What are complete dentures?
Dentures are either conventional or immediate. A conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed and gum tissue has healed. Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed.
However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal; therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.
What are partial dentures?
A partial denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth that consists of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw.
Partial Dentures can also be a fixed bridge that replaces one or more teeth with crowns placed on the adjacent teeth and artificial teeth cemented between them. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is a removable appliance with internal attachments rather than clasps, which attach to the adjacent crowns. These are more natural-looking.
Alternatives
Yes, dental implants can be used to support cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants. Consult your dentist for advice.
What do they feel like?
New dentures may feel a little odd or loose for a few weeks until the muscles of the cheeks and tongue learn to keep them in place and you get comfortable inserting and removing them. Also, it is not unusual for minor irritation or soreness to occur and for saliva flow to increase when you first start wearing dentures, but these problems will diminish as the mouth adjusts.
Will Eating With New Dentures Be Difficult?
Eating with new dentures will take a little practice and may be uncomfortable for some wearers for a few weeks. To get used to the new denture, start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. As you get used to new dentures, add other foods until you return to a normal diet. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells. And, avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard. You should also avoid chewing gum while you wear the denture. Also, don’t use toothpicks while wearing dentures.
