Conventional full dentures are used to replace a full set of teeth either on the upper or lower jaw. When all of the patient’s natural teeth have been removed and the gum tissues have healed, conventional full dentures may be placed in the mouth. In between, the patient may be fitted with an immediate denture that can be inserted on the same day the teeth are extracted. Using immediate full dentures is beneficial for the patient because this means that he does not have to go without teeth for a certain period. Readjustment of the dentures will have to be made after several months because the supporting bone will reshape as it heals and this will cause the denture to loosen.
A partial denture is a removable, yet natural-looking dental appliance that helps restore the form and function of your jaw by replacing one or several missing teeth. Partial dentures are made from a combination of metal and acrylic – which gives them the strength to handle your needs for chewing and speaking, while also looking natural. Some partial dentures are entirely made from acrylic – these dentures tend to be less durable and structurally sound, but may be a solution for you depending on your situation. Rest assured DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions will help you select the right partial denture for your unique needs.
Whether you are considering getting dentures, already have them, or know someone with them, it’s very likely that you may have some questions about them. What follows is information on what dentures really are, what kind of care they require, and how dentures can improve your oral health. We hope to help you find the answers to all your denture queries and to find out, if necessary, whether dentures might be right for you.
A mid-priced (and better quality) heat cured denture typically costs $500–$1,500 per denture or $1,000-$3,000 for a complete set. The teeth look much more natural and are much longer lasting than cold cured or temporary dentures. In many cases, they may be tried out before they are finished to ensure that all the teeth occlude (meet) properly and look esthetically pleasing. These usually come with a 90-day to two-year warranty and in some cases a money-back guarantee if the customer is not satisfied. In some cases, the cost of subsequent adjustments to the dentures is included.
Full or partial dentures consist of a gum-colored base made of plastic resin, which fits over the remaining alveolar (bone) ridge that formerly held the teeth. The prosthetic teeth projecting from the base are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth. Dentures are held in place primarily by the suctioning effect of their close fit against the alveolar ridges — that's why it's so important that they are fitted properly. The upper denture also gets extra support from the large surface area of the roof of the mouth (palate), which generally makes it extremely stable.
Full arch dentures take up more space in the mouth than your normal teeth. Because of this, there is an adjustment period of time where you may notice difficulty in pronouncing certain words or talking in general. As dentures get re-adjusted and re-fitted, you may notice a difference in pronunciation and will have to make minor speech adjustments again.
You should see your dentist 24 hours after delivery of your new dentures. It is not unusual to experience some initial discomfort. Minor adjustments can increase comfort and eliminate problems before they become more serious. Initially, a new denture may feel unusual in the mouth. The cheeks, lips, and tongue are very sensitive areas that require time to adjust. It is not uncommon to bite one’s cheek or tongue while acclimating to the new restoration. However, persistent soreness or irritation should be reported to your dentist.
If you’ve had a metal RPD, you know how cumbersome and heavy they can be. Dentists often see them damage remaining teeth and injure the inside of the mouth. Ultaire™ AKP partial dentures are 60% lighter than metal frames! The polymer was formulated to be lightweight as well as strong, similar to polymers used in hip implants. This creates partial dentures that are comfortable, durable and biocompatible, meaning they are safe to have in your body. Unlike metal, Ultaire™ AKP is non-toxic, non-irritating and nickel-free.
Regardless of whether a patient gets partial or full dentures, the transition may feel uncomfortable and awkward at first. It may take a little while for the patient to get used to eating and speaking with the dentures and it takes roughly the same amount of time for the cheeks and the tongue to learn how to naturally hold your dentures in place. During the initial period, it is not uncommon for the patient to experience an excessive production of saliva, irritations stemming from feeling like the space inside the mouth has become cramped and like the lips are being pushed forward, and some level of soreness. If the irritation escalates to an unbearable level, do not hesitate to visit your dentist for a check up.
An overdenture is a removable dental prosthesis that covers and rests on one or more remaining tooth roots. A removable partial denture is a dental prosthesis that replaces some teeth and is built around existing natural teeth. Both the overdenture and the removable partial denture may be connected to the remaining tooth roots or remaining natural teeth with anchors made of metal or plastic. These connections improve stability and the retention of both prostheses.
