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Tooth loss can occur for many reasons (periodontal disease, decay or trauma). Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for many years now. Alternative methods used to replace missing teeth include dental implants and fixed bridges.

The loss of your teeth can have negative effects on your self-confidence, your ability to chew food and your bite. Since your teeth provide structure and support to your cheeks, tooth loss can result in the sagging of your cheeks and make you appear older than you are. It is essential that your missing teeth are replaced as soon as possible.

Dentures are removable replacements for your teeth, designed to look and function like your own natural teeth and surrounding gum tissues. Modern-day dentures can look very realistic and natural and feel comfortable.

Types of Dentures

When all your teeth are missing, a complete denture is used to replace them, whereas if only a few teeth need replacing, a partial denture or overdenture is used. Partial dentures can prevent your existing healthy teeth from shifting following tooth loss.

Dentures are generally fabricated from acrylic resins. With advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, there are a wide variety of materials available for dentures, and your dentist may give you some options, including the latest flexible Valplast cosmetic dentures.

Immediate Dentures

In cases where teeth need to be extracted, the structure of your gums and surrounding tissues needs to heal before your final dentures are made. In such cases, an immediate denture will be placed to enable the gums and surrounding tissue to heal properly. Immediate dentures can be easily modified during the healing process, which could take several months.

 

Holding Dentures in Place

Dentures should be held in place by their natural suction to your gums; sometimes a fixative may also be used. However, they tend to come loose and this can cause difficulties when trying to eat certain foods.

Dentures can be fixed securely in place by dental implants or mini implants, which can give you the confidence to eat whatever you want without having to worry about your dentures coming loose or falling out. More patients seem to be opting for treatment with implants now.

Despite their somewhat high cost, they can have a dramatic effect on improving the quality of your life.

The Procedure

On your first appointment, Dr. Hubbell will assess your needs and thoroughly examine your mouth for suitability for dentures. Some of your existing teeth may need to be extracted first or you may need treatment to get your gums into good health before commencing any treatment.

An impression (mould) of your gums will be taken and used as a model to fabricate your dentures to fit the contours of your mouth exactly. A dental technician will make your dentures to Dr. Hubbell's exact specifications.

Partial Dentures

Depending on the teeth remaining in your oral cavity, partial dentures may be completely tooth supported, tissue/tooth supported, and implant/tissue supported.

Partial dentures can be constructed out of a metal and acrylic composition or completely out of acrylic. The design process involved in creating a removable partial (denture) is specific to the patient’s needs. Every effort is made to design a self-cleansing partial denture that preserves the remaining teeth and oral structures.

When a partial denture is designed, the denturist acknowledges that chewing places a strain on the remaining teeth during eating. Partial dentures are designed with this in mind so that the chewing forces can be distributed evenly over the entire remaining teeth and soft tissues. Design modifications to your remaining teeth may be required to help equalize these forces.

Metal partials are considered stronger structurally, thinner and more hygienic than an acrylic partial. Acrylic partials are usually recommended as a transitional or temporary partial. Your denturist will determine the appropriate treatment plan and the appropriate partial for you.

A removable partial denture may help preserve the natural tooth placement of your existing teeth. They ensure proper chewing and digestion by thoroughly grinding your food. A properly designed partial denture will assist in support of your existing teeth. A removable partial denture will add enjoyment to your life.