Dentures Mississauga
Dentures are removable dental prostheses designed to replace missing teeth and restore important oral functions such as chewing and speaking. They can also help support the appearance of the face and smile after tooth loss. Depending on how many teeth are missing and the condition of your remaining teeth and gums, your dentist may recommend complete dentures, partial dentures, or an implant-supported denture.
Types of Dentures: Complete, Partial, and Implant-Supported Dentures
The type of denture that is right for you depends on the number of missing teeth, the health of your remaining natural teeth, the condition of your gums and jawbone, and your personal needs. Complete dentures replace all teeth in an upper or lower dental arch, while partial dentures replace several missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. Implant-supported dentures are secured to dental implants for additional stability.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are designed to replace all of the natural teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They consist of a custom-made base that rests on the gums and supports a full set of artificial teeth. Depending on the individual's anatomy and the type of denture, retention may be provided by the natural shape of the mouth, denture adhesive, or dental implants. Complete dentures are removable, allowing them to be taken out for cleaning and maintenance.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain but several teeth are missing. They typically include replacement teeth attached to a base that fits around the remaining natural teeth. Depending on the design, a partial denture may use a metal framework and clasps or other components to help keep the appliance stable during normal activities such as eating and speaking.
Partial dentures can be an option when multiple teeth are missing and a fixed bridge or dental implants are not suitable or are not the preferred treatment. Your dentist will assess your remaining teeth and overall oral health before recommending the most appropriate tooth replacement option.
Construction of Complete and Partial Dentures
Complete dentures are custom-made to fit the shape of the patient's dental arch and gums. The denture base is commonly made from acrylic and is designed to resemble natural gum tissue, while the artificial teeth can be made from acrylic or other dental materials. Proper fit is important for comfort, stability, and everyday activities such as eating and speaking.
Partial dentures are designed around the natural teeth that remain. They may include a metal or acrylic framework with artificial teeth positioned where the natural teeth are missing. Depending on the design, clasps or other components connect the denture to selected natural teeth and help improve stability during normal oral function.
The Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are removable dentures that are retained by dental implants placed in the jawbone. Unlike conventional dentures, which rest primarily on the gums, implant-supported dentures attach to implants to provide additional stability. They may be considered for patients who have lost all or most of the teeth in an arch and have suitable bone and overall oral health for implant treatment.
Because implant treatment requires careful assessment and planning, your dentist will evaluate your jawbone, gums, remaining oral structures, and overall dental needs before determining whether an implant-supported denture is appropriate. This option can provide improved stability compared with conventional removable dentures for appropriately selected patients.
Denture Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper denture care helps keep your dentures clean and comfortable and can support good oral hygiene. Dentures should be cleaned every day and handled carefully to reduce the risk of damage. The following steps can help maintain your dentures:
- Remove your dentures and rinse them under running water to help remove loose food particles.
- Use a denture brush or soft toothbrush with a denture cleanser or mild soap to gently clean all surfaces of the denture, including around the artificial teeth.
- Clean your gums, tongue, and palate gently while your dentures are removed.
- If you have remaining natural teeth, continue brushing them twice a day and cleaning between them as recommended by your dentist.
- When not wearing your dentures, store them as directed by your dental team to help prevent them from drying out or becoming damaged.
Regular dental appointments are also important even if you wear complete dentures. Your dentist can check the condition and fit of your dentures and examine your gums and other oral tissues for changes that may require attention.
