Northridge Dentist is a dental clinic specializing in numerous cosmetic procedures such as dentures. Dentures are detachable replacements for absent teeth. Tooth loss can be caused by gum diseases, physical injury, tooth decay, and systemic conditions such as diabetes and poor nutrition. Failure to replace lost teeth may result in chewing difficulty, displacement of the remaining teeth, and a sagging face. Missing teeth can also lower your self-esteem and cause mental anxiety. Our dentists will check your oral health to know the best dentures for you.
Procedure for Getting Dentures
Though the process may vary with individual conditions, here are the steps for acquiring dentures:
1. Examination
Aside from looking for infections in your gums and teeth, the dentist will check the underlying bone to know if it needs to be reshaped to accommodate the dentures. It also involves extracting teeth and any excessive soft tissue that may hinder the installation of the new teeth.
2. Taking Measurements
Your Northridge Dentist will conduct a bite registration to establish the connection between the top and bottom jaw. This could involve using a wax rim and loose dentures to estimate the arrangement of the teeth to prevent clicks when you chew or talk. The dentist will also guide you in teeth selection based on your preferences, facial appearance, and jaw measurements.
3. Installation
It involves fitting dentures and making any arising adjustments. Though it may take a while to adjust to the new teeth, feel free to visit the dentist in case of pain. In some cases, the dentures need to be relined to fit properly.
Types of Dentures
After the necessary checkups, here are the types of dentures your doctor is likely to recommend:
· Full Dentures: Unlike dental bridges that are fixed to existing teeth, full dentures rest on the gums and replace all the absent teeth. Available in upper and lower sections, the removable dentures are held by suction or oral adhesive that prevents food particles from sticking under the teeth.
· Partial Dentures: They not only fill spaces left by lost teeth but also prevent the remaining ones from shifting. Partials are fastened to your mouth by a metal bridge and a gum-like pink footing. They are detachable, allowing you to remove them as you please.
· Snap-On Dentures: Instead of relying on the gum for support, snap-on dentures are secured to the jawbone by screw-like implants. In most cases, snap-on dentures require two surgeries. While the first one fits the implants into the jawbone, the second operation uncovers the implants for placement of the dentures.
· Custom Dentures: They’re made with individual specifications to suit your appearance. As such, they incorporate both medical and artistic prowess. Because of the effort that goes into making them look natural, custom dentures are more expensive.
· Economy Dentures: Apart from their unnatural look, these dentures are loose and uncomfortable, making it necessary to secure them with a dental adhesive. Also, they’re an affordable way of acquiring dentures.
· Immediate Dentures: They’re pre-made dentures fitted soon after your teeth are extracted. The downside is not being able to try them beforehand. In most cases, they serve as a temporary solution to patients who don’t want to stay toothless as their gums heal. In addition to controlling swelling and bleeding, the dentures also help your gums adjust to future teeth. After recovery, the dentures can be removed or relined to match the underlying bone shape.
· Overdentures: They rest on your gums and are supported by dental implants or natural teeth. Depending on your condition, overdentures can be put on the top or bottom gum lining. Overdentures are comfortable because they don’t cover the palate. Also, you can remove them at any time.
Materials for Making Dentures
1. Acrylic Resin
It’s used to make the teeth and base of the denture. While the gum is pink, the teeth are enamel-colored. The beauty of this material is the ability to fit into a desired spot in the mouth.
Advantages
· Easy to modify by grinding
· Comfortable
· Inexpensive
· Acrylic teeth and bases bond easily
· Ease of attaching a new bottom and teeth on the current denture minimizes costs
Disadvantages
· Stains easily
· Contains tiny pits that keep bacteria
· Wears easily
2. Porcelain
This glass-like material has translucent attributes that give it a natural feel. This makes it ideal for the more visible front teeth. Porcelain dentures are heated to make them more durable. However, this material is abrasive, making it unsuitable for partial dentures that touch teeth when chewing.
Advantages
· Can be color-matched to suit your smile
· Resists stains
· Compatible with the gum
· Durable
· Natural-looking because they resemble the enamel
Disadvantages
· Costly procedure
· Sensitive to cold and hot foods
· Not recommended for patients who grind their teeth
· Irreparable after cracking
3. Metal
Usually, a cobalt-chromium alloy metal is used to make the denture mounting framework. Though they’re smaller than acrylic alternatives, metal dentures are more expensive because of the work that goes into making them look natural. They are light to minimize the metal taste in the patient’s mouth.
Advantages
· Better fitting
· Less bulky because it’s light
· Less porous
· Improved thermal conductivity
· Less damage to the tissue beneath the metal base
· Resistant to abrasion
Disadvantages
· Expensive because of the cobalt-chrome raw materials
· Takes longer to build
· Difficult to reline
· May irritate the soft tissue
· Unaesthetic
Taking Care of Your Dentures
Keep smiling with the following denture-care tips:
1. Keep Them Clean
Remove your dentures and rinse them with water after meals. Don’t forget to brush them daily. This not only rids them of food particles but also prevents the formation of permanent stains. Avoid toothpaste because it corrodes the dentures and creates openings for dirt to build up. Additionally, stay away from abrasive bleaches that whiten the pink area of the dentures. Instead, use gentle dishwashing and hand soaps. Rinse your mouth after pulling them out. Using a soft toothbrush or gauze, clean natural teeth, palate, tongue, gums, and cheeks. Hard bristles can injure your mouth and damage the dentures. While at it, remove adhesive remains from your gums.
2. Soak Them Overnight
Because they contain microscopic holes, brushing alone isn’t enough to make your dentures clean. They need a mixture that can penetrate these pores and kill the bacteria. While some prefer denture cleansers, you can make the solution by mixing water with vinegar. In the case of metal clasps, soak the dentures in warm water. However, boiling water can warp the teeth. Though most dentures require moisture to retain their shape, read the manufacturer’s instructions or consult your dentist for tips on how to care for them. Ensure you rinse your dentures properly before wearing them. Swallowing cleansing solutions can cause burns and vomiting.
3. Handle Them Carefully
To prevent your dentures from breaking when they slip, clean them over a towel or a sink containing water. Be careful not to bend their clasps when washing. Aside from accidents, dentures are more likely to break when the jaw bone shrinks. In most cases, this occurs when older dentures do not fit anymore, therefore, causing fractures as a result of pressure from chewing. Low-quality material also exposes them to breakage. A soft lining means the denture may succumb to pressure because it contains less acrylic and keeps the artificial teeth away from children and pets.
4. Don’t Repair Fractured Dentures at Home
Aside from interfering with the fit, fixing broken dentures on your own destroys them further. Something that was supposed to be a simple repair could end as a replacement, which may cost you more in the long run. Also, you may injure your mouth if you leave sharp edges protruding from the dentures. Additionally, the glue you use to fix your dentures may be harmful. Ensure your fractured dentures are corrected quickly. Using damaged dentures or abandoning them altogether can disrupt your jaw arrangement.
5. Take a Break from Them
Despite being comfortable, give your dentures a break. Having them on non-stop stresses the gums and bony ridges underneath, gradually reducing their volume and density. Consequently, the declining bone loses grip of your dentures and makes them loose. With time, your cheeks and lips begin to sag, changing your facial appearance. Dentures also hinder saliva production, causing soft tissue infections and cracking the edges of your mouth. If you must wear the artificial teeth overnight, remove them during the day and immerse them in water for a minimum of six hours. Avoid folding your dentures in tissue paper because they may deform and gather bacteria. Also, you may mistake them for trash and dispose of them.
6. Regular Dental Checkups
Though your dentist may suggest otherwise, oral examinations should occur every six months. The doctor will look for sores, color changes, lumps, bleeding, and any other unusual conditions in your mouth. The checkups also allow the dentist to rectify loose dentures to enhance comfort and stop them from clicking as you talk and eat. Dentures are likely to last longer if they’re in optimal condition. You also get expert advice on how to care for your dentures as you have them professionally cleaned.
Waiting to Get Dentures After Teeth Extraction
Apart from immediate dentures that are installed soon after tooth extraction, the wait time for dentures is different for everyone. Several processes occur before you get new dentures. In the case of partial dentures, the dentist will start by cleaning your mouth. This step is crucial because your natural teeth have to be in good shape before supporting any new teeth.
It will take longer if your teeth haven’t been professionally cleaned in 6 months. In normal circumstances, it will take approximately 8 weeks for your gums to heal and accommodate the dentures. This period could be longer if you’re suffering from diabetes that delays the recovery. Implant-supported dentures will take even more time. You have to wait 6 months before the screws in your gums fuse with the jawbone.
Ingesting Solid Food After Acquiring Dentures
Dentures come with changes such as chewing difficulties and the inability to detect food flavors and temperatures. Here are some of the eating habits you need to adopt after getting new dentures.
· Eat Soft Foods: After denture installation, eat tender meals that are easy to chew. Crunchy foods not only stress the gums but also expose them to inflammation. Puddings, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, as well as cereals supply the necessary nutrition without injuring the gums.
· Avoid Spicy and Acidic Foods: Spicy foods can cause a burning sensation, especially when you have wounds. This is also true for drinks with high acidity, for example, sodas and juices like tomatoes, citrus, and cranberry. Because the sucking effect can cause bleeding, don’t drink from straws.
· Steam Your Vegetables: Aside from tenderizing your veggies, steaming them prevents the loss of essential nutrients. You can also soften them by microwaving or boiling them. Eat a variety of vegetables to prevent boredom and access different nutrients.
· Shun Sticky Dishes: Gummy foods like raisins, caramel, marshmallows, toffees, and peanut butter attach themselves to your molars, shifting your dentures. They remain on the teeth even after you clean them. The lingering food can also cause bacterial growth. You can replace peanut butter with hummus. Aside from spreading easily, it supplies protein without sticking on your teeth.
· Don’t Eat Dishes with Tiny Particles: Fruits containing minute seeds as well as baked dishes with seeded crusts are likely to stick between your gum tissues and dentures. You can swap strawberries for seedless grapes or blueberries. Similarly, substitute seedy baked foods with their whole-grain alternatives.
· No Coffee: Aside from staining the teeth, coffee hinders saliva production and dries your mouth. Saliva lubricates the dentures preventing any friction that may irritate the underlying gums. Moreover, the coffee’s heat can cause your gums to bleed.
· Munch with Both Sides: Put food at the far end of your artificial teeth and chew on two sides. This distributes the force equally to keep the dentures steady. Remember to take your time to chew. Aside from grinding the food properly to prevent choking, chewing slowly prevents the likelihood of injury and helps you adjust to the artificial teeth.
· Don’t Use the Front Teeth for Biting: Although this is the norm for natural teeth, tearing into food at the front can shift your dentures and irritate your gum line. As an alternative, bite using the canines and roll the portion to the back.
· Take Small Bites: Start with small portions when you’re ready for solid foods. This involves slicing carrots and apples into thin pieces, using a knife to scrape corn cobs, and removing bread crusts. As a result, it’s easier for you to bite and chew the food.
· Utilize Denture Adhesives: Available as powders and creams, adhesives hold your artificial teeth in place to prevent shifting as you chew. They also block food particles from sticking beneath your dentures. To stop the glue from seeping out of your gums, apply it far from the edges. Use a small portion and increase it if the need arises.
· Avoid Tough Meats: Since they require a lot of chewing, tough meats may cause soreness beneath your new teeth. If you must have meat, slow-cook it to make it tender and deepen its flavor. You can also substitute it with fish, chicken, and ground meat.
· Be Wary of Hot Foods: Because they insulate the mouth, dentures increase the possibility of burns by making it hard to detect hot substances. Use your lips to test the temperature or avoid hot foods until your mouth is more sensitive to heat.
Dentures Lifespan
Dentures can go between seven and ten years. Like most oral restorations, however, they need regular replacement to function optimally. Here’s how to know whether your dentures need to be changed.
· Changes in Fit: A shrinking jawbone may loosen your artificial teeth, making it hard to eat and speak. Failure to wear your dentures can also make them too tight. While upper dentures should be sucked into your gums, lower dentures should hang over them but remain in the mouth. Partial dentures, on the other hand, should align with your real teeth without movement.
· Broken Denture Base: The base is the part of the denture where prosthetic teeth are attached. This means the denture won’t function of it’s damaged. The dentist will evaluate the base’s condition and decide whether it needs repair or replacement.
· Broken and Absent Teeth: Aside from impact, artificial teeth may break if you exert too much pressure on them. In this case, denture replacement not only helps you speak and eat better but also boosts your confidence and improves your smile.
· Stains: Despite cleaning them regularly, your dentures may become dirty over time. This could be caused by bacteria trapped inside denture cracks. Likewise, persistent odor even after maintaining proper oral hygiene points at denture defects that may lead to gum infections.
· Pain and Discomfort: Although they aren’t your real teeth, dentures should feel comfortable in your mouth. Gum irritation may signal denture defects. Bleeding, inflammation, and pain when you take a bite is your cue to get your mouth checked.
Dealing with Uncomfortable Dentures
The following are some of the procedures your Northridge Dentist professional will conduct to make them more comfortable:
1. Relining
It involves adding an extra lining to the bottom of your dentures to improve their fitness. This is because the density of gum tissues decreases when a tooth is extracted. Relines are divided into:
Soft Relines
They’re preferred by patients who experience soreness when they wear artificial teeth since their gums are excessively soft. The doctor places a spongy material between the denture’s base and gum tissue. In addition to being tasteless and odorless, the lining should be tear-resistant and easy to clean. Soft relines are used in the following situations:
· Reduce swelling after surgery to minimize excess bone at the center of the palate
· Paired with immediate dentures after tooth removal to allow the underlying bone to heal
· Placed between implants and denture bases to minimize pressure on the gums
Hard Relines
They provide a lasting reline fix without getting a new fitting. However, they’re unsuitable for patients who are irritated by dental fittings. When installing hard relines, the doctor cuts plastic from the prosthetics and spreads putty on the region where the denture touches the mouth tissue. They then put it in your mouth and let for the putty turn rubbery. Eventually, the dentist replaces the putty with acrylic, allowing the denture to adjust to your mouth. On average, hard relines last for two years.
Temporary Relines
They are short-term fixes for sore dentures that have gone for long without being examined. In this case, neither soft nor hard relines can eliminate the discomfort. To reduce inflammation, the doctor covers the gums with treated material that stays until the sores heal. When you recover, the dentist will present the option of another denture or hard reline.
2. Rebasing
It involves removing the bottom of the denture so that only the teeth and their structure remain. It occurs when the base is unbalanced, weak, or porous. The dentist may suggest this procedure if the teeth are in good condition, but the base is worn out. The following are some of the functions for rebasing:
· Establish balance and retention
· Correct the relationship between the denture and the underlying tissue
· Correct the maxillomandibular and occlusal bond
For starters, the dentist uses the denture to create an impression and obtain a cast. They then section the artificial teeth. Porcelain teeth are extracted by flaming. Later, they coat the cast’s ridge with base plate wax. Later, the teeth are reattached, and the denture remounted after confirming there are no errors.
Find a Northridge Dentist Near Me
We offer dental services to patients in Northridge and beyond. Our team of experts uses modern techniques to deliver that beautiful smile. In addition to fixing dentures, Northridge Dentist specializes in numerous cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry procedures. Call us at 818-875-0216 to arrange an appointment.
