| | | DENTURES - removable prosthetic devices |
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Dentures can be a good solution for patients who have multiple, adjacent or
nearly adjacent missing teeth. They are fashioned to give the appearence of
a natural set of teeth and are designed to match the shading and appearence
of your natural teeth.
There are several different types of denture options available, depending on the
patient's circumstances. These include complete, removable dentures, implant-supported
dentures, partial dentures and overdentures,
When the patient has lost most or all of their teeth, complete dentures can be
an appropriate solution. If there are any remaining teeth, these will be
removed, and the patient is fitted for the dentures. Molds of the gums are
taken so as to customize the dentures for the patient. The dentures are
manufactured at a lab, and care is taken to match them with the appearence
of the patient's remaining teeth.
Patients do need some time to become accustomed to their dentures and to
be able to eat and speak comfortably. Initially, there will be some degree
of swelling, pain and tenderness of the gums until the gums become acclimated
to the dentures. This swelling should go away after a few days. Chewing
and speaking will be difficult and awkward at first, but once the patients
becomes accustomed to the dentures, they should be able to speak and chew food
normally.
Dentures are a long-term solution, but they are not permanent.
Often, the gums, recede and the dentures begin to fit loosely. This
can sometimes be addressed with re-lining the dentures, but it
may also require that a new set of dentures needs to be fitted.
Dentures also break or become worn with use and need to be replaced.
With proper care, most dentures should last 5-10 years.
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