Introduction

Dentures are removable false teeth (artificial teeth and gums) that help you eat well, smile beautifully, and prevent further damage to the oral cavity when you have tooth loss due to any reason.

These are affordable, effective, and comfortable solutions for tooth loss in the hands of a trained and experienced dentist.

You will be able to converse clearly, feel confident smiling, fill in the gaps in your teeth, and eat properly with well-fitted dentures.

We at Morgan Hill Dentistry boast of a team of dental specialists and staff who put your safety and comfort foremost.

What is the Process of Getting Dentures?

● A thorough dental examination– This rules out and/or treats existing dental issues like infection, decay, etc

●Preparing the dentures– Proper measurements are needed along with a mold of teeth to ensure a proper fit

●Fitting of the dentures– A proper fit is ensured without pain and discomfort. Necessary adjustments may be made.

●Adapting to your Dentures- it takes time to get comfortable with a denture but after that, it feels like regular teeth 

Let’s Learn About the Various Types of Dentures 

Dentures are prescribed based on the presence or absence of teeth, the health of your gums, and other considerations.

Advanced technology has made it possible to design dentures that are comfortable and visibly better than ever before. 

Complete/Full dentures 

These can be either the immediate type or the conventional type. The expertise of the dentist matters much to ensure the proper selection of material as well as the proper fit for complete denture prosthodontics.

Conventional dentures are preferred and are a permanent solution. Immediate dentures are used for the time period before conventional dentures can be fitted.

Sometimes they may be used for 3-4 months. Fitting conventional dentures takes 8-12 weeks after removing the teeth so that the gums have healed and a proper fit can be achieved. Full or complete dentures are needed when natural teeth are absent. 

Also Read: The Truth About The Worst Foods For Teeth

Partial Dentures 

These are preferred when one or more natural teeth are present in either jaw.

 

What Is A Partial Denture Exactly? 

It is usually a removable one which may also be called a bridge. It consists of a gum-colored base with replacement teeth. It takes some time to create this denture to fit perfectly and it uses a metal framework for the same to hold it in place in the mouth. 

Partial Fixed Dentures 

These may also be referred to as Cantilever dentures. These are used to replace a missing tooth which prevents teeth from moving by filling that gap.

Two to three appointments usually suffice to make a customized partial fixed denture. It requires less preparation compared to the conventional types. 

Implants Supported Dentures

All-on-four dental implants are advanced solutions for people with all the teeth missing from their jaws. Denture with implants can be removed when needed.

It may require a few months to complete the procedure. For these types of dentures, holes are drilled into the gums to place implants.

This is done using sedation and ensuring the patient is comfortable. The healing period may take a few months before permanent dentures are fitted. 

The dentures with implants are an advanced solution that reduces or even stops the loss of bone. They are a better fit and more comfortable. 

All About Denture Adhesives

Denture glue or adhesives are used to keep dentures in place and are not always required. They contain adhesive agents and antimicrobial agents. They may also contain flavoring agents.

Certain situations may warrant the use of denture glue while others require avoidance of adhesives. 

Denture adhesives provide better retention, improved bite strength, stability, and a sense of security to the wearer.

People with certain health issues or on some medications may suffer from a dry mouth which can reduce denture adherence.

People in professions like singing, public speaking, etc., need adhesives for stable and secure dentures. The elderly may also require adhesives. 

If the dentures are causing issues or their fit is poor, adhesives should not be used. A dental appointment should be taken to resolve the issue.

When dentures get old, they may need replacement as gums recede over time and the jawbone can also show changes. One may need new dentures. If one develops sores around dentures or develops an allergy to adhesives, it is important to consult your dentist. 

What Is the Best Denture Adhesive?

What is best for one may not be so for the other. One may choose the type of denture adhesive depending on the price, how often you can do the cleaning, and upon individual comfort of application. Pastes are considered to provide stronger adhesion compared to powders.

1. Paste application 
2. Powder application 
3. Strip application 

How To Apply Denture Adhesive?

General tips for all kinds of denture adhesives 

● Denture should be thoroughly cleaned before application 

● Use the minimum amount which is sufficient to provide adhesion

● Apply the adhesive evenly to the surface

● Use well-fitted dentures otherwise the chances of bites and sores increase 

●For paste application– apply along the ridge area for the upper jaw and in the center of the ridge area when using for the lower jaw 

●For powder application– dust a thin layer of powder on wet dentures to the area which will adhere to the bone tissue. 

●For adhesive strips– these are applied to dry dentures. A complete strip or smaller strips may be used. 

How to Remove Denture Adhesive?

● Rinse the mouth with warm water and swish it around to loosen the adhesive. After this, you can gently remove the denture and rinse your mouth again to clean the adhesive from the gums.

● You may use mouthwash instead of warm water. This also helps with oral health. 

● You can also use a saline solution instead of the above two options to get the same results.

Always use a soft-bristled brush to clean any residual adhesive from the dentures and the mouth.

 

Care for your Dentures 

Our team at Morgan Hill Dentistry ably guides the patients on the proper care of dentures.  

The following points can are recommended for your oral hygiene as well as for the dentures to ensure their longevity and to avoid infections. 

● You will need a proper denture cleaner and a specific brush to clean your dentures. A soft-bristled brush should be used.

● Rinse after every meal

● Gums should be gently cleaned and massaged daily. The tongue and roof of the mouth also need to be cleaned. 

● Avoid dropping your dentures. You can use a towel to stand to avoid breakage in case the dentures fall.

● Do not keep dentures on unclean surfaces. 

● Keep your dentures moist

● Dentures can be soaked in 2% chlorhexidine to disinfect them.

● Never miss your dental appointment 

If you have any dental issues or any queries related to dentures, our experts at Morgan Hill Dentistry, an emergency Dental Office can guide you appropriately. Book an appointment