DENTURES

COMPLETE DENTURES
When a person has had all of their teeth removed we must make complete dentures
for the person to wear. Dentures are an acceptable solution, but no match for our
real teeth! Hence we always try to save natural teeth. When the teeth are removed
we are left with a ridge of bone on the upper and lower parts of our mouth,that we
can use to put false teeth on.The lower denture always takes a little more work for
most patients to get used to for two reasons:lack of height of bone and prescence of
the tongue. The tongue increases in size in an edentulous mouth and it resists any
new encumberence to its unchallenged domain. In the upper ridge however there are
no such interferences .

Upper CD
Lower CD

Advantages

• long term experience over the years

• relative low cost
• predictable results
• tolerated well by most people
• restores missing teeth and lost ridge or gums
• function and appearance is restored
• aesthetically good where lip and cheek support is inadequate
• can be fabricated fairly quickly

Disadvantages

• cause pressure that results in underlying bone resorption and soreness

• removability- not fixed like natural teeth
• bulk
• instability because it is removable and underlying progressive bone
resorption
• looseness as it can only sit atop the gums- especially lowers
• only low chewing or biting forces can be produced
• speech problems due to a large appliance in your mouth and it may move
• taste problems
• longevity- the need to reline to fit or wearing out
• covering the roof of the mouth which can result in gagging problems

• risk of breakage
REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES
An important step in maintaining a healthy smile is to replace missing teeth. When
teeth are missing, the remaining ones can change position, drifting into the
surrounding space. Teeth that are out of position can damage tissues in the mouth.
In addition, it may be difficult to clean thoroughly between crooked teeth. As a result,
you run the risk of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to the
loss of additional teeth. In situations where only some teeth are missing we can also
use a Removable Partial Denture.

A removable partial denture fills in the space created by missing teeth and fills out
your smile.It is usually used when the space without teeth is too large for a bridge,or
there are no teeth on either side of the gap or for economic reasons.The partial
denture locks into place with its metal clasps.A denture helps you to properly chew
food, a difficult task when you are missing teeth. In addition, a denture may improve
speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks. There
are two types of these:ones made fully of plastic(acrylic) or ones having a metal
framework for rigidity and the teeth are the same kind used in full dentures.The latter
ones are called CAST partial dentures and are much better and expensive.

These particular partials replace some upper teeth. The metal you see will fit across
part of the palate.
Parts of a CPD

CPD on model Rem partial denture

A Cast PD

FAQ AB OU T REM OVAB LE P AR TIAL

DENT URES

How do you wear a removable partial denture?

Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or
gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework. Removable
partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called
precision attachments. Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than metal
clasps and they are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the
fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments.

How long will it take to get used to wearing a denture?

For the first few weeks, your new partial denture may feel awkward or bulky.
However, your mouth will eventually become accustomed to wearing it. Inserting and
removing the denture will require some practice. Follow all instructions. Your denture
should fit into place with relative ease. Never force the partial denture into position
by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps.

How long should I wear the denture?

We will give you specific instruction about how long the denture should be worn and
when it should be removed. Initially, you may be asked to wear your partial denture
all the time. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is the quickest way to
identify those denture parts that may need adjustment. If the denture puts too much
pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore. Then we need to adjust the
denture to fit more comfortably. After making adjustments,we will normally
recommend that you take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and
replace it in the morning.

Will it be difficult to eat with a partial denture?

Replacing missing teeth should make eating a more pleasant experience. Start out
by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth
to keep even pressure on the denture. Avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard.
You may want to avoid chewing gum while you adjust to the denture.

Will the denture change how I speak?

It can be difficult to speak clearly when you are missing teeth. Consequently,
wearing a partial denture may help.If you find it difficult to pronounce certain words
with your new denture, practice reading out loud. Repeat the words that give you
trouble. With time, you will become accustomed to speaking properly with your
denture.

How do I take care of my denture?

Handling a denture requires care.Brush the denture each day to remove food
deposits and plaque. Brushing your denture helps prevent the appliance from
becoming permanently stained. Rinse the denture under water after meals to
remove loose food debris. Brush regularly after each meal, or at least before bed.
Brush with water, soap, or a mildly abrasive toothpaste, or denture paste. Scouring
powders or other abrasive cleaners should not be used because they scratch the
denture. Scratches make the denture more susceptible to collecting debris, plaque
and stain. You can use a denture brush or a regular soft toothbrush to clean the
denture, but use a separate brush for cleaning any natural teeth you have. It's best
to use a brush that is designed for cleaning dentures. A denture brush has bristles
that are arranged to fit the shape of the denture.A regular, soft-bristled toothbrush is
also acceptable.Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can damage the
denture.Clean your dentures by thoroughly rinsing off loose food particles. Moisten
the brush and apply the denture cleaner. Brush all denture surfaces gently to avoid
damaging the plastic or bending the attachments.Make sure you reach all areas of
the denture.When brushing the appliance do not hold it firmly or with pressure as
this can break the denture. Clean the denture over a sink half filled with water and
place a towel in the sink to act as a cushion in case the denture should drop. Do not
soak or rinse the denture in hot water, this can distort the shape and fit of the
denture. Never scrape the denture with sharp instruments in an attempt to remove
hard deposits. Instead, take it to a dental professional for them to remove the
deposits.

We can recommend a denture cleaner. Some people use hand soap or mild
dishwashing liquid to clean their dentures, which are both acceptable. Other types of
household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should not be used
for cleaning dentures. The denture can be soaked in a solvent (such as Efferdent,
Polident) or a detergent with a chemical action that removes or loosens light stains
and deposits. Rinse the denture with water afterwards. Chemical immersions can be
done daily or several times a week. Ultrasonic cleaning is done during a dental
appointment to remove heavy stain and calculus (tartar). The most effective way to
keep your dentures clean is by daily brushing, in combination with soaking the
dentures in a chemical solution.

Your gums are important too:

Not only do your dentures need maintenance, but care also needs to be given to the
tissues under your denture. The gums should be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush
or a washcloth. This removes the plaque and debris on the gums. It also massages
and stimulates circulation of tissues. Massage your gums by placing the thumb and
index finger over the ridge and use a "press-and-release" stroke.

Will my denture need adjusting?

Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth
naturally changes, which can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges
can recede or shrink, resulting in a loose-fitting denture.Dentures that do not fit
properly should be adjusted. Loose dentures can cause various problems, including
sores or infections.If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips,
or if one of the teeth becomes loose,you need to see us immediately. In many cases,
necessary adjustments or repairs can be made.

INSTR UCTIONS FO R P ATIENTS WITH

DENT URES

You've just received your new dentures. whether you're a seasoned veteran or a
new denture wearer, we're sure there are many questions which may need to be
answered. We hope that the following information will prove to be helpful during the
next few weeks of your denture adjustment period.

• Learning to wear a new denture can take time. Don't become discouraged if
you find some difficulty in the beginning. YOU'RE NOT ALONE! Please do
not listen to friends who tell you how easy it was for them to get used to their
dentures and how they can eat everything and anything. They are either
bragging, have greater bone and gum support or their memories may be
poor.Your dentist will help you through any difficulties you may face or any
 situations that may arise during your adjustment period.

• A lower denture usually takes more time to adjust to than an upper denture.
The tongue may feel restricted and will tend to play, sometimes even
subconsciously, with the new prosthesis. It will soon adapt to the restrictions
and to the new feeling that a denture presents.

• It is natural to experience fullness of the mouth with new dentures. Expect to

have excessive flow of saliva. At first you will have a feeling of looseness,
especially the lower denture. You will adjust to it.

• Try to eat only soft foods for the first couple of days. Then, as you progress
to more solid foods try to eat slowly and deliberately, attempting to place
even amounts of food on both sides at the same time during the chewing
cycle. By placing food on both sides of the mouth at the same time, you
balance the biting forces on the new denture and will help to make it more
stable. The longer you take to eat your meal, the faster you will learn to
master your new prosthesis.

• Try to take small bites at first. Cut all your food into small portions. If, and
when, your gum tissues are strong enough to try foods which are bitten off
(bread, corn on the cob, etc. ), try to press the food against the back teeth
on the upper in order to stabilize the denture.

• It is perfectly normal to experience some discomfort associated with sore

spots during the adjustment period. Nature did not intend for us to wear hard
plastic against soft gum tissue. It takes a while for the gum tissues to firm up
and to accommodate to the hard plastic denture.

• If sore spots should develop (and in some cases they do not), please
be sure to wear the denture for at least 24 hours prior to your
adjustment visit! If your dentist can't see the sore spot visually, it is
sometimes impossible for him to make the necessary adjustments.

• Reading aloud during the first couple of days will go a long way in reducing
any minor speech problems which may result from wearing a new denture. If
speech problems continue to persist, please let your dentist know.

• An unclean denture is neither healthy, attractive or comfortable. Clean you

new denture every morning and night with either a denture toothbrush and
denture toothpaste ( if necessary, any toothpaste can be used ) or with one
of the commercially available denture cleaners or soak them overnight in
baking soda and water. Please be sure to check with your dentist to make
sure that the commercial cleaner will not interfere with the type of denture
liner you may have in your prosthesis. Permanent soft liners and temporary
soft liners react poorly to most commercial cleaners.

• We prefer that you leave out both of your dentures at night. This allows your
gum tissues to breathe and also relieves them of the constant pressures of
mastication. When left out of the mouth, all dentures should be left in water
to prevent warpage.

• Using excessive amounts of denture adhesive to retain ill-fitting dentures

invites serious problems and more involved correction at a later date.

• Gum tissues are in a constant state of change but dentures are not.
 Therefore, periodic relining of your dentures may be necessary. If you find
your denture getting looser and mastication more difficult, this may be a sign
that a reline may be needed. It is very important for your dentist to see you
regularly to evaluate the state of your oral tissues and to determine if
additional treatment is required. Dentures typically need to be relined or
remade every 3-5 years.

• NEVER try to adjust your dentures yourself ! Home remedies, although

simple, will only lead to trouble.

If any problems arise or if you have any additional questions, your dentist is
available to help.