Dentures
Dentures are an intra-oral appliance that replaces one or multiple missing teeth.
Dentures have a long history of treating missing teeth. Full dentures may be removable or fixed in place using implants for added stability.
A denture is an oral appliance used to replace multiple missing teeth. Dentures may be removable or fixed. They consist of a pink acrylic base that holds porcelain or resin teeth. A full denture is designed for a fully edentulous arch. A traditional full upper denture is held in place by the suction created by the soft palette in the back of the mouth. Traditional lower dentures are held in place by gravity and fitting just right over contour of the gums and jaw bone.
More recently, dentures are held in place by implants. Implant retained dentures add more stability and comfort during chewing. They are an ideal solution to replace an entire arch of teeth or full smile reconstruction. Whether the denture is traditional or implant retained dentures are designed to mimic natural teeth.
A denture may be a solution for multiple missing teeth in an arch. Full dentures are required when an entire arch is missing. Partial dentures may be prescribed when some healthy teeth remain, but others are missing or have a helpless prognosis. Dentures can also be a temporary/interim prosthetic while implants are being placed and integrating.
Replacing multiple teeth is not just a cosmetic solution. Proper function of the jaw must also be preserved to enable a denture to be comfortable and functional. For this reason, dentures require several appointments – typically at least five. In the case of an implant retained denture, the implant placement may add to the time it takes to fully replace the missing teeth. Prior to deciding on a denture, the team at Brooklyn Dental Studio will review the process and all appointments required. The initial step will be take an impression of both arches to create a model on which a “mock-up” of the denture can be created.
Modern technology has made fabricating a denture easier and more efficient. Dentures that were previously made by hand by a laboratory technician can now be created digitally and printed or milled from strong acrylics and resins. Even with the technical advances, denture fabrication requires precision and careful planning.
When one is missing multiple teeth, malnutrition is a concern. Not being able to eat vegetables and fruits that are frequently difficult to chew or bite may lead to deficiencies in certain nutrients. Also people with missing teeth may not be able to enjoy other foods or feel comfortable smiling.
In addition to malnutrition, the jaw bone may become less dense and decrease over time. The forces placed on the bone by teeth help to maintain the bone. However, without those forces the bone begins to deteriorate. Creating a denture, whether implant retained or removable, becomes significantly more difficult with bone loss.
Dr. Wolfe and Olga are amazing. I was looking for a local dentist for my elder father to get some help with his dentures and the whole team has just been amazing and treated him with loving kindness and expert care.
Virginia D.