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If
you have lost some or all of your teeth,
whether from tooth decay, periodontal
disease, or injury, full dentures or
partial dentures can replace your missing
teeth and your smile! |
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With improvements in dental implants and
other techniques in recent years,
removable dentures are not as common as
they once were. In fact, if removable full
dentures and partial dentures are replaced
with implant supported teeth, the overall
enhancement in quality of life is even
more significant, with an ability to eat
all types of foods, elimination of messy
denture adhesives, and improved speech,
comfort, and appearance. However,
conventional removable dentures can still
be very effective for many people who
suffer from complete or partial loss of
teeth. |
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Denture success depends on a good fit, a
well-made denture, and on following the
advice of your dentist. Denture wearers
gain confidence about how their dentures
feel and look as they adjust to them over
time. They usually learn to speak and eat
more confidently than ever before. Regular
appointments with Dr. Metz and a good
daily cleaning routine can help you lead a
healthy and natural lifestyle with
dentures. But, even with the best of care,
it may be necessary to have dentures
relined, rebased, or remade after several
years. This is because the bony ridge in
your mouth that the dentures rest on goes
through natural changes over time, causing
the dentures to improperly fit. Dr. Metz
can tell you if it is time for new
dentures or if relining or adjustment of
your dentures is needed. |
Frequently asked
questions about complete dentures:
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What is the
difference between an implant supported removable denture,
a fixed detachable (hybrid) denture, and a conventional
denture?
There are many
differences between implant supported removable dentures
and conventional (tissue supported) dentures. Generally,
implant supported dentures are more stable than
conventional dentures. Implants, fused to the jawbone, can
help keep the bone healthy and your dentures securely in
place. Once implants have been placed in your jaw, they
can be restored with a fixed detachable (hybrid) denture
or with overdentures. A fixed detachable (hybrid) denture
is secured to the implants and is only removable by the
dentist or hygienist. An implant supported overdenture is
held in place by a bar and clip, or by one of many other
attachments currently available. One major advantage of a
fixed detachable (hybrid) denture versus an overdenture is
that the hybrid denture is not removable. The hybrid
denture is always held securely in place and can only be
removed by the dentist or hygienist. A major advantage of
implant-supported overdentures compared to conventional
removable dentures is the increased stability.
Please refer to
our new
Ceramic Hybrid treatment option. |
What is the
difference between an immediate denture and a conventional
denture?
Complete dentures
can be either "conventional" or
"immediate" depending on when they are
made and when they are placed into
your mouth. Conventional dentures are
made and inserted after the remaining
teeth are removed and the tissues have
had time to heal. Healing may take
several months.
Immediate
dentures are placed immediately after
the removal of the remaining teeth.
Dr. Metz takes measurements and makes
models of your jaw during a
preliminary visit.
An advantage of
immediate dentures is that the wearer
does not have to be without teeth
during the healing period. However,
during the period of healing in the
first several months after the removal
of teeth, bones and gums can
significantly shrink over time. When
this happens, immediate dentures may
require relining or rebasing in order
to fit properly.
What is an overdenture?
An overdenture is a prosthesis that fits over a small number of implants or remaining natural teeth that have been prepared by the dentist.
The implants or prepared teeth provide more
stability and support for the denture. Dr.
Metz can determine if an overdenture would be
suitable for you.
How many appointments are required to make my
dentures?
In order to fabricate your new dentures, several appointments will be required. Dr. Metz will discuss with you the estimated time required
in order to make your new dentures. Dr. Metz
takes great care and pride in providing his
denture patients with very high-quality,
esthetically attractive, well fitting, and
natural looking dentures. In order to achieve
these results for their denture patients,
several appointments are necessary in order to
diagnose, treatment plan, and fabricate the
dentures.
What will
dentures feel like?
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It is not unusual for
new dentures to feel awkward for a few
weeks. Often one must become accustomed to
them. Sometimes the removable dentures may
feel loose while the muscles of your cheek
and tongue learn to keep them in place.
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It is not unusual to
experience minor irritation or soreness
with removable dentures. Two or more
follow-up appointments with Dr. Metz are
generally needed after a new denture is
inserted. |
How long should I wear my dentures?
Dr.
Metz will provide detailed instructions about
wearing and caring for your removable
dentures. These instructions will include
information about how long dentures should be
kept in place. During the first few days, you
may be advised to wear your removable dentures
most of the time, including while you sleep.
After the initial adjustment period, you will
be instructed to remove your dentures before
going to bed and keep them out all night long.
This allows your gum tissues to rest and
promotes good oral health.
Should I use a denture adhesive?
Dr.
Metz will make your dentures to fit precisely
and usually will not require use of an
adhesive for comfort. In an emergency, denture
adhesives can be used to keep the dentures
stable. But, prolonged use can mask infections
and cause bone loss in the jaw.
Will my dentures need to be replaced?
Over
time, dentures will need to be relined,
rebased, or completely replaced due to tissue
changes and normal wear to the dentures. In
order to make a rebased denture, Dr. Metz uses
your existing denture teeth and makes a new
denture base. Dentures may need to be relined,
rebased, or replaced due to changes to your
mouth over time. Bone and gums can recede or
shrink. This can also cause your jaws to align
differently. Shrinking ridges can cause
dentures to fit less securely. Loose dentures
can cause health problems, including sores and
infections. If you are experiencing problems
with the fit and comfort of your old dentures
Dr. Metz can determine whether they need to be
relined, rebased, or remade.
Should I do anything special to care for my
mouth?
Everyone needs to take good care of their
mouth, even if you are wearing dentures. Each
morning and evening you should brush your
gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled
brush. This removes plaque and stimulates
proper blood circulation in the tissues. A
balanced diet is very important for
maintaining a healthy mouth.
How often should I schedule dental
appointments?
Regular professional care of your dentures is
necessary. Dr. Metz will advise you about how
often to visit. Regular oral exams are very
important. During your check-up appointments
Dr. Metz will examine your mouth to determine
if your dentures continue to fit properly.
He will also examine your mouth for signs of oral diseases, including cancer.
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