Table of contents
What Are Dentures?
Full and partial dentures are designed to replace missing teeth and some gum tissue. Modern dentures are custom-made to be comfortable, and a huge range of denture teeth is available. Our prosthodontist can help you select denture teeth that complement your facial features, skin tone, and personality.
Full Dentures
A full denture, also called a complete denture, replaces an entire arch of teeth. The denture has a base made of gum colored acrylic, and it rests directly on your gums, relying on your gums and the underlying jawbone for support. Denture teeth are attached to the acrylic base and are carefully arranged to look and feel natural.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth in an arch. These teeth do not need to be adjacent to each other.
Partial dentures also have a gum-colored acrylic base, but this is likely strengthened with a lightweight metal substructure. The gum-colored base rests directly on the gums, relying on them and the underlying jawbone for support. However, it also features metal clasps designed to fit snugly around natural teeth, providing extra retention to help keep the denture securely in place.
Some partial dentures also have special attachments. These are attachments that slot into corresponding attachments on dental crowns fitted over existing natural teeth and help to secure the denture more firmly in place.
Nesbit Partial Dentures
Nesbit dentures are a special type of flexible partial dentures made from nylon and are softer and more comfortable. Flexible dentures can be a good option in specific situations.
Who Should Consider Dentures?
It’s worth considering dentures if you have any of the following issues:
- Are missing several or all of your teeth.
- Are experiencing difficulty eating.
- Your speech is affected due to tooth loss.
- You want a cost-effective solution for tooth loss.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures offer several benefits, including:
- A custom design denture provides a reasonable biting and chewing strength, will look good and make it easy to talk clearly.
- Dentures are ideal for anyone who doesn’t wish to have oral surgery that will be needed for other tooth replacement solutions like dental implants.
- A well-designed denture will support your facial muscles, preventing them from collapsing inward and restoring your facial dimensions.
- Dentures can help boost self-confidence and overall quality of life.
The Denture Process Step-By-Step
Several steps are involved in designing and making your denture so that you will need a few appointments with our prosthodontist at NYC Dentistry Center.
Step One: Preliminary Consultation and Dental Exam
When you see our prosthodontist, they will conduct a thorough dental exam to assess your oral health and to determine if any existing natural teeth are failing or can be saved. They will also want to discuss your treatment goals before providing a custom plan.
Your plan will detail which type of denture is most suitable and include information about the denture teeth available.
Step Two: Dental Impressions
Once your treatment plan is finalized, we will take detailed dental impressions of your gums and any existing teeth in your upper and lower jaws. These impressions are used to create a model of your mouth on which your custom denture will be fabricated.
The dental lab may also make wax registration blocks that fit over your teeth and gums. These are designed to register the height between your upper and lower jaws, as well as the midline, and to record other important information.
Step Three: Creating a Try-in Denture
The wax registration blocks are used to ensure your denture teeth are placed in the proper locations, initially on a wax base. This is to ensure your new denture can be tried in by our prosthodontist at a preliminary stage and adjusted as necessary.
Our prosthodontist will want to ensure that all the teeth are arranged properly, bite together correctly, and that the functionality is good, and of course, that you are happy with their appearance. Any adjustments can be made in the wax at this stage.
Step Four: Creating Your New Denture
Once the try-in denture has been finalized, the wax is replaced with acrylic, with the denture teeth firmly embedded in the base plate. The final step is to polish and finish the denture, and it is ready for your fitting.
Step Five: Final Denture Placement
When your denture is ready, we can fit it in your mouth and make any small adjustments to ensure it fits more comfortably. At this point, we can also provide guidance on how to care for your denture at home, including dietary recommendations as you become accustomed to wearing it.
Step Six: Follow-Up Appointments
We will most likely schedule a follow-up appointment a week later. It’s not unusual to require further adjustments after you have worn your denture for a while. We can also address any questions you may have as you become accustomed to your new teeth.
Remember that any dental implants will initially feel a bit strange. You might find that you salivate more, and the muscles in your cheeks and lips need time to become accustomed to holding the denture in place.
Caring for Your New Denture
It can take some time to get used to your new denture, and during this period, you may require several adjustments to achieve a perfect fit.
Taking care of your denture will help it remain in good condition for longer. Below are some tips to follow.
- Always remove your denture at the end of the day and leave it out overnight as your gums need time to recover.
- Clean your denture following our instructions, using a soft-bristle denture brush, mild dish soap, or denture cleaner.
- Overnight, soak your dentures in a proprietary denture solution. This will help remove any plaque and tartar buildup, ensuring they remain fresh and hygienic. It is essential to soak your dentures as they must remain moist. Otherwise, they could begin to warp.
- After removing your denture, remember to brush your gums and any remaining teeth to remove dental plaque and debris. You should also brush again in the morning before you replace a denture.
Eating with Dentures
It will take some time to get used to eating with your dentures, and initially, it’s more comfortable to stick to softer foods that require minimal chewing. As you chew food, try to bite down evenly on both sides, using your tongue to reposition the denture if necessary.
Try cutting food into smaller pieces so it is easier to chew. As you become accustomed to eating with your denture, you can gradually introduce more foods into your diet.
Talking with Dentures
Initially, try practising your speech at home in front of the mirror. You may find that the dentures make a clicking sound or that you have a slight lisp. As you become accustomed to wearing them, your speech will become clearer and easier to understand.
FAQs
-
How Long Do Dentures Last?
A well-cared-for denture could last anywhere between five and seven years. After this time, it may be best to replace it.
-
Are Dentures Uncomfortable to Wear?
We carefully design our dentures so they feel comfortable to wear. However, after tooth loss, your gum and jawbone will change shape and start to resorb. This can affect your denture, causing it to fit less securely and potentially rub against your gums.
One option is to have your denture relined, where we add acrylic to the fitting surface, adapting it to the new shape of your gums and jaw. If you find it increasingly difficult to wear your denture, we may suggest considering an alternative treatment, such as implant-supported dentures, which rest on implants rather than your gums.
-
How Much Will Dentures Cost?
The price depends on the number of teeth requiring replacement, the type of denture, and the type of denture teeth. We offer a wide range of denture teeth, catering to those on a budget as well as premium lines, and can provide quotations based on your preference.
-
Will Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Dentures?
Dentures are considered an essential restorative treatment, as you need a complete set of teeth to eat and speak. Therefore, dental insurance will almost certainly cover part or all of the treatment cost. The percentage covered may depend on the quality of denture teeth chosen.
-
What Happens If I Break My Dentures?
If you break your denture, please get in touch with us for professional denture repair. We can ensure your denture is mended quickly. Please don’t attempt to repair it yourself, as you may damage it, and we may not be able to repair it properly.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th Street, 8th Floor, Suite 2
New York, NY 10017
(212) 810-9264