cleaning.

ADVANTAGES OF A TOOTH SUPPORTED OVER-DENTURE

1. 1. Feels more like having teeth
   2. More retentive in many cases
   3. Helps reduce shrinkage of surrounding bone
   4. Reduces pressure to portions of the alveolar ridge
   5. Positive psychological advantage of still having teeth

DISADVANTAGES OF A TOOTH SUPPORTED OVER-DENTURE

There is Practically No Disadvantage 

1. 1. 1. Meticulous oral hygiene is essential in order prevent decay and gum disease.
      2. Dentures make life easier every day. While you may miss your natural teeth, dentures make it possible for you to eat well, improve your appearance, fill gaps where natural teeth are missing and support your facial muscles so you maintain your appearance. Dentures require special care, however, and so does the rest of your mouth. Daily cleaning and regular dental visits are just as important now that you are a denture wearer as they were before you got your dentures.
         

         WITH COMPLETE DENTURES – HAPPY PATIENT

         
         
         

           Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth typically made out of an acrylic resin which at times incorporate porcelain or metal for additional structural support. There are two main types of dentures. Both Complete Dentures and Partial Dentures are finely crafted, custom-fitted. If you properly maintain your dentures they will appear natural and provide a perfect smile. Additionally, dentures help strengthen muscles controlling your expressions that require the support of your teeth, rid you of pronunciation problems caused by missing teeth and aid with chewing. Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 10 weeks after the teeth have been removed. Unlike Conventional Dentures, Immediate Dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made

         PARTIAL DENTURES

         A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent) bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This “bridge” is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking appliance

         HOW ARE DENTURES MADE?

         The denture development process takes about one to two weeks and some appointments. Once your Dentist or Prosthodontist (a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth) determines what type of appliance is best for you, the general steps are to:

         1. Make a series of impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them
         2. Create models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the denture to be made. You will “try in” this model several times and the denture will be assessed for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.
         3. Cast a final denture
         4. Adjustments will be made as necessary

         TOOTH SUPPORTED OVERDENTURES

         
          

           A conventional over-denture rests over some healthy natural tooth roots.

         AN OVERVIEW OF THE JAW

         Maintaining a denture on the jaw bone ridge (called alveolar ridge) is essential to preventing it from becoming loose during eating, speaking and other activities. Preserving the alveolar ridge facilitates denture stability. The body tends to conserve energy and nutrients by maintaining only structures with apparent. immediate value. A typical example is the bulk reduction of a broken leg held immobile by a full leg cast for a month or more. The body “recognizes” the only one purpose for alveolar bone is to hold tooth roots. Alveolar bone no longer supporting a tooth root is removed, or literally dissolved away by the body. This is called resorption or simply shrinkage. Resorption progresses at varying rates in the same person at different times and at different rates between different people. Resorption progresses rapidly within the first year of loosing a tooth after which time the rate progresses at a slower pace.

         PRESERVING THE JAW BONE

         If the maximum amount of bone is to be maintained then preserving the maximum number of healthy tooth roots should achieve that end.

         PRESERVING THE SENSATION OF HAVING TEETH

         Studies demonstrate that even though only roots are preserved, and they are covered by a denture, a patient still has sensory input sensations similar to that experienced with teeth, as opposed to individuals with conventional dentures having no preserved roots. Over-denture patients also appear to have a more natural perceived directional sense in their chewing activities. In other words, many patients relate that they still feel like they have teeth – – a positive comment.

         WHY AN OVER-DENTURE?

         If a patient is treatment planned to have a denture, and the roots of some remaining teeth are supported in healthy alveolar bone – – then a conventional over-denture is a viable consideration. However, only a licensed dental professional A Prosthodontist can determine if a conventional over-denture is a suitable consideration for a certain person, after a comprehensive examination.

         SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF A TOOTH SUPPORTED OVER-DENTURE

         Most of a tooth crown (that part of the tooth above the gums) is removed. This often necessitates root canal therapy if not already done. Remaining tooth, projecting above the gum, is rounded and usually covered with a similarly shaped artificial crown-like covering. Various configurations and extensions may be built onto some retained roots. In those cases, that portion of the denture overlying these configurations is modified to contain attachments that clip onto a framework or receive the individual extensions. In addition to preserving alveolar bone and sensory input, the denture is securely held in place, but may be comfortably and easily removed for cleaning.

         ADVANTAGES OF A TOOTH SUPPORTED OVER-DENTURE

         1. 1. Feels more like having teethMore retentive in many cases
            2. Helps reduce shrinkage of surrounding bone
            3. Reduces pressure to portions of the alveolar ridge
            4. Positive psychological advantage of still having teeth

         DISADVANTAGES OF A TOOTH SUPPORTED OVER-DENTURE

         There is Practically No Disadvantage 

         1. 1. 1. Meticulous oral hygiene is essential in order prevent decay and gum disease.