A Denture is a set
of false teeth. This can be made of acrylic, fibre-glass, metal,
or a combination of these materials. A denture is generally made
to replace missing teeth that are not possible to replace by a
fixed bridge. This means that a fixed bridge is superior to a
removable denture, but there are situations when it is
technically not possible to make a bridge.
A denture that
replaces some teeth is called a Partial denture, while one
that replaces all teeth is called a Full or Complete
denture.
Getting a denture
made can prevent problems that arise when missing teeth are not
replaced:
Inability
to eat properly.
Appearance
problems - missing teeth in the front of the mouth are
obviously visible. The lips and cheeks may also sink-in
to give a wrinkled appearance.
Drifting
of adjoining teeth and over-eruption of opposing teeth.
Your dentist can
begin constructing your denture once the extraction sockets have
healed and your mouth has been rid of any existing infection. The
mouth has to be healthy to be able to take the additional load of
a denture. After examining your mouth your dentist can recommend
the denture that will suit you.
A well-made
denture will help you eat better, feel better and look better.
But these dentures have a life span, depending on the material
chosen. After a denture has given it's life it needs to be
replaced to prevent damaging your mouth.
It is very
important to look after your dentures properly to ensure that
they serve you well. Dentures need to be removed after every
meal, cleaned and then reinserted. They must be removed at night
and stored in water - this gives the mouth some rest - please
remember that the parts of your mouth supporting the denture were
not originally designed for this purpose. It is necessary to
thorough clean your dentures atleast once every day to remove the
accumulated deposits.
Your new dentures
are likely to hurt for some time after being inserted in the
mouth. This should settle down within a few days. This is
something new for the mouth and the mouth will need some days to
adjust. If your dentures still hurt after the initial period, you
may need to get them adjusted.
It is important to
appreciate that a denture is basically a compromise. Only when
other solutions are not possible will your dentist think of
making a denture. But then having some teeth to chew with and
show-off is better than having nothing in the mouth.
