Are Complete and Partial Dentures a Good Tooth Replacement Choice?
Missing teeth can be a problem for people of all ages, but they become more relevant as we age. You may have difficulty chewing food because there are no molars to push against the food. You may also experience bone atrophy because of the lack of teeth. Replacing lost teeth is crucial to maintaining your teeth and appearance. Fortunately, you can get dentures treatment in Vancouver and restore your appearance.
What are Dental Dentures?
A denture is a tooth replacement (mostly removable) treatment that replaces missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in two versions—complete and partial dentures, depending on the number of teeth missing.
Complete and Partial Dental Dentures
Both these dentures are good tooth replacement options for those who need them, and our dentist in Vancouver, BC, will choose the suitable option based on the number of teeth missing.
- Complete dentures
Complete dentures are ideal when more than or all teeth have been removed, and the remaining soft tissue that supports your jawbone is no longer strong enough to support a full set of teeth.
Complete dentures are further classified into immediate and conventional types. Each option is used differently based on the condition of the gums and the recovery period.
- Conventional dentures
These dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gums begin to heal. Depending on how fast your dentist can work, this can take anywhere from eight to twelve weeks. After this time frame, you will be able to eat solid foods again and get back into your regular routine eating.
- Immediate dentures
These dentures are created in the dental office in advance and used after the teeth are removed. This makes it easy for you to protect your gums and restore your appearance during recovery. However, note that the jaw will shrink over time during the healing period and cause the dentures to become ill-fitting.
Because of this shrinkage, immediate dentures may require more adjustments to fit properly. They are considered a temporary solution as you wait for conventional dentures to be made. In addition, using an immediate set will not allow any additional adjustments once it has been placed in your mouth.
Immediate sets are not recommended for patients with severe facial trauma or injury as there is no way to adjust them once you have them in place.
- Partial dentures
Partials are removable replacements for missing teeth, are used to replace one or more missing teeth, and are made from acrylic, metal, or a combination of both. The partials are attached to the gums by clasps which attach to holes in the upper and lower jawbone.
How Are Dental Dentures Made?
Getting dentures in Vancouver starts with an assessment to determine which type of denture is ideal. The dentist will take several casts or molds of the teeth and scan them into the computer to create digital models of your teeth. The digital models make molds to cast your dentures in the proper shape and color.
Your dentist may also use CT scans of your mouth to create 3D renderings to determine each tooth’s size, shape, and position. The fit of the dentures is examined for proper fit and color before the final cast is made.
How to Care for Your Dental Dentures?
How well you care for your dental dentures will determine how long they last.
- Care for your dentures like you would your natural teeth.
- Rinse well with lukewarm water, then brush with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Avoid using toothpaste that contains abrasives or alcohol, as these may damage the denture.
- Store the dentures in a cleaner to keep them moist when not in use to avoid harboring bacteria.
- Visit a Vancouver dentist regularly to assess the denture fit and condition. The dental dentures require a realignment occasionally as the jaw shrinks.
Schedule an Appointment
Call or visit Enhance Dental Centre for more information about dental dentures and what you can expect during the procedure.