Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are removable prosthetic devices used to replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw (or both). They rest on the gum tissues and are custom-made to fit the unique contours of an individual’s mouth.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of complete dentures:

Why are Complete Dentures Needed?

Complete dentures become necessary when all natural teeth in one or both jaws have been lost due to:
- Severe tooth decay
- Advanced gum disease
- Injury or trauma
- Other medical conditions

Replacing missing teeth with complete dentures offers several benefits:

Improved Chewing Ability: Restores the ability to eat a wider variety of foods.
Enhanced Speech: Missing teeth can affect pronunciation; dentures help restore normal speech patterns.
Facial Support: Dentures provide support for the cheeks and lips, preventing a sunken facial appearance that can occur after tooth loss.
Improved Aesthetics: Replaces missing teeth, leading to a more natural and confident smile.
Increased Self-Confidence: A complete smile can significantly boost self-esteem

Types of Complete Dentures:

Conventional Dentures: These are made and inserted about 8 to 12 weeks after the remaining teeth have been extracted and the gum tissue has healed. This allows for proper healing and settling of the gum tissues for a more comfortable fit

Immediate Dentures: These are made in advance and inserted immediately after the extraction of the remaining teeth. The benefit is that the patient doesn’t have to go without teeth during the healing period. However, because the gums and bone will shrink and change shape as they heal, immediate dentures often require adjustments or relining after a few months to achieve a proper fit.

Implant-Supported Complete Dentures (Overdentures): These dentures are anchored to dental implants that have been surgically placed in the jawbone. This provides significantly more stability and retention compared to conventional dentures that rely solely on the gums for support. They can be either removable (snapped onto the implants) or fixed (removable only by a dentist).

The Complete Denture Procedure:

The process of getting complete dentures typically involves several appointments over a few weeks or months:

1. Initial Examination and Impressions: The dentist will examine your mouth, gums, and any remaining teeth (if immediate dentures are planned). Impressions (molds) of your upper and lower jaws are taken using a special material.

2. Creating a Model: The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where a plaster model of your mouth is created.

3. Customizing the Denture: The lab uses the model to create wax registration blocks. These help determine the correct bite relationship (how your upper and lower jaws come together) and the space available for the artificial teeth.

4. Tooth Selection and Arrangement: You and your dentist will discuss the size, shape, and color of the artificial teeth to ensure a natural and pleasing appearance. The lab then arranges these teeth in a wax base that mimics gum tissue.

5. Wax Try-In: You’ll have a try-in appointment where you’ll wear the wax denture. This allows you and your dentist to evaluate the fit, comfort, appearance, and bite. Adjustments can be made at this stage.

6. Final Denture Fabrication: Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the try-in, the wax denture is sent back to the lab. The wax is replaced with a durable acrylic or other suitable material, and the final denture is processed and polished.

7. Denture Insertion and Adjustments: The dentist will insert the final denture and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and proper bite. You’ll receive instructions on how to wear, care for, and clean your new dentures.

8. Follow-up Appointments: Several follow-up appointments are usually needed to check for sore spots, make further adjustments, and ensure the dentures are functioning correctly as your mouth adapts.

Advantages of Complete Dentures:

Restoration of Function: Improves chewing and speaking abilities.
Enhanced Appearance: Provides a more complete and natural-looking smile.
Support for Facial Structures: Helps prevent sagging of facial muscles.
Increased Confidence: Improves self-esteem and social interaction.
Economical Option: Generally less expensive than implant-supported replacements.
Adjustable: Can be modified if there are changes in the mouth.

Complete Denture Care:

Proper care is essential for the longevity of your dentures and the health of your mouth:

Clean Dentures Daily: Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser to remove food particles and plaque. Regular toothpaste can be too abrasive.

Rinse After Eating: Rinse your dentures with water after each meal to remove loose food particles.

Handle with Care: Be careful not to drop your dentures, as they can break.

Soak Dentures Overnight: Most dentures should be soaked in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight to prevent them from drying out and warping. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning solutions.

Clean Your Mouth: After removing your dentures, brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush or a damp cloth to remove plaque and stimulate circulation.

Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for checkups to ensure the dentures fit properly and to monitor the health of your oral tissues. Adjustments or relining may be needed over time.

Avoid Harsh Products: Don’t use bleach or abrasive cleaners on your dentures, as they can damage the material or alter the color.

Don’t Use Hot Water: Avoid soaking dentures in hot or boiling water, as this can cause them to warp.