What are dentures?
When you lose all or some of your natural teeth, your dentist might recommend dentures as a replacement. Dentures are artificial teeth and gums custom designed according to the shape of your mouth. These dentures can either be full or partial. Your dentist may recommend full dentures if you lose all your natural teeth. In case of loss of a few teeth, partial dentures may be designed.
The teeth of the dentures are usually made of porcelain or plastic, while the gums are made using acrylic. The supporting bracket of the dentures that hold these teeth and gums together takes the shape of your natural gum line and is made from acrylic resin or a flexible polymer material.
There are many different types of dentures available. Hence, it is crucial to understand each type’s benefit to decide which kind of denture suits you the best. So, let’s have a look at a few types of dentures.
Types of dentures
– Full dentures
Also known as complete dentures, these dentures replace the entire set of your teeth and are removable. The denture teeth are made of porcelain or acrylic, whereas the supporting bracket can be of an acrylic or metal base. They are typically placed 8-12 weeks after the removal or loss of natural teeth.
– Partial dentures
Dentists recommend partial dentures if you still have some natural teeth. When fixed to the mouth, partial dentures help the other natural teeth from moving and can be taken out anytime. They are specifically designed to fill the gap left behind by missing teeth.
– Custom dentures
Custom dentures are removable ones customized for your smile to look more natural. However, it is also a more expensive option.
– Immediate dentures
If suitable for your condition, you might be suggested immediate dentures. These dentures are placed the same day you undergo a tooth extraction procedure.
– Economy dentures
The most cost-effective dentures, these types of dentures are neither secure and comfortable nor natural looking. Moreover, due to the shakiness of these types of dentures, a denture adhesive may be needed to fit them securely.
– Snap-on dentures
Snap-on dentures are removable crowns. They can be quickly snapped on or off dental implants in your jawbone. They have a secure fit that enables you to chew, bite or talk without worrying about the dentures coming off.
– Upper dentures
As the name suggests, these dentures are used as replacements when only the teeth in the upper jaw have been removed.
– Implant-supported or Hybrid dentures
Hybrid dentures are dentures that are fixed onto dental implants. They are fixed onto the four dental implants attached inside your mouth. These dentures won’t move and can only be removed surgically. A dental implant is used to fit the denture in case of breakage or extraction of certain teeth. These types of dentures provide a solid foundation and support, facilitating the secure fit and placement of the dentures. They are also long-lasting and natural looking.
One of the most common denture-related questions is how to clean hybrid dentures. Since these involve different parts, some people assume that hybrid dentures take considerable time and effort for maintenance. However, let us drop the truth bomb. Implant-supported dentures need regular cleaning, just like your natural teeth. However, you have to begin with detaching each component. Then, proceed with cleaning around gum areas and artificial teeth. Avoid sleeping with dentures in your mouth as it helps prevent infections, bruises, and damage to the dentures.
When wearing dentures, plaque formation or tooth decay may affect the abutment areas—the places where the dentures are fixed to the jaw bone. Therefore, keeping the abutments clean is critical for dental health. It may not be easy with a regular toothbrush; therefore, you may use proxabrush with or without the everyday toothbrush. Bushing your mouth in a well-lit room with big mirrors also helps you maintain dental hygiene when wearing implant-supported dentures.
When to clean your implant-supported dentures?
After your first and last meals of the day! Cleaning hybrid dentures and your mouth after breakfast is important to get rid of all the food particles that may have got stuck. Going about your day without cleaning and rinsing your hybrid dentures may create a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque formation in your mouth. Similarly, do not sleep without thoroughly cleaning, rinsing, and flossing your mouth (and dentures) after dinner. The less saliva production when you sleep may lead to several oral hygiene issues in the long run.
Following these simple tips every day helps maintain good oral hygiene and make your implant-supported dentures long-lasting.
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