Dentures Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Dentures
Dentures provide an effective solution for missing teeth, helping you regain confidence and functionality. We are here to offer you top-quality care and expert guidance to meet your denture needs and ensure your comfort.
Understanding Dentures
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are custom-made to fit the unique contours of your mouth, providing a natural-looking and functional replacement for lost teeth. Dentures can be classified into two main types:
Complete Dentures: These are used when all the teeth are missing. Complete dentures can be further divided into:
- Conventional Dentures: Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, usually ready for placement about 8-12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
- Immediate Dentures: Made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. They may require adjustments as the healing process progresses and the gums shrink.
Partial Dentures: These are used when some natural teeth remain. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base, which is sometimes connected by metal framework to hold the denture in place. Partial dentures not only fill in the spaces created by missing teeth but also prevent other teeth from shifting position.
Dentures help improve chewing ability and speech, enhance the appearance of your smile, and support the structures of the face, maintaining a more youthful appearance. Proper care and regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the longevity and comfort of your dentures.
Who needs Dentures?
Dentures are typically needed by individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth due to various reasons. Here are some common scenarios where dentures may be necessary:
Tooth Loss Due to Aging: As people age, they may experience tooth loss due to natural wear and tear, making dentures a suitable option for restoring dental function and appearance.
Severe Tooth Decay: When tooth decay is extensive and cannot be treated with fillings, crowns, or other dental procedures, extraction may be necessary, and dentures can replace the lost teeth.
Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. In such cases, dentures can provide a solution to restore oral functionality and aesthetics.
Accidents or Injuries: Trauma to the mouth from accidents or injuries can result in the loss of teeth. Dentures can help replace these teeth and restore the smile.
Congenital Absence of Teeth: Some individuals are born with missing teeth (a condition known as congenital anodontia) and may benefit from dentures to achieve a complete set of teeth.
Economic Considerations: Dentures can be a more affordable option compared to other tooth replacement methods like dental implants or bridges, making them accessible to a wider range of people.
Aesthetic Concerns: Individuals seeking to improve their appearance and self-confidence by addressing gaps in their smile may opt for dentures.
Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Missing teeth can significantly impact chewing and speaking abilities. Dentures can help improve these functions, enhancing overall quality of life.
What are the benefits of Dentures?
Restoration of Chewing Function: Dentures allow individuals to chew a variety of foods more easily, improving their ability to eat a balanced diet and enjoy a wider range of foods.
Enhanced Speech: Missing teeth can affect speech clarity. Dentures help restore proper pronunciation of words, improving communication skills and confidence in social situations.
Improved Appearance: Dentures are custom-made to resemble natural teeth and gums, enhancing the overall appearance of the smile and restoring facial contours for a more youthful look.
Boosted Self-Confidence: By restoring a complete smile, dentures can help individuals feel more confident and comfortable in social interactions and professional settings.
Prevention of Tooth Shifting: Partial dentures fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems and further tooth loss.
Support for Facial Muscles: Dentures provide support to the facial muscles, preventing sagging and maintaining a more youthful facial appearance.
Customized Fit: Modern dentures are custom-made to fit the unique contours of the individual’s mouth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
Versatility: Dentures can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance, providing flexibility and convenience for daily oral hygiene routines.
Cost-Effective Solution: Dentures are often a more affordable option compared to dental implants or bridges for replacing missing teeth, making them accessible to a wider range of individuals.
Restored Quality of Life: Overall, dentures can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals who have experienced tooth loss, allowing them to smile, eat, speak, and socialize with greater comfort and confidence.
What happens during the procedure?
- Initial Consultation: The process starts with a consultation with a dentist or prosthodontist to assess your oral health, discuss your dental needs, and determine if dentures are the right option for you.
- Dental Examination: A comprehensive dental examination, including X-rays and impressions of your mouth, is conducted to gather essential information for designing your dentures.
- Treatment Plan: Based on the examination results and your preferences, a personalized treatment plan is created. This plan outlines the type of dentures needed, the materials to be used, and the steps involved in the procedure.
- Tooth Extractions (if necessary): If you require full dentures and have remaining natural teeth, any remaining teeth may need to be extracted to make way for the dentures. In some cases, immediate dentures may be placed immediately after tooth extraction.
- Impressions and Measurements: Impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth are taken to create precise molds for your dentures. These impressions ensure that your dentures fit comfortably and securely.
- Denture Fabrication: Using the impressions and measurements, a dental laboratory fabricates your custom dentures. The dentures are made to resemble natural teeth and gums, and adjustments can be made for color, shape, and size.
- Fitting Appointment: Once your dentures are ready, you’ll have a fitting appointment with your dentist. During this appointment, the dentist checks the fit of the dentures, makes any necessary adjustments, and provides instructions on how to care for and wear your new dentures.
- Follow-Up Visits: It’s common to have follow-up visits to ensure that your dentures fit properly and comfortably. Additional adjustments may be made during these visits to address any discomfort or changes in fit.
- Adaptation Period: It may take some time to adjust to wearing dentures, especially if you’re new to them. Your dentist will provide guidance on how to adapt to wearing dentures, including tips for eating, speaking, and caring for your oral health.
- Ongoing Care: Regular dental check-ups and maintenance are essential for the long-term success of your dentures. Your dentist will recommend periodic examinations and cleanings to ensure the health of your gums and the integrity of your dentures.
What are the risks involved?
Gum Irritation: Initially, dentures may cause irritation or soreness to the gums as they adjust to the new appliance.
Difficulty Chewing and Speaking: Adapting to dentures may temporarily affect chewing and speaking abilities until you become accustomed to them.
Loose Fit: Dentures may become loose over time due to changes in the shape of the jawbone and gums, requiring adjustments or relining.
Mouth Sores: Ill-fitting dentures or poor oral hygiene can lead to the development of mouth sores or infections.
Gagging Sensation: Some individuals may experience a gagging sensation initially, which can often be managed with adjustments to the dentures.
Bone Resorption: Without the stimulation provided by natural teeth roots, the jawbone may gradually shrink over time (a process called bone resorption), which can affect the fit of the dentures.
Speech Changes: Dentures may alter speech patterns temporarily until the tongue and muscles adapt to the new appliance.
Dietary Restrictions: Certain foods may be more challenging to eat with dentures, and some individuals may need to avoid hard or sticky foods to prevent damage to the dentures.
Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, individuals may experience allergic reactions to the materials used in denture fabrication.
Social Impact: Adjusting to dentures may impact social interactions and confidence initially, though this often improves with time and practice.
Frequently Asked Question on Dentures
Dentures can stay in place through suction, adhesives, or clasps attaching to remaining natural teeth.
With proper care, dentures typically last 5-7 years before requiring adjustments or replacement due to changes in the mouth’s structure.
While it’s generally recommended to remove dentures at night to allow the gums to rest, some people may choose to sleep with them in.
Dentures should be cleaned daily with a denture brush and mild soap or denture cleaner. They should also be soaked in water or a denture solution overnight.
Initially, you may find it challenging to eat certain foods, but with practice, most individuals adapt and can enjoy a wide variety of foods.
Yes, it’s essential to maintain oral hygiene by brushing your gums, tongue, and remaining natural teeth (if any) with a soft-bristled toothbrush.