Dental prostheses

Dental prostheses (traditional removable dentures)

Losing one`s teeth is always cause for problems with nutrition and speech. There are situations in which we face the loss of all teeth, so removable dentures can help prevent complications, by maintaining the TMJ in the correct position, but also by supporting the soft tissues of the face (cheeks and lips). We can also gain a pleasant smile and use them safely for eating and speech.

When do we need a removable denture?

Most of the time we use dentures as a temporary solution until the permanent teeth are ready or in those cases where a fixed solution is not possible. Prostheses are easy to make, but they require a significant effort from the patient when getting used to it.

How is it made?

After tooth extractions and soft tissue healing, we will register all measurements of the face proportions, record the intermaxillary relationship and take the impressions of the arches. Sometimes the prosthesis can be placed on the same day as the extractions, but after the healing period a reline will be necessary. Together with the patient, we will choose a colour for the new teeth.

Our dental technicians will prepare the plaster models that will imitate the arches. Based on them and the information they get from our office, the team will make a wax model of the prosthesis. With its help we can check all the details in the oral cavity: adaptation, speech, bite, smile appearance, retention on the arches etc. When everything is established, the technician will make the prosthesis from a special material based on acrylic resins.

New dentures can be uncomfortable for a few weeks, or until the patient gets used to them and the cheek and tongue muscles learn to hold them in place. During this time, minor irritation or pain may occur. Saliva flow may even increase slightly during the adjustment period, but as the patient gets used to wearing dentures, all of these problems should disappear. In any case, we will for sure make some appointments for any needed adjustments.

How do we care for removable dentures and how is oral hygiene maintained?

Good oral hygiene practices are required even if you wear full dentures. To ensure the longevity of your prosthesis, reduce the risk of oral irritation and to prevent bad breath, you should:

• Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft brush before inserting your dentures and in the evening after removing them. This will also stimulate blood circulation and keep the gums healthy. Try using non-abrasive mild liquid soaps or gum paste.
• Like natural teeth, dentures will retain food particles and plaque, therefore they should be brushed regularly. However, they should not be cleaned with toothpaste, but with a non-abrasive detergent (for example with a liquid dishwasher detergent or a denture paste) and a simple brush, so as not to scratch its surfaces.
• When not wearing the dentures, put them in a safe place, covered with clean water to prevent them from deforming. You will need to keep them in this container overnight, as it is not allowed to sleep with removable dentures. During this time, the gums and bone will take a break from the pressure exerted by the prosthesis during the day and will allow it to recover and heal, thus slowing down the bone shrinkage process. The only situation in which it is recommended to wear a prosthesis overnight is right after the extraction of the teeth (for the first following days), when the dentures are placed immediately in the mouth, in order to shape the extraction site accordingly.

Remember that the bone is constantly changing its shape and size, so make sure you wear your prosthesis every day, otherwise, after a longer period without it, it may not fit back into its place.

Sometimes denture wearers can use special adhesives that hold the dentures on the arches. These must be used only under our indications and following the manufacturer’s instructions.

It is our recommendation to schedule regular check-ups. The prosthesis must be relined, cleaned and / or repaired in the dental laboratory at least once a year to ensure it will always fit properly.

If you already have dentures and they are loose and cannot be repaired, if you cannot adapt to wearing them or simply wish to have a firmer and more stable prosthesis, ask our clinicians whether you might benefit from implant retained overdentures or implant supported fixed prosthesis.