A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing. Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.
Steps For making new Dentures
- The condition of your mouth, ridges and facial contours will be assessed
- Impressions of the jaws will be taken using an elastic material
- The alignment between the upper and lower jaws will be recorded.
- The colour , shape and size of teeth will be decided in consultation with you
- This information and all relevant records will be sent to the dental technician
- A wax model of the final denture will be “tried in” the mouth to make sure that it looks right, and will function properly. This is the “try-in” stage.
- With the temporary wax denture in your mouth the dentist will discuss and make any improvements that are needed.
- After final corrections the wax denture is returned to the technician for processing.
Benefits of having well-constructed dentures
- Dentures make it possible to eat comfortably and well. This is a prerequisite for a balanced diet.
- They will improve your appearance and will help to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming around the mouth, and the cheeks from falling in.
- They will allow you to speak normally.
- Dentures will help to maintain the correct alignment between the upper and lower jaws, and prevent jaw joint problems.